South Asian Militancy

Moscow is hoping it can find success where Washington has failed though the first multinational peace talks on the war in Afghanistan to feature a delegation from the Taliban.

Ethnic competition, a divided government and war with the Taliban are likely to hinder the South Asian nation's upcoming elections.

Moscow's and Beijing's growing involvement in Afghanistan will challenge Washington's influence and enable Pakistan to deflect U.S. pressure to abandon its support for the Taliban.

Tajikistan and Russia deny conducting airstrikes inside Afghanistan that would mark an atypical escalation in the region.

The question of who the government holds responsible for a deadly assault on a group of foreign cyclists could set a tone that may affect long-term security in the Central Asian country.

No matter which candidates come out on top this week, the politically powerful army will still get what it wants as far as foreign and defense policies are concerned.

As he aims to establish a political platform focused on security, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking a more forceful approach to managing the tumultuous territory.

Neither the Afghan government nor the Taliban -- each unpopular in their own way -- have been able to expand their support beyond their centers of power. And military force alone isn't likely to break the deadlock.

The government is taking steps to incorporate the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, which is a rear base for some of Afghanistan's most violent militants.

Though a seemingly monolithic organization to outsiders, the Taliban actually comprise several competing factions -- a factor that makes the chances of securing peace in Afghanistan a whole lot harder.