Proposed law to protect Afghan women faces fierce backlash

An Afghan woman waits to try on a burqa at a shop in Kabul. (AP file)

Ahead of 2014 pullout by NATO forces, women’s rights activists fear a reversal of key gains.

North Korea sends signals it may be willing to rejoin disarmament talks

North Korea sends signals it may be willing to rejoin disarmament talks

Chinese media report that a special envoy relayed the North’s willingness to resume negotiations.

12 killed in blast at Afghan mosque

12 killed in blast at Afghan mosque

Officials say Taliban insurgents placed explosives in a corner of the mosque before joining worshipers.

After years of economic decline, a new boom in Japan

After years of economic decline, a new boom in Japan

Under “Abenomics,” the prime minister’s radical economic policy plan, Japan sees signs of a revival.

Bombs, gunfire rock Afghan capital

Bombs, gunfire rock Afghan capital

Afghan police and insurgents wage a gun battle in a Kabul district that includes key government buildings.

Indian cricket tournament under threat amid latest scandal

Indian cricket tournament under threat amid latest scandal

FT.com | A zealous police probe leaves future of India’s Premier League up in the air.

Photos from around the region

Pakistan’s Mr. Popular

Imran Khan hopes to replicate his success on the cricket pitch in the field of Pakistani politics.

China’s newly rich flaunt their money

China newly rich are spending their money on lavish goods.

Explosions shake Mumbai

Three blasts ripped through India’s financial hub, killing at least 17.

Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand’s new PM

The sister of the exiled prime minister won his old office.

India election sees change

After 34 years, world’s longest-serving democratically elected communist party loses power.

The art of Ai Weiwei

A collection of popular works of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who was arrested by the Chinese police.

Images from the Afghan war: Week of March 16, 2011

Continued photo coverage from the front lines.

Global nuclear debate heats up

Governments around the world are questioning the use of nuclear power.

Satellite photos of Japan

Aerial photos reveal the scale of the devastation.

Powerful quake, aftershocks rattle Tokyo

A massive earthquake and tsunami struck the eastern coast of Japan.

Women’s rights in Afghanistan

Advocates worry that programs aiding women are being rolled back.

Bhatti assassinated in Islamabad

Pakistan’s federal minorities minister gunned down.

Quake in New Zealand kills scores

The search for survivors continues after 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch.

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