It came as no surprise to anyone when President Musharraf, on the eve of the new year, declared that he was not doffing his military uniform. In his 50-minute harangue on PTV, the General told us how indispensable he was and how his stepping down from the post of army chief would be dangerous for the country.............detail

The long wait to see the other side of the Line of Control (LOC) is finally over. The history of Kashmir is ridden with stereotypes on both sides of the divide. If in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, the theory that "India does not even allow Kashmiris to offer namaz in the mosques" is a driving force for many youth to become jihadis,.........detail

Halfway between the western Afghan city of Herat and the Iranian border, in the dusty village of Ghoryan, the Afghan media is going through a reincarnation. Returning after two decades of exile in neighbouring Iran, Jamshid Nekjoo Azizi and his photographer friend, Hafizullah Haqdost, ........detail

If the quality of life can best be measured by the quantity of hope it generates, there is no shortage of reasons for doubting that 2005 will find humanity at large substantially better placed than during the year just past. And 2004 was in many ways a less hopeful period of time than the preceding year.........detail

Costumes and embroidery traditions from bygone eras and diverse cultures continue to inspire Nilofer Shahid. Ankle-length Syrian robes, Mughal tassle-tied sherwanis and Moroccan capes are teamed with contemporary culottes, tapered pants or crushed silk skirts. Though the look is opulent with rich renaissance colours and intricate embroidery, the mood is oriental bohemian.......detail

           A: The talks have generated optimism among the people of India and Pakistan for the first time in 15 years. And the failure of these talks will be the biggest psychological setback for them..............detail