America's Crisis: Asian Perspectives is a multidisciplinary series of policy, business, cultural, and education programs at the Asia Society that explore recent world events from a variety of perspectives.

On September 11, 2001, the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York were destroyed and the Pentagon in Washington, DC, partially damaged by suicide attackers aboard civilian aircraft. More than 3,000 people are estimated to have died as a result of the attacks.

American investigations immediately following the attacks led to Saudi dissident, Osama bin Laden, being identified as the mastermind behind this operation.

On October 7, the United States began air strikes against Afghanistan aimed at ousting the Taliban (who had long sheltered Mr bin Laden) , thereby creating the conditions for his capture, and the eventual dissolution of the Al-Qaida network.

The Taliban have since been overthrown and an interim government under Hamid Karzai has been established in Kabul. Mr bin Laden remains elusive.

The American military operation is continuing in Afghanistan and the search for Taliban and Al-Qaida members has been extended into Pakistan, where a number of them have apparently sought refuge.

This Special Report provides some background to the important issues, regions and players involved in this crisis.