Humanitarian Issues

Women in Afghanistan
The plight of women in Afghanistan has been given a great deal of attention in the international media recently, with particular focus on harsh restrictions under Taliban rule. While the appointment of two women in the interim government represents an improvement, many Afghan women still lack access to healthcare and education. Keep track of new developments with this special report.

The Drug Trade in Central Asia
The "Golden Crescent" (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran) and the former Soviet republics of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, play a central role in the global heroin trade. Access commentary, news stories, online reports, and multimedia, along with international resources and conferences and papers, in this special report.

Afghanistan's Reform Agenda: Four Perspectives
This timely Asian Update from the Asia Society discusses a rebuilding process in Afghanistan that would engage the international community as well as local actors and stake-holders in the country.

Afghanistan: The Humanitarian Crisis
The war in Afghanistan has brought international attention to the large-scale humanitarian crisis in the country, with relief organizations estimating that at least five million Afghans will rely on aid in order to survive the harsh winter. Keep track of the Afghan relief effort with this special report.

Afghanistan's Economic Challenges
With an interim government in place, rebuilding Afghanistan's economy poses huge challenges for a country ravaged by war and drought. Access commentary, news sources, multimedia, and resources examining the issues and developments.

Economic Repercussions in Asia
The economic effects of the September 11th terrorist attack are beginning to register throughout Asia. With Wall Street's reopening Monday, investors fear that the US economy could plunge into a recession with stock prices falling and companies announcing more layoffs in the wake of the devastation. Now, fears of a global recession are taking shape. With Asia's markets so closely tied to the global trading system, the recent turbulence in financial markets is cause for concern. Keep abreast of the developments by accessing the latest news developments, links, and commentary in this special report.