Asia

Afghanistan’s south eastern province of Khost is well connected with important centers of trade on the other side of the border in Pakistan. At the same time, these advantages are also being used by insurgents and make Khost a primary spot for infiltration. TLO, a partner organization of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, takes a closer look at Khost province and analyzes the effects of the erosion of tribal unity there over the last decades. 

China is the world leader in exports of rare earths, which are mainly used for the production of hi-tech products. The Heinrich Böll Foundation talked with Dr. Zha Daojiong, a professor at the School of International Studies of Peking University, about the important raw materials and the role of China.

Muhammad Idrees Kamal, the Executive Director of Citizen Rights and Sustainable Development Peshawar, about his organization, its issues, and how the advocacy organization did charity collection and relief operations after the flood in Pakistan.

Shagufta Malik (ANP), Member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about her experiences as a woman politician, her impressions of the flood affected areas and the political situation after the flood.

Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, Independent political scientist and writer, Islamabad, about gender struggles in the Pakistani elite, her 2007 book “Military Inc.” and why there will be greater conflict in the Pakistani society. This is an interview with her on the occasion of our conference.

Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad, on Food Insecurity in Pakistan, consequences of the flood and suggestions to politics.

In July, Pakistan was hit by a flood crisis of unexpected dimension. Against this background, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung initiated a dialog with Pakistani and German representatives from politics, academics and the NGO sector on political and economic impacts of the flood and on current needs and challenges.

In the three years since its enforcement, the Thai Computer Crime Act has led to 117 court orders to block access to 74,686 Internet URLs. A situational report supported by our Southeast Asia office concludes, that "no one can deny that the Thai people’s right to freedom of expression and opinion in the online world is in crisis."

The release of Aung San Suu Kyi raises many new questions about the future of Myanmar/Burma. Questions from the student Nay Thar (name changed) from Myanmar/Burma about the future role of Suu Kyi and the democracy movement.

Women and Children Legal Research Foundation, as a potential partner of HBS Afghanistan and a legal and research entity, following its previous press releases, once again express its concerns on the legal situation of women taking into account the researches undertaken recently.

The environment pays a heavy toll amid boom in demand for China's precious metals in the global market. A report from Inner Mongolia.

Heinrich Böll Stiftung supports a joint seminar of Indian and Pakistani experts on "Climate Change and Energy Security: Cooperation between Pakistan and India"

Acknowledging the multiple challenges that Pakistan is facing in this regard, the Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with partners, organized an “International Conference on Climate Change and Development” on 21st - 22nd October 2010 at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. This interdisciplinary conference brought together a wide range of international organizations, academics, civil society and private sector to deliberate on climate change and development issues.

The security situation in Afghanistan and the role of the German army are topics of controversial discussion in the German media. Prior to the election of the parliament Sanjar Sohail, Afghan journalist and chief editor of the daily paper “Hasht-e Sobh” (“8 am”), talked to the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation about working conditions for journalists and the reputation of the German troops in Afghanistan.

Ms Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network and Secretary General of Control Arms Foundation of India has been conferred the Sean MacBride Peace Prize for the year 2010.

Afghan President Karzai established “Peace Council” for negotiations with the Taliban. The names of 68 members of this council were announced, and hold few surprises

Being a journalist is a dangerous job in Afghanistan. In the past nine years we have lost about fifteen journalists in different incidents. Just two days ago one of our famous news anchors was stabbed in Kabul. So it is dangerous because we always have the problem of accessing the information in the war zone. And the Taliban are not helping the journalists, but are always trying to capture and kill them.

Wild garbage dumps are one of the biggest nuisances in Kabul. It just takes one walk through the streets of the capital to experience all kinds of odors. With children and animals also digging in the garbage, the piles also pose a severe health risk for Kabul’s citizens. The newly established garbage bins are a first step to make the city cleaner. Still, getting the entire system up and running will take some time.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and it received the assent of the President on 11th September, 1958. On 8th September 2010 guests and resource persons from different organisations, the armed forces and men and women from all over India working on peace and conflict issues, discussed ideas and visions of peace building and the highly controversial and sensitive topic of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Find out more about the conference on the website of our office in New Delhi (India).

Environmental protection is a hot discussed topic in industrialized countries, especially in Europe, whereas in developing countries such as Afghanistan this issue is not very popular due to poverty, war and the daily struggle to survive.