The death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a U.S. operation in Pakistan marks a triumph for the United States, although the lasting impact on the U.S.-led "war on terror" is uncertain.

Violent protests in Afghanistan against a Florida pastor's Quran burning add another challenge to international security efforts and expose the difficulties in ending this ten-year war.

Afghan security forces will start taking over some areas from NATO in July, but questions persist about the competence of those forces. Analysts say an effective transition requires emphasis on political reforms and anti-corruption measures.

A spate of high-profile scams has weakened India's government and raised concerns among foreign investors. Businesses and civil society say the country needs more effective anti-corruption laws.

U.S.-Pakistan tensions over a U.S. Embassy employee accused of murder point to the challenges of balancing a long-term partnership with short-term priorities. Analysts say Washington should focus on opening trade and other strategies that help Pakistanis.

High food prices, lack of jobs, and widespread corruption are as rampant in Pakistan as they are in Egypt. Analysts warn against a return to military rule in search of stability and recommend greater economic reforms.

The Pakistani government's loss of its parliamentary majority has raised new concerns among some analysts of instability for a country crucial to U.S. efforts to combat Taliban and al-Qaeda militants.

The latest review of the Afghan strategy puts U.S. troop drawdown on track for July, but experts say President Obama has to balance assuring partners in the region of U.S. commitment to the war with increasing calls for withdrawal from some Democrats.

Richard Holbrooke was an important figure in civilian efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and Pakistan. His death could leave a diplomatic void as the Obama administration seeks to reassert its counterinsurgency strategy, reports say.

The recent WikiLeaks disclosures have further shaken U.S.-Pakistan relations. Experts say Pakistan's security establishment must break ties with all militant groups for this partnership to be sustainable in the long term.

On his state visit to India, President Obama won export deals to generate U.S. jobs and supported India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, but analysts noted challenges ahead for the strategic partnership.

The latest U.S.-Pakistan strategic dialogue ends amid continuing signals of troubled ties. Some experts are calling for a tougher U.S. stand with Pakistan on tackling terrorism.

Although violence in Afghanistan's parliamentary elections this weekend could be a setback for U.S. efforts, some experts see an opportunity for change if the elections lead to serious conversations about corruption and accountability.

Pakistan's devastating floods and Russia's massive heat wave this summer have placed new scrutiny on the role of climate change. Experts worry about the pace of government policy responses.

Pakistan's floods are likely to cause setbacks for the country's development and its fight against militancy. Experts say the international community must intensify aid efforts and continue to support the country's democratic institutions.

Pakistan's latest bout of struggles with rampant floods, violence, and terrorism raise new questions about its governing capacity and stability. Experts say international support for the country is crucial.

International endorsement of a plan to hand security responsibilities to Afghan forces in 2014 indicates NATO's military commitment is not open-ended. But meeting the deadline amid ongoing Afghan governance issues could prove challenging.

In replacing General Stanley McChrystal with General David Petraeus, a well-known counterinsurgency strategist, President Obama is betting that new leadership and old policy will equal victory in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's constitutional reforms will strengthen democracy but fail to improve the civil-military balance or check the military's influence on defense and foreign policy.

The so-called BRIC summit of emerging-market powerhouses raises new questions on whether Brazil, Russia, India, and China can overcome internal differences and pursue common goals.