No Shortcuts in Kashmir (December 21, 2006)
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf proposed a “four point solution” to resolve the Kashmir dispute that includes Indian troop withdrawal, self-governance for Kashmiris, joint supervision by the three sides, and maintaining current borders in exchange for giving up claim to Kashmir.<More>

Maoists Protest Envoy Nominations (December 21, 2006)
After reaching a landmark deal with the political parties that would essentially nullify any powers to King Gnanendra, albeit temporarily, Nepali Maoist guerrillas called for a nationwide strike to protest against the government’s nomination of new ambassadors to 13 foreign capitals.<More>

New King in Bhutan (December 21, 2006)
Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuck stepped aside and made his son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck the new ruler of the secluded mountainous nation inspiring hope that the new King will transform the nation into a parliamentary democracy.<More>

Retrograde Forest Bill Passed (December 21, 2006)
Dismissing concerns by environmentalists and conservation experts, the government passed the politically convenient Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2006 that essentially hands over forests to forest dwellers.<More>

Sustainable 9% GDP Growth (December 21, 2006)
Led by strong manufacturing growth, the economy grew at a robust 9.1% in the first half of fiscal year with exports clocking 34.9% prompting the government to claim that the growth pattern “reflected the ability of Indian manufacturers to meet international standards.”<More>

Little Progress in US-NK in Direct Talks (December 21, 2006)
The United States and North Korea (NK) made no progress in their first direct meeting after a long time on the sidelines of the six-nation nuclear arms talks in Beijing to discuss US financial restrictions on Pyongyang, a key stumbling block in the arms negotiations.<More>