Organized crime

The end of an unfinished war

The war in Afghanistan came to a formal end on Dec. 28, 2014, with a flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul. The symbolic act, which was held under heavy security measures due to threats of an attack, marked the conclusion of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom and the start of Operation Resolute Support.

Tattoos embody Afghan social revolution, but critics push back

Exposure to Western culture since 2001 has transformed Afghanistan's previously isolated society, and a love of tattoos has taken hold - despite inking parlours being illegal.

Under the Taliban's tough 1996-2001 regime, personal fashion statements were outlawed and police squads patrolled the streets looking for men who had beards that were too short or hair that was too long.

Pakistan to end death penalty moratorium in terror cases: PM's office

Pakistan is to end its moratorium on the death penalty in terror-related cases, the prime minister's office announced Dec. 17, a day after Taliban militants killed 141 people in an attack on a school.
     
The assault on the army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar, the deadliest terror attack in Pakistan's history, has triggered widespread revulsion.
      

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