Claiming that a great deal of uncertainty hangs over the contemporary security/strategic environment in the Middle East is neither a novel statement nor an exaggeration. Although it is commonly acknowledged that the regional politics will have a stronger Islamic flavour in the years ahead, it is not at all clear how various Islamic parties will conduct themselves once in government, and how their political activism will affect extremist groups in the region and beyond.

• January 10, 2012

Downplaying recent irritants in bilateral ties, India Monday sought closer collaboration with China to combat the global economic slowdown and to work jointly on international issues ranging from terrorism to climate change to shape a new world order.

• January 9, 2012

The presidents of South Korea and China agreed Monday to work together to achieve peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, in their first summit since Kim Jong Il's death opened the chance for major changes in North Korea.

• January 9, 2012

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have turned down Pakistan's request to supply oil on long-term credit despite the rhetoric of long-standing and brotherly ties between the countries, according to a media report today.

• January 9, 2012

Japan and Russia likely will reach a broad agreement as early as this month on business plans for a liquefied natural gas plant project in Vladivostok, sources have said.

• January 7, 2012

India may face problems in making payments for crude oil it buys from because of recent moves by the US to curb Tehran's nuclear programme, a top government official said on Friday.

• January 7, 2012

Given carte blanch by America and Europe to deal with Syria, Moscow is pressing Damascus to accept a deal that ends the bloody stalemate and safeguards Russia's interests in the region.

• January 7, 2012

Tajikistan discussed with a number of foreign diplomats the most important events that are scheduled to take place in the country in 2012, Asia-Plus reported with the reference to Tajik MFA information department.

• January 6, 2012