The Taliban have positioned themselves less than 100km from the Pakistani capital. One of our Observers in the country tells us that she doesn't see the militant group taking power. She explains however that the US, which has today expressed alarm over the advancing Taliban, is partly responsible for the mounting success of Islamic extremism in the country. Read more...

Pakistan and the US came to blows on Thursday after ground forces from the two countries exchanged fire over the border with Afghanistan. One of our Observers in Pakistan says the army was right to defend the country and is ready to fight, while another says the incident was no more than a "lovers' quarrel". Read more...