COUNTRY REVIEW

South Asia

Afghanistan

• 8 CIA personnel killed in a suicide attack in Khost; Parliament rejects 70% of nominations for the new cabinet under Karzai ; Election Commission: Afghanistan parliamentary elections to be held on May 22, 2010; Afghanistan is deadlier than Iraq for US troops, says report; 25 security guards killed by Taliban in Musa Qala

Pakistan

• At least 90 people killed in a suicide bomb attack during a volleyball match in Lakki Marwat; Karachi engulfed in riots in the aftermath of Ashura attack; TTP claims responsibility for the Muharram attack; President Zardari pledges to defend democracy; President Obama reiterates the security threat to US from militants in Pakistan; ‘Aman ki Asha’ project to promote peace between India and Pakistan

East Asia

China

• Pakistani Delegation visits China; Special Operation members display their skills in the Gulf of Aden; “Cobra” system introduced; Shenyang Military Area Command carries out training in extreme weather conditions; New Compilation of military laws and regulation ready to be distributed amongst troops

Japan

• House of Councillors elections in 2010 would be crucial for Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama ; Japan and the United States to develop the F-35 next- generation stealth fighter; Japan and Russia establish a vice-ministerial subcommittee on trade and investment

West Asia

Iran

• 8 people killed in fresh violence; Pro-government rallies across country; Mousavi: My blood is no redder than theirs

Iraq

• Bomb blasts in central and western parts of the country; Provincial Governor injured in Anbar