The NYT did some investigating into the relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan's security agencies, and finds there is anecdotal evidence to support the notion that those agencies "are encouraging the insurgents, if not sponsoring them."

One promise that President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson, elected last year, made was to combat the problem of rape in Liberia -- something that steadily worsened during 14 years of conflict.

BBC reporter Will Ross assesses progress.