Political stability, a young well educated population and the rise of Asia as an economic dynamo have created a boom in one of the largest Muslim countries in the world, which also sits on the fault line between two continents.

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This seeks to win over the population by assuring their security, creating the conditions for stability and isolating militants.

ECONOMIST: Afghanistan

The most important measures are maintaining social stability, achieving economic growth and, in many areas, enforcing population controls.

ECONOMIST: Suppressing dissent

With its large population of Pakistani origin, it has much at stake in helping to maintain the stability of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

ECONOMIST: The war in Afghanistan