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'Heart attack' halts Glitter trip
Former pop star Gary Glitter's return to the UK is delayed as he said he was having a heart attack at Bangkok airport.
China Games 'a broadcast record'
The Beijing Games looks set to become the most widely broadcast event in Olympic history, according to the IOC
Elderly Chinese 'face labour camp'
Two Chinese women in their 70s, who tried to hold a public protest, could face a year in a labour camp, a relative says.
Pirates 'seize Malaysian ship'
Pirates have hijacked a Malaysian tanker with more than 20 crew on board in the Gulf of Aden, says a maritime watchdog.
Olympic thirst boosts China beer
Chinese brewer Tsingtao sees half-year profits up 42% from publicity gained by sponsoring the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Fiji leader slammed for boycott
Australia and New Zealand criticise the absence of Fiji's self-appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at a regional summit.
China jumps Olympics air hurdle
Despite fears in the run-up to the Olympic Games, the skies above Beijing have met clean-air standards, officials say.
Thais demand ex-PM's extradition
Thai protesters march to the British embassy in Bangkok to demand the extradition of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
Troops deploy in Philippine south
Extra troops deploy in the southern Philippines, a day after separatist rebel raids left about 30 people dead.
Wild dolphin 'is teaching others to tail-walk'
In what is thought to be a world first, a wild dolphin is apparently teaching others to tail-walk.
Nick Bryant's blog
Does GB's success have an Australian flavour?
Mass graves
Uncovering proof of South Korea's war-time executions
Hong Kong tycoon
Richard Li steps out of his father's shadow
Dry hunger
Why lack of water will make it hard to feed ourselves
Race heartbreak
Chinese fans distraught over exit of star Liu Xiang
New faces for Indonesia's parties
Political parties in Indonesia put forward a host of new faces for parliamentary polls next year.
Maths skill explored in Australia study
Humans have an innate ability to do maths even if they do not have the language to express it, research suggests.Australia study shines light on maths
Philippine rebels in new attacks
Separatist rebels battle troops in a number of southern Philippine towns, amid unrest over an autonomy deal.
China 'yet to approve protests'
China has received 77 applications to protest during the Olympics - but none have been approved, officials say.
Thai-Cambodia talks on temple row
Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers are to discuss the Preah Vihear dispute, a day after troops withdrew from the site.
Growth fears dent China shares
China's main share index falls by 5.3% to a 20-month closing low on fears that slowing growth will dent corporate profits.
Apple admits iPod Nano 'overheat'
Apple says that a battery fault meant that a small number of its first generation iPod Nanos could overheat.
China shares up from 20-month low
China's main share index rebounds from a 20-month low on talk that Beijing will introduce an economic rescue plan.
Eyewitness: Anger in Ulan Bator
An eyewitness describes the violent protests in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator after elections.
Flooding in Southern China
In pictures
China views on an unblocked BBC
People in China have been sending in their views of the BBC news website being unblocked.
Protesting in Beijing
Beijing's protest parks remain empty, amid arrests
Prized eggs
Why humans are a threat to Malaysia's rare hawksbill turtle
Olympic dream
Why the Games are so important to the Chinese people
Olympic spenders
Beijing invests huge sums - but with little debate
BBC News | Asia-Pacific | World Edition
Visit BBC News for up-to-the-minute news, breaking news, video, audio and feature stories. BBC News provides trusted World and UK news as well as local and regional perspectives. Also entertainment, business, science, technology and health news.
Security Council lauds Timor-Leste's response to assassination attempts
The Security Council today commended Timor-Leste's Government and public institutions for their quick and effective response in the wake of the February attempts on the lives of the leaders of the tiny nation that the United Nations helped shepherd to independence in 2002.
Ban to set up new climate change centre to support Pacific island countries
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced today that the United Nations and Samoa plan to establish an Inter-Agency Climate Change Centre to help coordinate support to Pacific Island countries to combat the impact of global warming in their region.
Pakistan: UN upgrades hospital for Afghan refugees
A hospital in an area in south-west Pakistan where many Afghans have taken shelter has received a facelift thanks to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and its partner, the American Refugee Committee (ARC).
Donors urged to fund UN appeal to aid Afghans hit by food crisis, drought
The top United Nations envoy to Afghanistan has called for the urgent funding of the $404 million food aid appeal launched last month to assist 4.5 million people who are struggling due to high food prices, poor harvests and drought, stressing the need to act quickly given that the onset of winter is just a few months away.
Top UN official deplores murder of Filipino broadcaster
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending freedom of expression and press freedom has condemned the murder of a radio broadcaster who was shot dead on his way home in Roxas City, in the Philippines.
UN envoy begins five-day visit to Myanmar
The top United Nations envoy to Myanmar kicked off his five-dray trip to the Asian nation today by meeting with Foreign Minister U Nyan Win.
On China visit, UN official assesses post-quake reconstruction efforts
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with promoting adequate shelter for all has pledged support for recovery and reconstruction efforts in China's Sichuan province, which is rebuilding after a devastating earthquake, during a three-day visit to the area.
Ban welcomes new UN centre pushing for disarmament in Asia-Pacific
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the launch of a new United Nations facility promoting disarmament and non-proliferation in the Asia-Pacific region.
UN expert calls for end to impunity for attacks on educators after Afghan ambush
The perpetrators of this week's brutal murder of four aid workers supporting education projects in Afghanistan must not go unpunished, an independent United Nations human rights expert said today.
In China, UN officials hail sport's contribution to development
Sport is increasingly recognized as an important tool in helping countries achieve their development goals, the United Nations envoy for sport said today in Beijing, where athletes from around the world are currently competing in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
UN News Centre - Asia Pacific
A world of news from the world organization.
Taliban ambush kills 10 French soldiers
Nicolas Sarkozy was on his way to Afghanistan after Taliban fighters killed 10 French soldiers in fighting near Kabul, part of the heaviest death toll Nato forces have suffered in battle since the 2001 US-led invasion
Pakistan's 'rogue' spy agency attacked
A US state department official said the new government in Islamabad had failed to prevent the country's intelligence agency from aiding terrorist attacks and supporting the Taliban
Pakistan to review anti-terror policy
As a suicide bomber killed 25 in north-west Pakistan, officials said they were looking at ways to adapt anti-terror policies to discourage people from turning to militancy by giving them greater social and economic support
Blast kills 25 in north-west Pakistan
A suspected suicide bomber killed 25 people in northwest Pakistan, where violence poses a major test for the coalition government led by the party of slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, especially after the resignation of former army chief Pervez Musharraf as president
Japan holds rates amid gloom
The Bank of Japan has cut its assessment of the economy for a second month running in a sign that a global slump sparked by the US credit crisis may be spreading too quickly for the country to avert recession
Jakarta hires banks for global sukuk issue
Indonesia appointed three banks to handle its global Islamic bond programme in a boost to the sukuk market
Olympics summary day eleven
Jan Frodeno of Germany wins men's triathlon in a sprint to the finish while Christine Ohuruogu becomes Great Britain's first woman to win the 400m
Foreign fields: Rich states look beyond their borders for fertile soil
Food importers led by Saudi Arabia are trying to acquire land in poorer countries, striking bilateral deals that would ensure exports even in a crisis
Seoul to simplify rules on flotations
South Korea said it would revise rules governing initial public offerings in the lastest move by Seoul to boost stock market activity
Musharraf departure heightens uncertainty
Pakistan's embattled leader, under pressure to quit or be impeached, announces his resignation – leaving questions over who will control the nuclear-armed state
US pays tribute to its rose-tinted ally
George W. Bush often lauded Pervez Musharraf, but eventually the Pakistani leader's star fell, even with Washington, after a new democratically elected government came to power in Islamabad
Idealist who failed to live up to billing
Pakistan's military ruler became close to the west but stirred resentment at home. His last year in office was a far cry from the instant popularity he gained in 1999 when he led a coup against then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif
'Taliban threat' to Afghan drug trade
Opium traffickers are dumping their stocks on rumours that the Islamist insurgents are preparing to crack down on the smuggling, according to United Nations drug control officials
Fiji's military leader boycotts Pacific talks
Fiji's self-appointed prime minister has warned that his country's return to democracy would be further delayed as he announced he would boycott a meeting of Pacific island leaders where he was expected to face tough questioning
Ex-IMF economist says worst is yet to come
The former IMF chief economist Kenneth Rogoff predicts a large US bank will fail in the next few months as the world's biggest economy hits further troubles
FT.com - World, Asia Pacific
FT.com - World, Asia Pacific
Goodbye Musharraf, hello Taliban
As if to reinforce an influential think-tank's latest warning that efforts to contain the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan are failing, 10 French soldiers have been killed and a US base brazenly attacked. The roots of the problem can be traced to Pakistan, where, during the watch of pro-West Pervez Musharraf, militants gained a solid foothold. With the former president gone, and the government in Islamabad virtually paralyzed, the militants can only get stronger. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Aug 20, '08)
Bush buried Musharraf's al-Qaeda links
Former president of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf's cozy relationship with the US earned him lavish political and economic benefits. But behind the public support, the George W Bush administration covered up the Musharraf regime's involvement in the Abdul Qadeer Khan nuclear export scandal and its deals with al-Qaeda.- Gareth Porter (Aug 20, '08)
US falters on NATO's failure
United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's bluster over stopping Russia in its tracks rings hollow. Russia has drawn a line in the sand and short of destabilizing Europe, there is practically nothing the US can do about it, especially given the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's pussy-footing. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Aug 20, '08)
Kosovo comes back to bite the US
The question of "Who shot whom first?" has been called "irrelevant" by a US official as Washington scrambles to pin blame on Russia for the Georgian conflict. But the US should have known its past support for Kosovo would be cited as an international precedent. (Aug 20, '08)
Repression before reform in Malaysia
In Malaysia, an influential Catholic newsletter faces closure, an inter-ethnic forum on religious freedom has been forcibly disrupted and a popular book on Islam banned. The growing repression has only intensified an opposition movement bidding to topple the government by next month. (Aug 20, '08)
SPEAKING FREELY : A new take on 'democratizing' China
A conference of international pro-democracy activists has called for a new strategy to promote democracy in China. An integrated approach, based on democracy assistance agencies located within the region, may be the way to go. - James Gomez (Aug 20, '08)
Hostage Europe blind to Iran energy
The unfolding events in Georgia underline Europe's self-inflicted dependence on Russia for energy supplies. A reduced willingness to blindly follow US policy on Iran would help it break free from Moscow's grip. - Hossein Askari
Philippines hungry for rice investment
High rice prices mean tough times for the Philippines' fast-growing population and a quandary for the government as import bills mount for the essential foodstuff. More investment in irrigation and research would help ease the country's plight.
Singapore hangs out jobs-vacant sign
Singapore is seeking more immigrants - notably white-collar, well-paid staffers - to help the city modernize its economy. Some locals feel they are getting the worst of the deal. - Megawati Wijaya
THE MOGAMBO GURU : The profit potential of pork products
Inflation is a real screw-job because you have to buy twice as much at a cost that is three times as much merely to eat as much as you used to. Ask the pork-loving Chinese. It's a dance of death, and we are doomed!!
Asia Times Online
News and business analysis from Asia
Taliban Escalate Fighting With Assault on U.S. Base
Insurgents have taken advantage of a wavering NATO commitment, a flailing Afghan government and disarray in Pakistan.
Pakistani Parties Clash Over Reinstating Judge
A day after President Pervez Musharraf resigned from office, the strains between the ruling coalition parties became apparent in a dispute over fired judges.
5 Americans Are Arrested for Protest in Beijing
Chinese authorities arrested five Americans on Tuesday after they spelled out “Free Tibet” with blue L.E.D. lights near the National Stadium.
Iraq Poised to Revive Oil Contract With China
The 11-year-old contract with China, worth $1.2 billion, is Iraq’s largest oil deal since the invasion in 2003, an Oil Ministry official said.
In Grand Olympic Show, Some Sleight of Voice
At the Olympic opening ceremony, 9 year-old Lin Miaoke’s voice was perfect. Too perfect.
China’s Leaders Try to Impress and Reassure World
The Olympic opening ceremonies gave the Communist Party an unfiltered chance to reach a global audience.
Architecture: In Changing Face of Beijing, a Look at the New China
The aura of China’s new architecture has as much to do with intellectual ferment as economic clout.
A Boy Jockey’s Last Ride in Mongolia
Munkherdene, 13, is among a growing number of urban, affluent Mongolians trying to rediscover their nomadic roots by hitting the summer horse-racing circuit.
Leadership Void Seen in Pakistan
Confusion over the lack of leadership is allowing militants to consolidate their sanctuaries along the border area of the country.
Inside Gate, India’s Good Life; Outside, the Servants’ Slums
Many members of India’s upper middle class have moved to gated communities, with servants who live in nearby slums.
China Won’t Lend Artworks to Asia Society Exhibition
The Chinese Ministry of Culture had originally agreed to allow the society to borrow works for “Art and China’s Revolution,” promoted as among the first shows devoted to that era.
World Briefing | Asia: Kashmir: Muslims Call for Break From Protests
After weeks of separatist protests in Indian-administered Kashmir that virtually closed the region, Muslim leaders called for three days of calm.
World Business Briefing | Asia: China: Olympics Help Tsingtao Sales
Tsingtao Brewery, China’s largest beer company by sales, said first-half profit rose 32 percent after publicity from sponsoring the Beijing Olympics increased demand.
Would-Be Protesters Detained in China
Ten days into the Games, the government has yet to permit a single demonstration in the three official protest zones and at least four would-be protesters are in custody.
Quake Victims in China Rally From Painful Losses
Far from Beijing and its gathering of Olympic athletes, victims of the earthquake that devastated Sichuan Province learn to use prosthetic limbs at a medical center.
After Years on a Tightrope, Musharraf Disappoints the U.S. and His Own Nation
For every decision that Pervez Musharraf calculated would help the U.S., there were many that did not, leaving Washington to wonder which side he was really on.
Olympic Star Is Sidelined. Will His Ads Be, as Well?
When China’s star hurdler, Liu Xiang, limped off the field late Monday morning, it dealt a blow to the marketing plans of some marquee brands.
Coach Brought to Tears by Hurdler’s Injury
No coach has faced greater pressure entering the 2008 Olympics than Sun Haiping, just as no Chinese athlete has endured higher expectations than star hurdler Liu Xiang.
Islamist Rebels Kill 28 in Philippines, Officials Say
Separatists attacked several towns and villages in the troubled southern region of Mindanao on Monday, killing at least 28 people, officials said.
Blast Kills 12 at U.S. Base on a Holiday for Afghans
The attack came early on Afghanistan’s Independence Day, commemorating liberty from the British Empire in 1919.
World Briefing | Asia: Japan: Protesters Accused
Japan said that it was seeking to arrest three campaigners against whaling from the Sea Shepherd Conversation Society.
World Briefing | Asia: Kashmir: U.N. Help Sought
Thousands of Muslims marched to the United Nations office in Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir, to request intervention on behalf of Muslims in the region.
Death Toll Mounting as Rivers Overflow Across Southeast Asia
At least 130 people have been killed in Vietnam and flooding has also hit Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, which is still recovering from a major cyclone.
More than Halfway Through the Games, a Rarity for Beijing: A Breath of Fresh Air
The weekend brought two of the clearest summer days in recent memory in Beijing, a city where air quality often ranks among the worst in the world.
British Kill 4 Civilians in Afghanistan
British troops accidentally killed four civilians and wounded three others during an operation in southern Afghanistan, NATO and British officials said.
Recalling the Spark That Led to the Flame
Li Ning and Chen Yong Yan are China’s sporting royalty and they trace their roots to 1984, when Li won six Olympic medals.
Police in India Arrest 9 Men Suspected in Bombings
One man was reportedly linked to a banned Islamic group and the eight other men were linked to a banned Islamic group.
The World: The Games Began. Hearts Swelled.
Living and working in China during the Games reveals how complicated Chinese patriotism is.
Nepal Elects a Maoist to Be the Prime Minister
A Maoist leader’s victory opens the way to the establishment of a democratic government in Nepal.
Musharraf Vows to Fight Impeachment Charges
President Pervez Musharraf fought back Friday against politicians who predicted he would leave office before he could be impeached.
World Briefing | Asia: Thailand: Sentencing in Pedophile Case
A Thai court on Friday sentenced a teacher from British Columbia to three years and three months in jail after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy.
World Briefing | Asia: Taiwan: Former President Quits Party
Former President Chen Shui-bian resigned Friday from the Democratic Progressive Party, the party he has long dominated.
World Briefing | Asia: India: Muslims Back on Kashmir Streets
Tens of thousands of Muslims took to the streets again in India’s part of Kashmir, ignoring a plea by the country’s prime minister for an end to weeks of violence.
Musharraf Set to Resign in Days, Officials Assert
President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan is expected to quit rather than face impeachment, Pakistani politicians said.
As Its Work Force Ages, Japan Needs and Fears Chinese Labor
With one of the world’s most rapidly aging populations and lowest birthrates, Japan is facing acute labor shortages.
Behind Pomp of Beijing Games, a Dancer’s Tragedy
A young dancer was seriously injured during a rehearsal for the opening ceremony and is now facing the prospect of being paralyzed.
Memo From Mumbai: Exploring India’s Prosperity Through the Eyes of the Invisible Men
India may be changing at a disorienting pace, but one thing remains stubbornly the same: a tendency to treat the hired help like chattel.
China Loves Its Soccer. Its Team? Don’t Ask.
The kick in the groin during the China-Belgium men’s soccer match was the low point of the Olympic Games for hundreds of millions of Chinese sports fans.
World Briefing | Asia: China: Quake Cost Huge
Reconstruction of areas damaged by the May 12 earthquake in southwestern China will cost $147 billion, according to a report in China Daily.
World Briefing | Asia: Progress in Temple Standoff
Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to withdraw most of their troops in a few days from territory each claims at a hilltop temple, Cambodian officials say.
In Beijing, No Making Heads or Tails of a New Building
A mysterious dragon-shaped building called the Pangu Plaza has Chinese newspapers abuzz with rumors about important guests residing within.
Star Hurdler Apologizes to China for Withdrawal
Liu Xiang, China’s most popular athlete, said that his injury would not prevent him from competing in the future.
NYT > Asia Pacific
Protests fail to get out of blocks
Chinese authorities admit that not one of the 77 applications to demonstrate at specially designated Olympic protest zones were approved
Olympics summary day eleven
Jan Frodeno of Germany wins men's triathlon in a sprint to the finish while Christine Ohuruogu becomes Great Britain's first woman to win the 400m
IOC breaks ranks with hosts over protests
The International Olympic Committee has ended its bonhomie with Beijing organisers, saying it would like to see demonstrations in the special zones set up before the games
Athletics malaise leads to apathy
On day five of the athletics, the beating heart of the Olympic Games, empty-seat syndrome returned to flatten the atmosphere, writes Matthew Engel
Foreign fields: Rich states look beyond their borders for fertile soil
Food importers led by Saudi Arabia are trying to acquire land in poorer countries, striking bilateral deals that would ensure exports even in a crisis
Taiwanese jump on the bike bandwagon
Cycling used to be an unwelcome reminder of poverty and backwardness but now the island is gripped by a cycling craze, led by the business elite
View of the day: No Olympic fatigue
Slow-down in China is more to do with slowing global demand, rising input costs and domestic imbalances than the Olympics, says Jing Ulrich, Chairman, China Equities, at JPMorgan.
UK companies neglect regional deals in China
A study says businesses looking to expand into China are overlooking opportunities in other large cities by focusing on established centres such as Shanghai and Beijing
Distant thunder: Separatism stirs on China's forgotten frontier
Bombings in Xinjiang province have exposed simmering resentments that mirror those of Tibet
Sprint cycling record adds lustre to gold
British trio defeats French favourites by conclusive margin on a first day at the Laoshan Velodrome that lacked excitement
Seventh day Olympics summary
Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia shows fine form in the final of the women's 10,000m, setting a new games record ahead of naturalised Turk but Ethiopian-born Elvan Abeylegesse
Olympic spirit in out-of-date shorts
It used to be considered unseemly to scour the medals list too closely. China has subverted this tradition, writes Matthew Engel
Organiser defends protesters' treatment
Organising committee's executive director criticises people with the deliberate intention of criticising the regime and defends China's reform record
Sixth day Olympics summary
Kosuke Kitajima of Japan becomes the only man to win the breaststroke titles at two consecutive games while China moves into the outright lead in the medals table
Beijing hospitals lock psychiatric wards
Shutting patients shut in will fuel complaints that Olympic preparations failed to take sufficient account of rights and interests of vulnerable
FT.com - China
FT.com - China
Sarkozy renews Afghan commitment
French President Nicolas Sarkozy travels to Afghanistan to support his troops, after a deadly attack by Taleban fighters.
UK accused of Musharraf exit deal
One of Pakistan's most prominent pro-democracy leaders accuses a senior UK diplomat of undermining his country's rule of law.
New Kashmir curfew after clashes
A curfew is imposed again in the Jammu region of Indian-administered Kashmir after fresh clashes.
Thousands affected by Nepal flood
Nearly 30,000 people have been displaced from their homes after flooding in Nepal.
India airport strike hits flights
Many domestic airline flights are cancelled in India after airport workers go on strike in protest against the government's economic policies.
Pakistan hospital bomb kills many
At least 25 people are killed in a suicide attack on a hospital in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, officials say.
'No deal yet' in Musharraf talks
Leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition meet to discuss who will succeed former President Pervez Musharraf.
Attack on Afghan Nato base foiled
At least six suicide bombers are killed when they try to attack a Nato military base in south-eastern Afghanistan, officials say.
Goody leaves India
Reality TV star Jade Goody leaves an Indian version of Big Brother after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Sri Lanka v India scorecard
Sri Lanka take on India in the second one-day international in Dambulla.
Show of strength
Killing of French troops shows more brazen Taleban
Policy headache
President Bush's successor will face Pakistan problem
Pakistani views
Musharraf - was he a national hero or a failure?
Gender bias
Why India is still no place for a young mother
Hope and risk
Why Pakistan's civilian government must succeed
Fears of vacuum
Why India is wary of departure of Musharraf
'Oldest man' passes away in India
An Indian man, who claimed to be the oldest in the world, dies in the western city of Jaipur.
Many Jammu protesters 'arrested'
Thousands of Hindu protesters in the Jammu region of Kashmir are arrested during street protests, police say.
Nepal Maoist head sworn in as PM
The former Maoist rebel leader in Nepal, Prachanda, is sworn in as the country's prime minister.
Pakistan shares up on resignation
Pakistan's leading share index rises more than 4% on the news that President Pervez Musharraf is resigning.
Nine die in Afghan suicide blast
At least nine people die when a suicide bomber rams a car into the gate of a US base in eastern Afghanistan, officials say.
UK soldier killed in Afghan blast
A British soldier dies in an explosion in southern Afghanistan as insurgents attack a joint UK-Afghan patrol.
Protesters 'call off' UN march
Separatist leaders in Indian-controlled Kashmir call off their planned march to the UN office in Srinagar.
Wastewater fears for urban farms
Urgent action is needed to remove pollutants from wastewater used in cities to grow food, a study warns.
UK troops kill Afghan civilians
An investigation is under way after four civilians are killed in Afghanistan in a rocket attack by British troops, UK officials say.
S Lankan army 'takes rebel base'
Sri Lanka's military report capturing a training complex of the Tamil Tiger rebels complete with 100 underground bunkers.
Singh outlines 'terror' challenge
Indian PM Manmohan Singh says that terrorism and extremism had emerged as the main challenge to India's unity.
Pakistan rupee falls to new low
Pakistan's currency hits a record low against the dollar on fears that President Pervez Musharraf might resign soon.
Tamil rebels 'breaking the law'
Tamil rebels in Sri Lanka are breaking international law by using civilians as buffers against the army, Amnesty International says.
NGO stops Afghan work
An aid group suspends work in Afghanistan - after 25 years - following the killing of three female aid workers.
India in public sector pay deal
India's cabinet backs higher wages for government workers after a pay panel report earlier this year.
Quake relief links aid Inmarsat
Satellite communications firm Inmarsat reports strong quarterly revenues, aided by providing mobile services in disaster areas.
Strongman and war on terror
The BBC's Paul Reynolds looks at the international implications of President Musharraf's resignation.
Partitions scar Pakistani woman
Ruqayya Jafri, 83, recalls how she lived through the two partitions of Pakistan and how they have left her partially triumphant, yet somehow scarred.
Indian economy's big challenge
Economist Kaushik Basu on why official corruption is the biggest problem facing the Indian economy.
High-rise honey
Nepalese farmers risk all for the sweetest taste
Tackling taboos
India's vulnerable find freedom in condoms
Kashmir tensions
Violence by Hindus and Muslims could dash peace hopes
Musharraf under pressure
Musharraf's options after impeachment decision
BBC News | World | South Asia | UK Edition
Visit BBC News for up-to-the-minute news, breaking news, video, audio and feature stories. BBC News provides trusted World and UK news as well as local and regional perspectives. Also entertainment, business, science, technology and health news.
Where Have All the Fish Gone?
The collapse of America's West Coast Salmon fishery has an eerily familiar ring to it. Are the oceans dying?
Rice Shortages Could Fuel Unrest
Food shortages in southeast Asia could foreshadow a coming global food crisis.
Selling America for Designer Boots, Top Hats and Thimbles
Like a near-concluded game of Monopoly, America is selling off its last properties to maintain its lavish lifestyle.
Russia Bolstering Its Position Via Strategic Arms Sales
Russian President Vladimir Putin is strengthening his Asian alliances using a potentially dangerous tool.
Australian Stock Market Plunges
Yesterday's tumble in Australia's stock market traces back to problems in the U.S. housing market.
China Plays Nice With Neighbors
Beijing continues its policy of courting rather than confronting certain states. It will remember to collect those favors.
Thailand's Royal Anchor
As civil unrest continues in the south of the country, the people of Thailand look to their enduring monarch as a firm anchor in a time of increasing turmoil.
Asia's Economic Integration Continues
Growth in trade between China and ASEAN is laying the groundwork for a free-trade zone throughout Asia. This trend has huge implications worthy of considering.
Bali Blasts: Terror Returns to Southeast Asia
What terrorism in Indonesia means for the Western world, Asia and radical Islam.
Asia's Dire Straits
Meltdown Ahead?
Changing of the Guard
The decline of U.S.-British control over the world's sea gates
Why Indonesia Matters
Now that President Suharto has resigned, everything is back to normal in Indonesia, right? Wrong. Massive forces of anarchy are at work, and the potential for global economic disaster still exists. As much as one-half of world trade is at risk and radical Islam may be stalking Indonesia!
Rescuing the Rich
In Southeast Asia, currency devaluations and other austerity measures imposed by the International Monetary Fund are devastationg common workers while wealthy investors and bankers are being bailed out. Fair? No. Typical? Very!
theTrumpet.com: Southeast Asia
theTrumpet.com -- Understand your world.
Olympic Fans Get Taste of Chinese Culture at Popular Beijing Night Spots
VOA's Scott Bobb visits popular entertainment district Hou Hai to check out local night scene
China Undergoes a New Cultural Revolution
Chinese focus on Yao not Mao
Afghanistan's Karzai to Run for Office Again
Karzai's government has been criticized for not doing enough to eliminate corruption or bring under control warlords
UN Envoy Tours Cyclone-Struck Areas in Burma
Ibrahim Gambari's five-day visit is his first since Cyclone Nargis tore across country's agricultural belt in May leaving at least 134,000 people dead or missing
Pentagon: Taliban Launch 'Complex' Attack on French Unit in Afghanistan
Tuesday's attack killed 10 French troops, injured 21 others, just 50 kilometers outside Kabul
US Treasury Secretary: Chinese Economic Expansion Should Be Welcomed
'China's economic growth is important to global economic growth, and is a positive for the United States,' said Henry Paulson
Iraq, China Discuss $1.2 Billion Oil Deal
News report on Reuters says this is first big international deal since fall of Saddam Hussein
6 American Pro-Tibet Activists Detained in Beijing Tuesday
Group says Chinese authorities have detained and deported 37 of its members and supporters who were involved in six previous protests in Beijing over past two weeks
Track & Field, Wrestling Highlight Wednesday Olympic Action
Russian Illchenko wins women's 10k marathon swim in first medal event of the day
Karzai Blames Increasing Afghan Violence on Lack of Attention
President says there has not been enough focus on terrorist facilities, sanctuaries or financial networks
VOA News: Asia
Up to the minute news from Voice of America
The Beijing Olympics:
News from the Forbidden Citius, Altius, Fortius Producers of the dazzling Olympic opening ceremony on August 8th acknowledged that an adorable nine-year-old girl in a red dress was miming her solo rather than singing, and that the actual singer had been removed at the last minute because of her round face and uneven teeth. They also revealed that the impressive 29-step progression of firework “footprints” that on television appeared to lead across Beijing to the stadium was a computer-generated graphic. Despite ugly scenes in July when thousands of people queued for hours, pushed, shoved and tussled with police to buy the last available Olympic tickets, many seats were vacant during the first week of competition. When Michael Phelps, an American swimmer, won his third gold medal of the games on August 12th, hundreds of seats at the pool were empty. That day nearly half the venues were less than four-fifths full, and some two-thirds empty. The International Olympic Committee and the games’ sponsors have asked Beijing to increase attendance by easing access to the tightly secured Olympic complex. ...
South Korea:
The president forgives some tycoons THE leaders of South Korea’s conglomerates or chaebo | 