Topic: Asia

Pakistan's Pashtuns, looking for statehood, may look to Taliban

The Taliban could expand their influence to more Pashtun areas by merging its pan-Islamic goals with the long-suppressed dream of a Pashtun state.

Fallout from Honduras's presidential crisis – in Washington

The military ouster of Honduras's president, Manuel Zelaya, has led to a deep divide between Democrats and Republicans.

Opinion: A Muslim solution for Afghanistan

Let Muslim nations, not Western coalition, lead the mission to bring peace there.

Afghanistan: Deadliest attack on US forces

Eight American troops and two Afghan soldiers died in Saturday's attack on two remote outposts in Afghanistan. More pressure for a US strategy shift?

Developing world's energy needs set stage for fight

Developing nations' urgent need for more energy has become a central issue this year as developed countries push for a global reduction in carbon emissions.

Video: Pickle as OLED? MIT professor explains.

Why China is unlikely to back Iran sanctions

Beijing is against sanctions as a matter of principle – and because of recent multi-billion dollar energy deals with Iran.

How will climate change affect agriculture?

Future climate change will affect global agriculture adversely, a new study says.

Opinion: Are investors missing out on sub-Sahara Africa?

Africa's improvements have created thriving markets. US firms should enter this last great investment frontier.

Bhutanese refugees find their calling as urban farmers

Seven thousand miles from their ancestral home, Bhutanese refugees are going back to their roots and tilling the good earth.

US to engage Burma (Myanmar): Clinton

After years of just imposing sanctions, the US will now also engage Burma, Clinton said. The closed regime may also be reaching out: It attended its first UN meeting this week in 14 years.

Palin resurfaces with speech in Asia

Former VP candidate Sarah Palin gave her first talk since resigning as Alaska governor in Hong Kong, raising speculation she wants to improve her foreign policy image and run again in 2012. Audience reactions ranged from 'bizarre' to 'beat all expectations.'

Dust storm in Australia turns Sydney into Mars

Australia's worst dust storm in 70 years has given a rusty tint to the the continent's east coast.

Money Daily Brief: China seeks US commitment on free trade

When doves fly: World celebrates International Day of Peace

From the releasing of doves in Kabul, Afghanistan to a massive concert in Havana, people around the world are marking the special day.

Briefing: Why Thai protesters are taking to the streets again

Antigovernment activists plan to defy a tough security law to rally Saturday on the third anniversary of a military coup.

Should US hold bilateral talks with N. Korea?

A Chinese delegation visited Kim Jong-il this week to press for reengagement on the North's nuclear program. The US, which has said it's open to talks, must deal with a deeply suspicious S. Korean leadership.

Money Daily Brief: Asian firms struggle in weak economy

Will Japan's new leaders continue to support US in Afghanistan?

Japanese Foreign Minister Okada said that Japan should focus on assistance to both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The government has not been clear on whether it will continue its refueling mission.

Karzai unlikely to claim Afghan election victory soon

Amid likely vote fraud, some experts now call for a coalition government or a return to the tribal system to clear the impasse.

The key to healthy houseplants

Tips on picking a plant that can thrive with the light and lifestyle in your home.

Homing pigeon faster than Internet? In S. Africa, the answer's yes.

Frustrated by Africa's unreliable service, a business needing to send 4GB of data 50 miles put Winston the pigeon up against the Web – and Winston won.

How effective are terrorist rehabilitation programs?

Recent attacks in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have left some wondering whether attempts to turn militants away from terrorism have failed.

North Korea says uranium enrichment in final phase

The North offered to engage in dialogue, and said sanctions would be met by an acceleration of its nuclear program.