Topic: Asia
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
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Beyond the 'fiscal cliff': 6 reasons to be optimistic about America's future
As Americans take stock of 2012 and gear up for 2013, it's tempting to adopt "decline think" about the country, especially since there is still no deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" of steep budget cuts and tax increases. But here are six reasons Americans should still be optimistic about their future.
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Who are China's next leaders?
On Nov. 15, the new Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party – the group that rules China presented itself to the world. Here are the bios of the seven men who take the reins of China.
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War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.
The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
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How the world is reacting to Obama's reelection
From China to Iran, President Obama's reelection elicited everything from celebration to doubt about his second-term agenda. Here are 11 responses:
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The 20 most fascinating accidental inventions
Most inventors strive for weeks, months, or years to perfect their products. (Thomas Edison tried thousands of different light bulb filaments before arriving at the ideal mixture of tungsten.) But sometimes, brilliance strikes by accident. Here's a salute to the scientists, chefs, and everyday folk who stumbled upon greatness – and, more important, shared their mistakes with the world.
UPDATE: After great reader feedback, we've added five additional accidental inventions: Stainless steel, plastic, ice cream cones, Post-it Notes, and matches.
All Content
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Terrorism & Security
Australian-led peacekeepers hunt for rebels in East TimorQuestions about new nation's security and the effectiveness of international peacekeepers surface after two recent assassination attempts.
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The Monitor's View: Bush's unfinished Africa legacy
He has done well with health and foreign aid, but his vision for a new US military role still needs defining.
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The Monitor's View: Calderón's back-to-Mexico plan
Who has the best immigration idea in the US? Mexico's president.
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Failed Timor assassination may lessen rebels' sway
The bold attack on President Ramos-Horta raises key concerns about efforts to rebuild security forces.
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Opinion: Sovereign wealth funds: China's potent economic weapon
SWFs can act as a nation's fiscal stabilizer, but can also be used to achievemore nefarious economic goals.
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Terrorism & Security
Bangladesh's corruption probe sets back interim governmentFormer Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed's victory signals continued tensions that could spill into the region.
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U.S. economy still ticking, just barely
GDP rose by only 0.6 percent last quarter, the slowest rate in one year.
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Winds of global fashion swirl through rural Namibia
How an isolated African region became a barometer of tastes and trends in other parts of the world.
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At 'JTAGs,' Japan and the U.S. press ahead on missile defense
The shield has implications for Asia's security balance.
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European sizes don't fit all
An American traveler gets sent to the 'extra large' pants corner in a Spanish clothing store – to his humiliation.
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Newspapers thriving? Yes – in Asia.
Seven of the 10 bestselling dailies are in Asia, a result of rising incomes and literacy levels.
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Fed races to ease market fears
Its rate cut of 3/4 of a point is the largest in at least 20 years.
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World
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A legless artist documents the world in 32,000 stares
Tired of gawkers, Kevin Connolly traveled by skateboard, capturing their sheer human curiosity.
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Would tax rebates work?
The government aims for more spending, but in the past many saved their checks.
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Freedom takes a hit worldwide
A new report by Washington watchdog group Freedom House says a clampdown on political rights made 43 countries 'not free' in 2007.
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December retail sales dip with outlook weak for 2008
Sales dipped 0.4 percent last month, and consumers may pull back more.
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In the saddle at the Bison Museum
At the Bison Museum in Scottsdale, Ariz., kids will get a kick out of the Bison Ride exhibit and the Singing Bison Family.
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In India, the world's cheapest car debuts to fanfare, criticism
Manufacturers take note of the $2,500 vehicle’s massive market, as environmentalists fear the effects of an automobile influx.
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Abroad, fresh image of U.S.
Many see Obama, Clinton successes as fitting the ideals of US democracy and diversity.
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Why printer ink is so expensive
Complex technology and staunch patent enforcement help keep ink prices high. Still, some low-cost alternatives can be found.
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Gingerly, U.S. reaches out to Sharif in Pakistan
With elections there postponed until Feb. 18, and turmoil unabated, the Bush administration evaluates its options for spurring its war-on-terror ally toward greater democracy.
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On the horizon: News from the frontiers of science.
The whale's tiny ancestor, how global warming may be hurting plants' carbon-fixing ability, and the mystery of Mars's missing limestone
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Zip along with shared cars, bikes
The Zipcar and Flexcar merger, and cities' interest in bike-sharing, show openness to novel transit.
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This electric bike has zip to spare
The Vectrix, available at a handful of dealers across the country, is the latest entry into the American scooter market. Trust us: you'll be wearing a torque-happy grin.
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