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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Ravi Shankar: Sitar virtuoso and father of the rock benefit concert (+video)
Ravi Shankar: George Harrison called him "the godfather of world music." Ravi Shankar helped millions of classical, jazz and rock lovers discover the centuries-old traditions of Indian music.
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Defiant North Korean rocket launch gives Kim Jong-un a boost (+video)
One year into his role as North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un made a statement by launching a rocket on Wednesday. Experts suggest the launch was intended to honor the current leader's father who died last year.
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Focus
Which world hot spots will clamor for Obama's attention?Obama is unequivocal about his intent to refocus on US domestic issues during his second term. But the world is not likely to cooperate. Here are seven foreign-policy challenges already bearing down on him.
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McDonald's surprises with US sales gain; shares soar
McDonald's posted a surprise gain in a key November sales figure, sending McDonald's shares soaring 2.2 percent in premarket trading. The strong report was a pleasant surprise for McDonald's after a sales drop in October.
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Italian Prime Minister Monti's surprise resignation shakes investors (+video)
Analysts fear Prime Minister Monti's unexpected resignation could spark a new round of Italian political turmoil and slow efforts to shape up the eurozone's third largest economy.
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Is Japan losing its cool?
Manga, anime, J-pop – once it was all about Japan. But the country's efforts to channel its 'cool' as part of a global soft power strategy may need a revamp amid intense competition from Korea.
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Should US export natural gas? Study for DOE fuels fiery debate.
According to the study, global market conditions are not yet ripe for US natural gas exports, but when they are, the exports would benefit the economy. A key issue is how that benefit is shared.
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Hispanic immigration to US has peaked, Asian immigration is rising
For the first time in 101 years, Hispanic immigration last year was topped by immigrants from Asia. The number of illegal Hispanic immigrants continued to decline in 2011.
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Shopper alert! Will labor strike at L.A. ports mean bare shelves?
The holiday inventory is already in place, but goods for the post-Christmas sales are bottled up off the coast of Los Angeles, as container ships from Asia go unattended due to a six-day labor strike.
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Russia, China warn North Korea about potential rocket launch
The two Asian superpowers are trying to convince their small Communist neighbor that launching another rocket is not in its best interest.
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Could China overtake US as global trader?
A special report by the Associated Press examines China's influence with its trading partners over three decades, and how business, politics, and daily life are changing with China's rise as a global player.
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Cover Story
Global water crisis: too little, too much, or lack of a plan?The global water crisis – caused by drought, flood, and climate change – is less about supply than it is about recognizing water's true value, using it efficiently, and planning for a different future, say experts.
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Energy Voices
Oil and the 'fiscal cliff'Tverberg explores the connection between changes in the oil market and growing concern of the 'fiscal cliff.'
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Energy Voices
Hidden factor behind brighter US energy outlookOne big reason the US will become nearly energy self-sufficient by 2035 is increased energy efficiency, says Fatih Birol, chief economist at the International Energy Agency. Aggressive energy efficiency policies could yield even bigger gains.
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The Monitor's View: A parachute for Americans on their fiscal cliff
The hard decisions in the fiscal cliff negotiations between the GOP and Democrats would be easier if lawmakers could point to other nations that have seen the benefits of fiscal discipline in lifting an economy.
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The Monitor's View: US pivot to Mexico?
A new leader of Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto, takes office with enough hope of reform that it argues for the US to draw closer to its neighbor.
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USGA rule change: Is this the end for belly putters in golf?
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the U.S. Golf Association said the proposed rule would make it illegal for pro golfers to "anchor" the club to their bodies while making a stroke. The new rule would not take effect until 2016.
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Staying afloat: Europe releases more money for Greece
After a 12-hour meeting lasting into the wee hours last night, Greece's creditors agreed to cut its debt and release more bailout funds, staving off yet another Greek bankruptcy.
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Escape From North Korea
Journalist Melanie Kirkpatrick shares the harrowing stories of North Koreans desperate to escape a despotic regime.
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Analysis: Why US will allow more LNG exports
Companies are eager to export cheap US natural gas, but only Cheniere Energy has an Energy Department permit to do so. The Obama administration is likely to issue more permits.
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What happened while Obama was in Asia? (+video)
President Obama's whirlwind Asia trip saw some surface compromise on disputed territorial issues, and the set up of a new Asian trade bloc.
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Obama visit to Cambodia overshadowed by row over South China Sea
Disputes at the summit illustrate the difficulty of forging a Southeast Asian consensus over dealing with an increasingly assertive China.
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Obama's Myanmar speech sends message to North Korea (+video)
Barack Obama on Monday became the first US president to visit Myanmar, showing other Asian nations – such as North Korea – that America is willing to reach out to help reforms.
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Latin America Monitor
Four messages Obama is sending Latin America from his trip through AsiaObama may be sending an unintentional message that the US holds Asian countries like Myanmar and China to a lower standard on democracy and human rights.
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Terrorism & Security
Gaza cease-fire negotiations under way, but fighting rages on (+video)An Israeli envoy was dispatched to Cairo to take part in Gaza cease-fire negotiations sponsored by Egypt. Turkey and Qatar will also take part.
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