Topic: Asia

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Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe

There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
10 weirdest global fast foods

In the US, fast food can get pretty predictable: Burgers, fries, chicken, and a taco or a fish sandwich, if you’re feeling adventurous. Leave it to our international brethren to show us how to loosen up and live a little. Take a look at ten wacky fast food items from around the world.
20 essential Android tips and tricks

Several weeks ago, we highlighted 20 useful iPhone tricks everyone should know. We got such good feedback from that feature that we wanted to share the love with Android users – who, after all, make up the largest proportion of the smart phone community.
Top video game markets in the world

The United States remains No. 1, but other countries, notably in Asia, are rising fast. Many countries, too, are sweetening tax incentives to lure video game developers in their quest to create jobs. Here are the top 5 video game markets for 2010, as outlined in a 2011 study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the big accounting and consulting firm.

All Content

Germany's solar woes dim the promise of green jobs

Global competition and cuts to government subsidies have plunged Germany's solar-energy industry into disarray. As another manufacturer goes bankrupt, green job growth is in jeopardy.
North Korea's rocket launch draws anger, wounds pride (+video)

In a rare move, Pyongyang admitted that the rocket did not deliver a satellite, but it also pressed ahead with grandiose propaganda in praise of the ruling Kim family.
What Chinese companies want: intellectual property protection

Chinese-American business relations, long fraught with distrust for China because it was not controlling piracy, appear to be benefiting from a new Chinese respect for intellectual property rights.
1616: The World in Motion

This lavishly illustrated history of the year 1616 is both enthralling and frustrating.
Tsunami warning: This time, the system mostly worked

Tsunami warning sirens sounded around the Indian Ocean region after an 8.6 earthquake hit yesterday. During the 2004 tsunami, few warning systems were in place.
A really big story told in only 100 words

A linguist chooses the stories of 100 individual words to tell the larger story of English.
Japan braces for North Korean missile launch

Japan has threatened to shoot down the rocket if it passes over Japanese airspace. In 1998, North Korea sent a missile over Japan's main island.
How Apple, Foxconn, and others can address labor abuses in overseas factories

Why do we keep hearing about labor abuses in overseas factories like those of Apple-supplier Foxconn? Auditing and inspections are inadequate to solve the problem. Requiring companies to examine and publicly report on risks along their supply chains can help eliminate violations.
Why Iran got huffy about a certain locale for next nuclear talks

The exact words were, 'Iranian officials are not interested in Turkey as the host.' The declaration masks a mountain of Persian hurt over the Turks and their shifting diplomacy in the region.
US Coast Guard sinks Japanese "ghost ship" (+videos)

The Japanese 'ghost ship' – derelict vessel had been set adrift by last year's tsunami – was sunk to avoid potential navigation hazards. The ghost ship took about four hours to sink after a US Coast Guard cutter fired on it.
Global News Blog
Google, an underdog in Asia, lays plans for Taiwan data center

Taiwan gets Internet traffic easily from the United States. I sits at the ends of undersea cables that extend directly from North America before branching off to other parts of Asia.
Keeping an eye on China? First US Marines arrive in Australia.

The US is sending 2,500 Marines to Australia – officially to train with troops there and assist in humanitarian efforts. But many experts and diplomats say the real focus is China.
Change Agent
A growing answer to rising seas: floating homes

Homes, hospitals, even prisons and golf courses may be built over the water as architects cope with rising sea levels that will affect coastal cities around the world.
The economic fallout of 'Linsanity'

Jeremy Lin is not only changing mainstream America's view of Asians. The New York Knicks star could broaden the aspirations of Asian-Americans themselves.
20 essential Android tips and tricks

Several weeks ago, we highlighted 20 useful iPhone tricks everyone should know. We got such good feedback from that feature that we wanted to share the love with Android users – who, after all, make up the largest proportion of the smart phone community.
Limited options for US on North Korea rocket

Washington is likely to take the matter to the UN Security Council, analysts say, and could tighten its already tough sanctions.
Indonesia backs off plans to hike price of gas after protests

But pressure continues to mount to increase prices from their current, government-subsidized $2 per gallon, as the subsidies sap resources from education, health care, and other programs.
Gas prices a top issue for US-Canada-Mexico summit

Gas prices, Mexican oil exports, and Keystone pipeline should figure prominently in Obama's summit with Canada's Harper and Mexico's Calderon. High gas prices threaten fragile US recovery and Obama's reelection.
Stock market rise fades on Europe's slump

Stock market bullishness in Asia dissipates in European trading, as euro-area unemployment reaches record high. Stock market in US poised to open flat.
Are bees threatened by insecticide use? New studies say yes. (+video)

Scientists found that one class of insecticides may harm both bumblebees and honeybees in two recent studies. Bees' important role as pollinators may be threatened.
Stir It Up!
A delicate balance of New England shellfish, world flavors: curried mussels with cilantro

Curry powder, garlic, shallots, coconut milk, wine and cilantro blend into a surprisingly delicate broth for steamed mussels.
Russia to Romney: How could we be your No. 1 enemy?

Mitt Romney's comment has astounded Russians, who acknowledge mixed relations with the US but point to Russia's integration with the international community as proof that they are not foe No. 1.
Change Agent
Five ways to make aquaculture more sustainable

Combining rice paddles and fish ponds, and using locally caught fish as feed, are just two of the ways that fish farming, or aquaculture, can be made more environmentally friendly.
Islam's defining moment with democracy

Islamist parties now dominate the constitution-writing process in post-revolution Egypt and Tunisia. If they can make Islam compatible with democracy, they will give hope to others in the Middle East still struggling in the unfinished Arab Spring.
Panama Canal expansion to ease international trade, with a grain of salt

The economic impacts of the canal expansion have been widely cited, but environmental repercussions like the contamination of drinking water with salt water may be overlooked.