Topic: Southeast Asia

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

Reforms in Myanmar: 4 reasons the military changed course

For more than half a century, Myanmar’s military governments were synonymous with brutality and corruption, but a year ago the military stepped aside, handing power to a nominally civilian government. Here are four reasons why this change occurred.
What is Eid al-Fitr?

For most Muslims, Eid al-Fitr, the joyous end to the month-long fast of Ramadan, began last night. What's it all about?
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 06/01
The world in 2011: Trends and events to watch in every region

Monitor staff writers and correspondents in each of the world's regions share what they expect to be top headlines in 2011.
Israel wildfire: How it stacks up with five other devastating blazes

Israeli officials are racing to contain wildfires that began in northern Israel on Thursday morning, prompting the evacuation of 17,000 and a rare request for international assistance. But while these fires are devastating for Israel – as of Friday they've killed at least 42 people and burned an estimated 8,600 acres in the tiny country – they are far smaller than other major forest fires around the globe.

All Content

Zimbabwe's neighborhood

The best hope for ousting dictator Robert Mugabe is pressure from Zimbabwe's neighbors.
One writer's view of Chicago versus California food

In the Midwest, you need a bib to the deep dish pizza and hot dogs with 'the works.' In Marin County, it's vegan soul food and other organic edibles.
One writer's view of Chicago versus California food

In the Midwest, you need a bib to the deep dish pizza and hot dogs with 'the works.' In Marin County, it's vegan soul food and other organic edibles.
In Cambodia, a case for localizing climate-change research

Researchers know global temperatures are rising. Now scientists from as far away as Finland are studying what that means for the 1 million floating residents of the Tonle Sap Lake.
A wonder cure for 'Deficit Attention Disorder'!

Restraint® can reduce the urge to spend money you don't have.
Is water becoming ‘the new oil’?

Population, pollution, and climate put the squeeze on potable supplies – and private companies smell a profit. Others ask: Should water be a human right?
Nixon: a life divided

Richard Nixon never lost the mind-set that pitted 'us' against 'them.'
Bright Green
Sweet sorghum eyed for biofuel
Humor helps a rare bird survive in Cambodia

Conservationists’ gentle engagement with locals boosts the prospects for the Bengal Florican.
Burma (Myanmar): An unbending junta still blocks aid

The military regime views foreign aid workers as potential spies oractivists' allies.
Fueling Liberia's future with hope

Once exposed to the nation's worst brutality, former aid worker David Parker has returned to run a business.
Disaster may loosen junta's grip in Burma (Myanmar)

A May 10 poll could underscore how unpopular the regime is, as it slowly opens to foreign aid.
Burma's wealth gap breeds discontent

Tales of the junta's extravagances trickle down to average citizens, many of whom lack basic items.
One reporter's odyssey tracking his uncle's legacy in Laos

Lou Connick was a charming humanitarian who ran aid programs in Indochina in the 1970s – and moonlighted for the CIA. Just how far did he go in fighting communism?
World
On the road – from Germany to Cambodia – in a communist jalopy

Towed by camels and laughed at by pedestrians, the lowly Trabant is a modern-day Marco Polo for a good cause.
Muslim reformer's 'heresy': The Islamic state is a dead end

From Nigeria to Indonesia, Sudanese law professor spreads ideas of a secular state and human rights.
As dollar sinks, Thais struggle to keep economy afloat

Thailand boomed on exports to the US. Now it's looking at populist incentives to stimulate growth.
Same war. Same platoon. Two paths since leaving Iraq.

Travis Pinn and Vincent Emanuele served side by side in Anbar Province. Now civilians again, one just wants the quiet life; the other aspires to help end the war.
A priest ministers to the needs of Taiwan's foreign migrant workers

Father Bruno Ciceri offers them shelter, helps them get jobs – and tries to lift the consciousness of a nation.
Terrorism & Security
Southern Thailand hotel bombing spurs security warnings

Thai police target Muslim separatists in the recent spike in the long-simmmering violent conflict.
Burma's junta promises democracy, but most are wary

The government's surprise announcement to hold a constitutional referendum is being met with deep skepticism.
Thai leaders spar over autonomy for south

The interior minister says it could calm the insurgency-racked south. Opponents see a step toward secession.
Short Stuff

News for kids – from the largest snake in captivity to how much chocolate Americans eat yearly.
Vietnam veterans help returning Iraq soldiers deal with shocks of war

Neil Kenny, decorated for his service in Vietnam, plays big brother to Jeremiah Workman, a medal winner in Iraq struggling with the psychological effects of combat.