New Middle East’s new problems
BERLIN ― When hostilities flared in Gaza last month, it seemed like the same old story was repeating itself. The world again witnessed a bloody and senseless surge of violence between Israel and Hamas, in which the main victims were innocent civilians maimed and killed on both sides. This time, however, things were not what […]
The best, oldest K-pop
When Kim Ki-duk, winning director of this year’s Venice Film Festival Golden Lion award, sang “Arirang” instead of giving a thank-you speech, he showed what the song means to most Koreans. “I just wanted to tell the world that this song is ours by singing it on the international stage whenever possible,” Kim said. If […]
Time to ask lawmakers stop playing games with ‘fiscal cliff’
Washington’s Democratic and Republican leaders seem strangely lacking in fright as they are a mere three weeks away from plunging America off the much-feared Fiscal Cliff. And we’ve finally figured out why. They figure they are merely heading toward a Fiscal Bungee Jump. They seem to believe that, yes, they’ll take the plunge and plummet […]
Personal branding ― how to be more successful
Over the past 14 years of mentoring students, the number one question I have been asked has been in relation to how to position oneself when going for job interviews. The general misconception is that it would be a human resources management (HRM) exercise, which it is from the potential employer’s perspective. But from the […]
N. Korea’s brinkmanship
China must do its utmost to discourage Pyongyang North Korea looks set to launch a long-range rocket soon in defiance of widespread international condemnation. Reports have it that the Stalinist country has reportedly completed installing the rocket on a launch pad. Pyongyang announced its plan to launch the rocket between Dec. 10 and 22 but […]
More important than half-price tuition
Recently a technician with only a high school diploma was promoted to CEO of a leading Korean conglomerate. Even considering he has devoted his 30-year career entirely to the development of washing machines at that company, it was an unprecedented case as a college diploma has been regarded as of utmost importance in Korean society. […]
Jamaat makes a history by enforcing a countrywide hartal
Islamist party fights on then street Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, a registered political party having its representation in the national parliament, has successfully undergone the field trial of its strength as a democratic party by enforcing a country-wide general strike on Tuesday. It also recorded a history by calling alone a nation-wide general strike for the first time […]
Subprime ―Korean style
Quick policy responses needed for soft landing Alarm bells are ringing louder for the possible eruption of a Korean version of the subprime mortgage crisis. Without prompt action and durable solutions, the nation might face another devastating economic crisis. According to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), mortgages that were offered in excess of the recent […]
Is Ahn Perot or Nader?
The death of one opportunity often leads to the birth of another. When a person goes through such a process, it usually leads to transformation. This happened on Monday to Ahn Cheol-soo, former independent presidential candidate. It was captured in a speech he made during a ceremony to mark the disbandment of his campaign team. […]
To be a good volunteer use your brain
There is probably an unwritten rule that a celebrity offering to do volunteer work for a good cause should immediately be embraced. Well, that’s not what happened to Jeong So-dam, the glamorous Korean cable TV announcer when our paths crossed on Nov. 29. Ms. Jeong was the MC of an event about American political philosophy […]
![[Novel] The Road to Shamawes ⑯](http://www.theasian.asia/wp-content/themes/city-desk/timthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theasian.asia%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F08%2FAshraf-2novel-news_9601.jpg&q=90&w=300&h=0&zc=1 "[Novel] The Road to Shamawes ⑯")
