opinion_
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West Asia
Qatar to end sponsorship system for expat workers – Doha unveils labor reforms but no timetable
DOHA: Qatar, host of the 2022 football World Cup, said yesterday it will abolish its controversial sponsorship system for foreign workers, whose treatment in the energy-rich state has stirred mounting international criticism. FIFA chief Sepp Blatter described the move as a “significant step,” but Amnesty International said it lacked substance…
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West Asia
Yemen’s dire need for WOMENOMICS
In his speech at the 68th session of the U.N. General Assembly, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe talked about many key issues that matter to the world, but what was more interesting for me personally was the interest he showed in empowering women in the economic sector―let’s call it, “womenomics.”…
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East Asia
Overall Review of Global Papers’ Editorials
For a couple of days I have read through several newspapers and checked what they editorialized about. Considering that the abduction of schoolgirls has been a hot topic over the world for several weeks, it was understandable that the New York Times touched on this issue. It is an issue…
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East Asia
Cynicism and alienation growing in North Korea
There are many signs that cynicism and alienation is steadily growing within North Korean society and, especially, lower reaches of its elite. People who recently had opportunities to talk frankly to North Koreans (and I do not mean refugees), including the present author, have noticed that North Koreans are increasingly…
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West Asia
“Nasser” – key word in Egyptian Presidential Elections
A few years ago, and for almost half a century back, going to the polls was not a regular habit for Egyptians. The face of one ultimate president, Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak, was shading the backdrop of the stage. So, Egyptians believed that even if they tried to choose an…
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East Asia
IWMF calls for release of detained Chinese journalist Gao Yu
Concerning the detention of the Chinese woman journalist Gao Yu by the Chinese authorities, the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) issued a statement of criticism. The following is the the full text. The statement stresses freedom of the press. – Editor’s note Washington, DC – The International Women’s Media Foundation…
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South East Asia
Shall Thailand submerge deeper into political turmoil?
After the Thailand’s supreme court decision demanding instant ouster of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on May 7, Thailand seems to be sinking deeper into an unprecedented political turmoil. Yingluck’s supporters as well as opponents started to gather to express their support for their respective political camp. Separately, the National…
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South East Asia
BIMSTEC vows to achieve founding goals
The third summit of BIMSTEC ended in Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw on March 4 with a firm resolve to make continued efforts in accomplishing the founding aims and purposes of the seven-nation forum of South and South East Asia. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic…
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South Asia
A million Hindus throng Shivaratri Festival
Thousands of Hindus from both Nepal and India thronged the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to observe the festival of Maha Shivaratri by offering worship to Lord Shiva, one of the three main Gods of Hindus, on February 27. As the name suggests, it is the night (ratri) of Lord…
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South Asia
Why dozens of Pakistani peacocks perish?
Peacocks and peahens on the verge of extinction in area Like every year, drought and extreme hot weather in Thar Desert of Southern Sindh province of Pakistan have started hitting the birds as dozens of peacocks have died and hundreds of birds fallen sick in different villages. The drought and…
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