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East Asia
[Asia Round-up] Avoid setting dangerous precedent
The Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito have started talks over the Abe administration’s bid to scrap the government’s traditional interpretation of the Constitution that Japan cannot exercise the right to collective self-defense. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to allow the nation to be able to use force to counter…
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South East Asia
[Transnational] “Spring New Year” in Asia
The Beauty, Sweat and Joy of Cambodia’s Khmer New Year Vannak Va·Cambodia·Dream Together Master, SNU April is both the hottest and happiest month of the year for Cambodian people who have long celebrated their Khmer new year in this month. The 3-day festival usually starts on the 13th or 14th…
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South East Asia
Media and peace in Asia
AJA Nepal’s Lumbini Conference empowering journalists The “Lumbini International Conference on Media and Peace” organized by the Asia Journalist Association(AJA) Nepal Chapter concluded on March 8, 2014 by issuing a 12-point Lumbini Declaration. AJA reaffirmed in the declaration its commitment for press freedom, media rights, safety and better work conditions…
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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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East Asia
Japan’s traditional wedding style
A couple in traditional wedding attires, leaves a shrine after their wedding ritual in Tokyo, Thursday, May 8, 2014. Shinto wedding is Japan’s traditional wedding style to be attended by a newly-wed couple and their immediate kins. It is common practice among the couples who chose the Sinto wedding, that…
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South East Asia
Father of Singaporean nature conservationists
Profile: “Eco-Warror” Dr. Wee Yeow Chin As a botanist, Professor Wee Yeow Chin was wont to talk to people about plants and animals, if not about birds and bees. His lectures on ferns, mushrooms, lichens and algae, the non-flowering plants that were his specialty, were serious stuff. Yet, the most-frequently-asked…
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West Asia
Kuwait, future bridge of Silk Road
The 13th Al-Arabi Magazine Forum held on March 3-5 The two TV announcers Ms. Manal Omran and Ms. Sodaba Ali were calling the honored names and institution representatives to receive their golden boats from the Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud…
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East Asia
[Asia Round-up] Chinese men shorter than Japanese and S. Korean men
Chinese men are shorter than their South Korean and Japanese counterparts, according to recent data. The average height for a Chinese male is 1.70 meters, while South Korea is 1.74 meters and Japan 1.71 meters. Younger men in China, aged from 7 to 17, are also 2.52 centimeters shorter than…
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