-
West Asia
Car bomb attacks targeting markets in and near Baghdad kills over 30
A wave of bombings, mainly targeting markets in and near Baghdad, killed 36 people on Tuesday, officials said, the latest in a surge of violence that has gripped Iraq. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, meanwhile, vowed to defeat “terrorists” behind the relentless attacks and chase them out of the battered country.…
Read More » -
West Asia
Iran ready for serious and swift talks over nuclear program, President Rouhani says
Iran is ready for “serious” and swift talks with world powers over its controversial nuclear program, the country’s new president said Tuesday, echoing his own earlier calls for a better dialogue with the West. The remarks by Hasan Rouhani came at his first news conference as Iran’s president. The moderate…
Read More » -
“Want to be an effective salesman for Indonesia”
Interview with Indonesian Ambassador John Prasetio Before being appointed as the ambassador to the Republic of Korea, John Prasetio was a businessman, holding positions such as Founder and Chairman of CBA Consulting, a Board Member of PT Bank Permata Tbk, PT Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk, and Advisory Panel member of P&G…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Tens of thousands Taiwanese protest death of 24-year-old conscripted soldier
A Taiwanese people holds a placard during a protest rally for the death of Taiwan’s soldier Hung Chung-chiu, in front of the President Office in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013. The 24-year-old soldier died in early July after being forced to perform a vigorous regime of calisthenics in sweltering…
Read More » -
West Asia
Turkish former military chief and 18 politicians, journalists get life sentence
In a landmark trial, scores of people – including Turkey’s former military chief, politicians and journalists – were convicted on Monday of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government soon after it came to power in 2002. Retired Gen. Ilker Basbug was the most prominent defendant among some…
Read More » -
South Asia
Indian Parliament members hold banners demanding another separate state
Indian Parliament saw disruptions on the first of its monsoon session which opened Monday over the setting up of a new state, which has caused widespread controversy in the country. Parliament Speaker Meira Kumar caused for return to order after some members of parliament left their seats and shouted their…
Read More » -
East Asia
Vietnam-China vow to deepen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Monday. Vietnam and China are two neighboring countries that share mountains and rivers, and have similarities and common interests, Nguyen said, adding the party and government of Vietnam always bear in mind and appreciate the…
Read More » -
West Asia
Iranian President appoints reformist politician Jahangiri as first Vice President
Iran’s new President Hassan Rouhani appointed reformist politician Eshaq Jahangiri as his first vice president, Press TV reported Monday. Jahangiri, 56, was Iran’s former minister of industries and mines in the administration of ex-reformist President Mohammad Khatami from 1997 to 2005. Rouhani referred to Jahangiri’s “competence and his successful track…
Read More » -
West Asia
Israel cabinet approves expansion of 600 ‘National Priority Area’ list
The Israeli cabinet on Sunday approved a list of more than 600 communities to receive preferential treatment and economic benefits, including nine settlements in the West Bank territories, a statement from prime minister’s office said. The list of “National Priority Area,” declared by the government, is a list of communities…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Thousands of Thai people protest against Yingluck government’s ‘Thaksin rule’
Thailand’s capital braced Sunday for possible unrest in the week ahead, with street protests expected over moves in parliament that could eventually lead to a pardon for ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. As many as 2,000 protesters calling themselves the People’s Army Against the Thaksin Regime turned up Sunday for…
Read More »