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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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West Asia
“The Harley Revolution” in Lebanon
“The Harley Revolution” in Lebanon : A New Lifestyle Freedom, power, manhood, searching for adventure, and contact with nature; These are the feelings of many meanings that could express the world of amateur Harley Davidson Bicycle driving in Lebanon. For those young men and women, driving motorcycles is both fun…
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War-torn Afghanistan holds successful election
The first round of Afghanistan’s presidential election was held Saturday and, based on most reports, so far so good. That is particularly true in light of the threat of violence posed by the Taliban and, potentially, other heavily armed elements in and outside the country. Turnout among the 12 million…
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Chaebol’s undue gains
The entrenched business malpractice of chaebol owners and their family members receiving huge dividends through unlisted companies remains intact despite an avalanche of criticism. Rather, such “dividend parties’’ are becoming more conspicuous amid slack public scrutiny. Some of the unlisted companies made hefty dividend payouts while in the red, which…
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