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South East Asia
Philippine gov’t warns rebels to peacefully end four-day standoff
The Philippine government on Thursday warned Muslim rebels who have been holding more than 100 people hostage in a southern port city to peacefully end the four-day standoff “at the soonest possible time,” saying its forces are ready to demonstrate the state’s resolve. It was the toughest talk by President…
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West Asia
Obama blends threat of attack, hope of diplomacy
President Barack Obama used a nationally televised address Tuesday night to make his case for military action against Syria, telling skeptical Americans that President Bashar Assad’s government posed a threat to U.S. security even as he recognized that diplomatic steps could render attacks unnecessary. While noting he had asked Congress…
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East Asia
South China explosion kills 2, injures 44
Two people were killed and 44 injured Monday in an explosion near a school in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A man and a woman were killed in the blast, and 39 are hospitalized for treatment, police with Guilin City said. The injured mainly suffered burns and skin lacerations,…
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West Asia
White House tries to sway war-wear public on Syria
President Barack Obama is going public to try to convince war-weary Americans that limited strikes against Syria are needed for the United States’ long-term safety, while his national security team is attempting to reassure skeptical lawmakers that the United States is not heading toward another Iraq or Afghanistan. Obama on…
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South Asia
Pakistani women take part in a rally for the World Hijab Day
Pakistani women take part in a rally to mark the World Hijab Day in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on Sept, 4, 2013. Nationwide rallies were organized to highlight the importance and value of hijab for Muslim women in Pakistan. <Xinhua/NEWSis>
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South Asia
India passes $20 bln law to expand food welfare
India plans to subsidize wheat, rice and cereals for some 800 million people under a $20 billion scheme to cut malnutrition and ease poverty. The Food Security Bill, sent this week by India’s parliament to the president for approval, guarantees citizens a legal right to food. India has some of…
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East Asia
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman visits North Korea to meet Kim Jung Un
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman is in North Korea with plans to hang out with authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un, have a good time and maybe bridge some cultural gaps – but not be a diplomat. Rodman was greeted at Pyongyang’s airport Tuesday by Son Kwang Ho, vice-chairman of North…
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East Asia
Tornados hit eastern Japanese cities injuring people, damaging buildings
Tornados hit cities in east part of Japan Monday afternoon, injuring dozens of people and damaging building, according to local media. In Koshigaya city in the Saitama prefecture, local police said that they confirmed six buildings were completely destroyed and about 80 were badly damaged, reported Japan’s Kyodo News. Around…
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West Asia
5 suspects arrested for gang rape of 22-year-old Indian woman photojournalist
Police on Sunday arrested the last of five men wanted in the gang rape of a photojournalist in Mumbai, and said charges would be filed soon in a case that has incensed the public and fueled debate over whether women can be safe in India. The victim, a 22-year-old Indian…
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East Asia
Indonesia to introduce immunization policy to tackle infant deaths
A child is fed with vitamin during monthly medical health treatment for children at Tangerang, Indonesia, August 22, 2013. The Indonesian government this year will begin to introduce a new immunization policy to tackle the increase of pain and death in infant and children. A child receives vaccine injection during…
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