Stories about Asia
Failed assassination attempt sparks speculations of power struggle in Uzbekistan
The timing of the incident stirred discussions of a possible power struggle unfolding among different groups close to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to solidify their position as his future successor.
The second scramble for Africa: The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy
The EU is looking to offer an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). But will it's Global Gateway Strategy be a boon for the continent or perpetuate colonial patterns?
China's impact on the Rogun Dam Project in Tajikistan
Tajikistan's Rogun Dam Project is one of the most ambitious hydroelectric projects in the world. Do the ballooning costs, environmental concerns, and human rights abuses outweigh the potential benefits?
Mass killings leave dozens dead, rattling Chinese society
After a spate of mass attacks in China where the perpetrators were supposedly ‘taking revenge on society’, some are calling for reform and greater social support.
Scores of Nepalis tricked into joining the Russian army
A Nepali cook falsely recruited in the Russian Army started seeking a way to escape when he saw his name on a roster of soldiers being sent to the frontlines.
China's investment in agriculture in Tajikistan: A focus on growth and pesticide use
Beginning in 2012, Tajikistan leased around 18,000 hectares of arable land to China for agricultural cultivation. Over ten years later, how has this turned out for the Tajik economy and its farmers?
The transformative potential of AI and digital tools in securing the integrity of elections in Africa
Platforms like Full Fact in the UK and Africa Check in South Africa use AI to scan political speeches, news stories, and social media posts for misinformation.
Torture, abuse, and degredation are rampant in Azerbaijani prisons
In Azerbaijani prisons, torture and ill-treatment are common. But for queer inmates, the persecution is much worse. The existing legislation offers no legal remedies.
Protests erupt in New Zealand over Treaty Principles Bill
"This bill fails to uphold the promises made in the Treaty and disregards the voices of Māori."
Smog chokes Pakistan's Punjab province as AQI soars to 1,900 in Lahore and 2,000 in Multan
With smog intensity escalating in Lahore at the end of October, affecting its 13 million residents, the Punjab government imposed a “green lockdown” and set up a “smog war room.”
Nuclear referendum disheartens Kazakhstan’s opposition
A few days before the referendum, police detained about 40 activists across the country.
Togolese expert Kofi Sika Latzoo explains the video game industry's impact on the African economy
The creative economy provides jobs across several sub-sectors, including music, art, cinema, and video games, which generate millions, even billions, of US dollars.
Hostile hosts in African football: The Nigeria versus Libya scandal
TotalEnergies, the headline sponsor of the AFCON tournament, has faced criticism for using sportwashing tactics to obscure its exploitation of African resources and contributing to climate challenges on the continent.
From Egypt to Libya, migrant deaths in the Mediterranean are either ignored or normalized
As migrant deaths in the Mediterranean go unreported, local organizations often handle recovery alone, reflecting the region's silent crisis and a system that fails those fleeing hardships.
Influx of student bike riders from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng overwhelm Chinese authorities
While the state initially encouraged student "night riders" who were biking from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng for steamed buns, overcrowding and politically sensitive messaging led the government to clamp down on the bikers.
Palau newspaper faces defamation charges over leaked tax report
"The council sees this legal action as an assault on press freedom and an attempt to undermine the accountability that is vital to democracy."
Impunity continues to threaten the work of journalists across Southeast Asia
"While there is inherent risk in journalism and media work, attacks against journalists cannot be normalized."
Can Trump help Pakistan's Imran Khan?
The United States is often seen as meddling in Pakistan's internal affairs, but supporters of Imran Khan hope Donald Trump may throw his support behind the imprisoned former Prime Minister.
Iranian artist Korosh Ghazimorad redefines calligraphy through tradition and innovation
"I aim for an expression that challenges the viewer's mind, inviting them to reflect beyond the surface meanings of the lines while preserving the authenticity of calligraphic art."
What will a second Trump presidency in the US mean for Taiwan?
While some believe that there won't be fundamental disruption to US policy under the Trump administration, others worry about possibility of Trump trading off Taiwan to China.
Trumpet call: How a second Trump term will affect US ties with India and Nepal
In South Asia, Trump's reelection will alter Washington's approach to China and India, with Nepal's impact hinging on the evolution of U.S. relations with its two large neighbours.