Tehran’s Designs on Afghanistan
Evidence from Herat and elsewhere suggests a growing – and at times deadly – Iranian influence over its eastern neighbor.
Evidence from Herat and elsewhere suggests a growing – and at times deadly – Iranian influence over its eastern neighbor.
Asia meets in Thailand to discuss water, as the threat to water security mounts.
For ambitious young Cambodians, Chinese is becoming the obvious second language to master.
Our correspondent votes for the first time in her life, and senses real change in her country.

This is shaping up to be a big year for smartphones at Samsung. Here we look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
Mongolia has done well from the commodities boom. But some troubling signs are emerging.

By tackling water scarcity head on, Beijing is improving social equality and fostering sustainable development.
The best of China this week. Chinese students demand Biden apologize. Li travels to India.

3 Chinese ships and 10 fishing boats patrolled the Spratly Islands this week, prompting a rebuke from Manila.
Soviet leaders once almost mistook an exercise for an attack. Could China have similar misperceptions?

A Thai cartoonist has been sued and charged for offending the nation’s PM.
A man has evaded rape charges via Sharia Law. Malaysians are enraged.

Omar Abdullah spoke in New Delhi about his state’s struggle with security.
In Indian Ocean geopolitics, the U.S. pursues its own interests. India should do the same.

American Idol-type reality show to be held to cast four other Chinese nationals in the film.
From celebrating Indian cinema to numerous film screenings, Asia is strong at Cannes this year.

Japan’s refusal to subsidize pro-North Korean schools in Japan “constitutes discrimination” a UN committee claims.
The fragile nation states of the South West Pacific have geostrategic significance, and not just for Australia.