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Asia Life
Sports, culture and the arts are a passion for billions in the Asia-Pacific, and offer unique insights into what makes countries here tick. From the latest cricket match to prize-winning novels and the latest art exhibitions, The Diplomat's bloggers cover it all, giving you a fresh perspective on the region.
The Tragic Story of Qurban Ali Mirzaee
By Sanjay Kumar
The persecution of one of Afghanistan’s most popular actors demonstrates the current state of culture in Afghanistan.
Why Isn’t Star Wars a Big Deal in China?
By Catherine Putz
"The Force, it's calling to you. Just let it in."
An Indian Slum Not Redeveloped, But Transformed
By Alen John
A project in Kerala offers some salutary lessons for the rest of India.
Away from Sea, River Fishing on the Mekong
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
As we make our way to the Cambodian border, we search for fishermen who make their living from the river.
Next Stop Jalalabad: Traveling on One of the World’s Most Dangerous Roads
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Security threats on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway have drastically increased over the last few weeks.
How the Mekong River Builds Houses
By Luc Forysth and Gareth Bright
Welcome to the city of Sa Dec, where the river is turned into brick houses.
In Vietnam, a Fisherman's Village With No Fish
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
In the Mekong Delta's largest city, overfishing has forever altered the livelihoods of a whole community.
A Poisoned River: The Price of Productivity on the Mekong
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
How agrochemicals used in Vietnam's water table impact one family along the river.
Drug Use, HIV and a Harm Reduction Model for Northern China
By Leon Whyte
China's Yunnan province has shown how to deal with rising addiction and the spread of HIV.
Ambedkar Museum: Shared Memorial and Divided Memory
By Krzysztof Iwanek
India’s next museum has opened in London to commemorate a great, yet controversial statesman.
The Toxicity of Agriculture
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
In rural Vietnam we discover a disturbing connection between agricultural productivity and Mekong river pollution.
River Monsters, Reborn
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
A look at a ship repair facility in the Mekong delta.