Obama to meet with Myanmar rulers

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Severity masks weakness

Extended house arrest to politically sideline democracy activist

Friday, Aug. 14, 2009

It must be one of literary history's deep ironies. George Orwell spent some of his formative years serving king and empire as a colonial policeman in resource-laden Burma, which, of all the crown's far-flung jewels, he regarded as the one most likely to prosper after independence.

Myanmar's N. Korean ties escape scrutiny

Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009

Governments and international bodies have been slow to act over the possibility that two of the world's most repressive regimes - North Korea and Myanmar - are collaborating on nuclear technology.

Indonesia attack a surprise or not?

Explosive end to a four-year hiatus, any false sense of safety

Friday, July 24, 2009

Despite the July 16 terrorist attacks on Jakarta's JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotel, Indonesia's tourist hub Bali seems as bustling as ever, with beaches packed and the downtown Kuta market doing its usual roaring trade.

Shariah bankers: West ready for faith-based alternative

Monday, April 13, 2009

Backers of Shariah-compliant finance see an opportunity for expansion amid the global economic downturn, and some Western banks are welcoming this growing source of new business.

Boisterous and strong economies now imperiled

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009

Two of the world's most open and successful economies face tough times as the global downturn marks the end of one era and opens a new period of peril and possibility for both.

New violence in Philippines sparks terrorism fears

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008

The southern Philippines, long considered a safe haven for al Qaeda affiliates, has relapsed into violence after a U.S.-backed peace deal between the government and a rebel Islamic militant group collapsed.

Unrest in Malaysia, Thailand

Friday, Sept. 26, 2008

Malaysia and Thailand are two of Southeast Asia's most prosperous middle-income states, whose relatively stable recent histories contrast with volatile neighbors such as Indonesia, Philippines or Burma.

Petraeus' visit focuses on military assistance

Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008

Gearing up to take over the U.S. Central Command for the Middle East in September, Gen. David H. Petraeus last week paid a surprise visit to Beirut to meet Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.

Sectarian tensions heat up in Lebanon

Outside forces fuel instability

Monday, Aug. 4, 2008

The banner draped across one of downtown Beirut's plush ice-cream parlors reads "taste the reconciliation."