In The News

Malaysia Headed for US Deep Freezer?

Eddie Toh March 31, 2003
Despite a period of cooperation immediately following the Sept. 11 attacks on the US, in recent weeks Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir has been one of US Pres. George Bush's harshest critics over the war on Iraq. But official criticism should not deter American investors from Malaysia, says this article in Singapore's Business Times. Rather, says author Eddie Toh, Washington and...

N Korea Could Scrap Nuclear Plan for Pipeline

Andrew Ward March 30, 2003
Both South Korean and American officials have claimed that a resolution to the North Korean nuclear weapons crisis should be achieved using different methods than in Iraq. The latest suggestion by the South Korean government is to route a Russian gas pipeline to its northern neighbor, in exchange for Pyongyang's renunciation of all nuclear programs. If the needs of North Korea’s struggling...

China Raises Tally of Cases and Deaths in Mystery Illness

Elisabeth Rosenthal March 27, 2003
The mysterious pneumonia known as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) that has been plaguing much of Asia has claimed more lives than previously thought. Yesterday China told officials with the World Health Organization that its total cases of SARS number almost 800, with an estimated 31 deaths. Apparently the disease has turned up in Beijing – thousands of miles north of Guangdong...

Gambling: Las Vegas Seen as Model

March 26, 2003
The global spread of American culture is often seen as a form of cultural imperialism. But there are many cases where a nation will actively import American culture or use it as a model. Thailand is considering legalizing casino operations and eventually building a Las Vegas-like entertainment complex. And like most instances of cultural borrowing, the end product will likely be a unique Thai...

China Bars W.H.O. Experts from Origin Site of Illness

Lawrence K. Altman March 26, 2003
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has now appeared in thirteen countries, with at least 487 known cases of infection. It is believed to have originated in China’s Guandong province, but Chinese officials are preventing World Health Organization (WHO) teams from investigating. There has thus been no independent verification of the number of SARS cases in China, whether cases have occurred...

The Asia Factor in Global Hollywood

Christina Klein March 25, 2003
Often criticized for overwhelming global audiences with 'American culture', evidence from the past twenty years shows that Hollywood is expanding its embrace to include actors from Hong Kong, scripts from South Korea, and production facilities in New Zealand and China. With 50% of its revenue now coming from abroad - and that's expected to increase - the American film industry...

Malaysian PM Condemns Iraq War

March 24, 2003
Prime Minister Mahathir criticized the Bush administration for ignoring international law and undermining world order. In parliament, he said "military action in Iraq would lead to a system of dictatorship through puppet governments" and to "the spread of international terrorism." Meanwhile, anti-war protests continue through out much of South-East Asia. –YaleGlobal