March 2009
Sewers run with gold in Japanese town
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:02
A town in Japan has come up with a novel way of beating the country's crippling recession - it's extracting gold from its sewage.
South Asia law and order breakdown boosts heroin trade
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:04
The top government advisory body on drugs policy is warning that heroin is making a strong comeback, and governments need to get ready to respond.
Malaysian court accepts woman's decision to convert from Islam
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:04
On the Malaysian island state of Penang, an Islamic court has upheld a controversial decision - allowing a woman to revert from Islam to Buddhism.
Australian air show displays defence technology
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:04
The biggest air show in Australia finished in the state of Victoria on the weekend, and arms sales to Asia were a significant part of it.
Minister says 'carbon price incentive is key issue
Updated 17/03/2009 12:14:46
Critics say the Australian government's scheme would allow Australian companies to simply outsource their carbon abatement by investing in offshore projects such as Indonesian forests.
Minerals sector win concessions in carbon plan
Updated 17/03/2009 12:14:46
The Australian government's climate change legislation is now so politically mired, its unlikely to become law in its current form.
Suicide attack in Pakistan
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:04
An explosion has struck a bus stop in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, killing eight people. Another seventeen people were injured.
Pakistan to reinstate Chief Justice
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:04
Pakistan's government has agreed to reinstate Iftikhar Chaudhry as chief justice to defuse a political crisis and end a street protest threatening to turn into violent confrontation.
Vietnamese boat-people conquer their fear of water
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:02
Thirty years after fleeing post-war Vietnam in overcrowded fishing boats, many boat refugees still find that a fear of water cripples their lives.
Minister says 'carbon price incentive' is key issue
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:04
Critics say the Australian government's scheme would allow Australian companies to simply outsource their carbon abatement by investing in offshore projects such as Indonesian forests.
Extended Interview: Greens Senator Christine Milne
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:04
Linda Mottram speaks to Australian Greens Senator and climate change spokesperson, Christine Milne, about greenhouse targets, foreign credits and "carbon imperialism".
Minerals sector wins concessions in carbon plan
Updated 17/03/2009 14:43:04
The Australian government's climate change legislation is now so politically mired, its unlikely to become law in its current form.
G20 demands IMF reform
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:50
And the Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan spent the weekend in Britain, for talks on pulling the world out of recession.
Recession could create unrest in Asia: UN
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:50
The United Nations is warning the global recession has heightened the risk of social and political unrest in Asia.
Teachers bridge Australian-Indonesian relations
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:48
A group of 60 teachers from two very different worlds will this week embark on a landmark intercultural understanding project.
Pre-election tension mounts in Aceh
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:48
Tension continues to mount in the Indonesian province of Aceh in the lead up to next month's parliamentary elections.
Coalition building vital in Indonesian poll
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:50
Official campaigning for Indonesia's parliamentary elections begins today.. with 38 parties taking part.
Filipino couple forced to leave daughter in Japan
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:50
In a heart-breaking decision, a Filipino couple facing deportation from Japan have decided to leave their 13-year old daughter behind.
Australia to cut skilled migration
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:50
In a bid to protect jobs, the Australian Government is cutting the intake of skilled migrant workers.
Amnesty raps Australia over indigenous rights
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:50
Amnesty International says Australia flagrantly breaches its human rights obligations by continuing to suspend race discrimination laws in some indigenous communities.
Pakistan government caves in to protestor's demands
Updated 16/03/2009 10:48:50
Pakistan's Opposition-led protests appear to have been successful as reports from Islamabad say the government may reinstate Iftikhar Chaudhry as chief justice.
Extended Interview: Labor MP discusses racism conference
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:29
Linda Mottram speaks to Australian Labor MP Mark Dreyfus about his concerns over the planned review of the World Conference Against Racism and its draft final statement.
Anti-racism conference overshadowed by controversy
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:29
The tag "hatefest" continues to haunt a planned U-N anti-racism conference, with fears of a sizeable boycott amid claims of anti-Semitism.
Economic ties the basis of China Taiwan relations
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:29
The annual meeting of China's National Peoples' Congress winds up today.
Protesting lawyers destabilising for government
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:29
Police in Pakistan have clashed with lawyers and their supporters who tried to march on the capital.
Journalism students show little interest in newspapers
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:28
With the global economic downturn the newspaper industry around the world is in turmoil.
Young people face employment fears for first time
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:28
For a long time Australia's Generation Y, people born after 1977, had no reason to be anything but optimistic about their prospects.
Singaporeans refuse to settle
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:28
Singapore may be grappling with its worst-ever recession, but it seems Singaporeans are as fussy as ever about the jobs they take.
Japanese baseball team seeks secret recipe for success
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:29
For 24 long years it's been known in Japan as the Colonel's Curse.
Extended Interview: OHCHR spokesman discusses racism conference
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:29
Why there's controversy over the planned April review of the UN World Conference Against Racism. Linda Mottram speaks to Rupert Colville, spokesman for the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Recession will change the US forever
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:29
This week the Governor of the US Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke said the US recession could end this year if the Government gets its policies right.
That's a big IF. It means stabilising a financial system in ruins and saving or creating millions of jobs. And the economy, when it recovers, will never be the same.
US and UK finance ministers push 'new deal' at G20
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:29
This weekend, Australia's Treasurer Wayne Swan is in Britain for talks to outline a blueprint for lifting the world out of recession.
China could be on the moon by 2020
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:25
Experts in China claim the country is capable of sending astronauts to moon by the year 2020.
UN drug strategy ignores harm minimisation
Updated 13/03/2009 12:40:25
After months of high-level negotiations, the United Nations peak-body for drug control says it's formulated a new plan to curb the international scourge of drugs.
Greens and industry square off over climate plan
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:19
If the climate science was already alarming, this week it got worse.
Malaysia awaits handover to new PM
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:19
Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi says no date had been set for a transition of power to his deputy, Datuk Seri Tun Najib Razak, but he will name a date soon.
China using 'black jails' to prevent dissent
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:19
China's ruling Communist Party will wind up the National People's Congress tomorrow, amid clear signs that social unrest is looming as a serious challenge.
Obama's economic wizz kid fails to impress
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:19
In the United States, there's mounting concern, even within Democratic ranks, that the Obama administration isn't doing enough to confront the deepening recession.
World faces the risk of deflation
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:19
Less than a year ago inflation was a major concern for many of Asia's economies. Now its opposite, deflation is emerging as the latest threat which could make the global recession worse if it takes hold. Japan with rapidly falling prices and rising consumer fear, is bracing for years of economic turmoil. The global recession means others could get caught in the deflation spiral as Karon Snowdon reports.
Former guerillas turn tour guides in Aceh
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:17
Four years after a peace deal ended decades of conflict in Aceh, former fighters are still struggling to reintegrate into the community.
Cambodian acid attacks highlighted by new film
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:19
A US production company has released a feature film highlighting the issue of acid attacks in Cambodia.
Thailand seeks regional help to fight wildlife trade
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:17
Thailand is looking for broader regional support in the fight against the multi-million dollar illegal trade in wildlife.
Australians trapped in Papua plead for help
Updated 12/03/2009 11:43:19
Five Australians already trapped in Papua for six months are now pleading with the Federal Government to help them leave the troubled Indonesian province.
World recession sees China ascendant
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
While Asia's giant China is not immune to the world recession, some say it's actually accelerated China's rise in the global economic system.
IMF declares 'great recession'
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:42
The head of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, says the world has now entered a 'great recession'.
Architects to explore housing adaptation in Aceh
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
It's been a four year job, but the task of rebuilding the tsunami devastated city of Banda Aceh on Indonesia's Sumatra island, is almost complete.
Aquino's assasins receive pardons
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has reduced the sentences of ten men convicted of assassinating former opposition leader Benigno Aquino, more than 25 years ago.
Former Tamil Tiger deputy appointed as minister
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
The man who was once second in what was listed by the US as a terrorist organisation, has been appointed cabinet minister in Sri Lanka.
Naval spat between China, United States
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
While Beijing has been enjoying a warmer relationship with the US in recent months, a military spat has shown that old habits die hard.
US warns Australia could become Al Qaeda target
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
The United States says Australia is one of the countries that could be targetted as Al Qaeda regenerates along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
Dalai Lama calls for Tibetan autonomy
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has called for co-existence with China and meaningful autonomy for Tibet as he marked the 50th anniversary of his exile.
Chinese government calls Dalai Lama 'a liar'
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
There has been a vitriolic war of words between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama with the Tibetan spiritual leader saying his homeland has become a "hell on earth" and, last night, the Chinese Government called him a liar.
Christian group criticises abortion aid decision
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
The Australian government's decision may have been welcomed by aid groups and women's health workers in developing countries, but it hasn't pleased everyone.
Australia resumes aid funding for abortion
Updated 11/03/2009 12:09:41
Most of Australia's aid community is celebrating the effective reversal of a 12-year long ban, which Canberra and family planning advocates say has cost lives and seriously eroded Australia's child and maternal health and family planning services.
Australia welcomes plan for dialogue with Taliban
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:28
Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has decribed Pakistan as a nation facing an 'existential threat', but are the United States, Britain and Australia prepared for the possibility of Pakistan declining into a failed state.
China warns pro-independence Tibetans not to enter Tibet
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:28
China has bolstered its security forces along its border with India and Nepal, on the fiftieth anniversary of a failed uprising in Tibet.
Gambling goes underground in Cambodia
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:26
In late February, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen outlawed all forms of gambling involving slot machines and betting on football games, ostensibly in the name of improving the country's morality.
Vietnam suffering 'brain drain'
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:27
There's growing concern of a brain drain in Vietnam, with statistics showing as many as 70 per cent of students who study overseas, don't return home after graduating.
Japan's immigration laws force girl to make tough decision
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:27
In Japan, immigration officials have given a 13-year-old girl a harrowing choice - go with her parents back to their native Philippines where she's never lived, or stay in Japan without them.
Australia losing Indonesian expertise
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:28
Australia and Indonesia have a complex and sometimes difficult relationship, occasionally marred by a lack of understanding on both sides.
China and India vie for influence in Nepal
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:28
While continuing to stem dissent within Tibet, China is also taking steps to make sure its sensitivities to the Tibetan issue is respected by its near neighbours.
Thai website editor arrested
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:28
Thai authorities have arrested the editor of well-known news website after a reader posted offensive comments about the monarchy.
Australian PM stirs up debate on neoliberal economics
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:28
As world leaders continue to struggle with the spiralling economic disaster, part of Australia's debate is being shaped by seven-thousand Prime Ministerial words.
Economic crisis disastrous for world's poor
Updated 10/03/2009 11:17:28
The global financial crisis is fast becoming a disaster for the world's poor.
Chinese premier forecasts steady growth
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:58
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has addressed the annual session of the National People's Congress - China's parliament.
Police identify Lahore suspects
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:58
But first to Lahore, where Pakistani police say they've identified the terrorists who attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team.
50th anniversary of Dalai Lama exile
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
On the eve of tomorrow's 50th anniversary of the failed uprising which saw the Dalai Lama flee Tibet, his family inside China have told Radio Australia that they miss him and want him to be allowed to return.
Riot police break up Malaysian education protest
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
Riot police in Malaysia used tear-gas to disperse about five thousand demonstrators on Saturday.
Fears Macau security law will be abused
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
The special administrative region of Macau has put to effect a new security law that will punish crimes of political nature against the Chinese government.
People's Assembly gives 'screen of democracy': Analyst
Updated 09/03/2009 16:00:00
North Korea's parliament has powers to revise the constitution, approve the budget and appoint top officials to bodies like the National Defence Commission.
Kim's son runs in North Korean elections
Updated 09/03/2009 16:00:00
It's hardly likely to be a cliff-hanger election, but the parliamentary poll in North Korea is expected to provide a hint about life after Kim Jong-il.
Kylie makes Bollywood debut
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
Kylie Minogue has added a new role to her long list of credentials; Bollywood star.
Philippine proposal to rehabilitate mothballed nuke plant
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
In the Philippines groups from environmentalists to the Catholic church are protesting against a proposal to rehabilitate a mothballed nuclear power plant.
Thailand, Laos officially open rail link
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
Thailand and Laos have officially opened the first rail link connecting the two countries over a bridge spanning the Mekong River.
Thai women push for equal pay
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
Thai women representatives of labour unions and student groups met on the weekend calling on the Thai Government to strengthen welfare state initiatives in the face of the impact from the global recession.
US overture to Iran on Afghanistan strategy
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
The United States has called for a high level international conference to map out a new strategy on Afghanistan.
It would include Afghan and Pakistan officials, as well as NATO allies, major donors and international organisations. And the White House says it wants to see all of Afghanistan's neighbours turn up - including Iran. It's seen as an important gesture toward Tehran, with whom US President Barack Obama has pledged to open up a dialogue.
Whaling commission head warns of collapse if no compromise
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:59
There are fears that the body that oversees the protection of the world's whale stocks is on the brink of collapse.
Australia, South Korea sign security pact
Updated 09/03/2009 15:59:58
A tighter security relationship between two US alliance partners has emerged in East Asia, coinciding with China's announcement this week of a 15 per cent rise in military spending this year.
Australian specialist training for East Timor troops
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:54
Australia's defence minister has formally opened a specialist training wing for the East Timor defence forces.
Workers angry at jobs shifting to Asia
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:54
As recession bites elsewhere, here in Australia, hundreds of workers sacked by clothing manufacturer Pacific Brands, have protested against the decision in the heart of Melbourne's retail precinct.
Women hard hit by global slowdown
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:54
As the world grapples with the recession and low consumer confidence, the International Labour Organisation is estimating that jobless ranks will swell by 20 percent this year.
Fears US spending will not shorten recession
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:54
There are signs in the United States that the massive spending by the Obama administration might not be working to shorten the recession.
Australia, South Korea sign security pact
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:54
A tighter security relationship between two US alliance partners has emerged in East Asia, coinciding with China's announcement this week of a 15 per cent rise in military spending this year.
Chinese premier forecasts steady growth
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:55
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has addressed the annual session of the National People's Congress - China's parliament.
Police identify Lahore suspects
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:55
But first to Lahore, where Pakistani police say they've identified the terrorists who attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team.
Bedouin band keeps nomad tradition alive
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:51
The Bedouin culture of Arabia has a history dating back hundreds of years.
University life takes a toll on Singapore students
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:51
Apart from shopping and food, Singapore is also known for its law-abiding citizens.
Duty free proposal for Pakistan, Afghanistan imports
Updated 06/03/2009 11:25:54
US lawmakers have introduced a bill which would allow duty free import of goods made in special zones in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Scepticism greets Japan's stimulus package
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:56
Prime Minister Taro Aso is struggling to save his political career is and hopes a new cash handout plan will be the key.
Japan's opposition leader tainted by corruption scandal
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:56
The man tipped to be Japan's next prime minister is fighting for his political life after prosecutors raided his office over alleged illegal donations.
India sets dates for general election
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:56
India is to hold general elections over a month from April 16th to May 13th.
Australia's economy slips backwards
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:56
Australia has been delivered a wake-up call - the economy has slipped backwards for the first time in eight years.
Chinese leaders meet amid economic slowdown
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:56
And China's leaders will also be entering untested territory, as they gather today, for the annual session of the National People's Congress - China's parliament.
Tibetans liberated from serfdom: China
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:56
Tension is high in Tibet, amid reports of a heavy Chinese crackdown in the run-up to the March 10th anniversary of a failed uprising, fifty years ago, that sent the Dalai Lama into exile.
World must help Pakistan against terrorism: Canberra
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:56
Australia is warning again that Pakistan faces an existential threat from terrorism, as governments and terrorism experts weigh the implications of the deadly attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore.
Safe sex message not getting through in Hong Kong
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:51
A new government reports say HIV infections have reached a record high in Hong Kong.
Asia's unemployed flood rural areas
Updated 05/03/2009 11:38:51
With consumer demand falling sharply in Europe and the United States in the wake of the economic downturn, Asian economies have recorded sharp falls in exports.
New push to combat people trafficking in Australia
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:33
The attempt to curb the insidious trade in people trafficking is a major issue between Australia and its Asian neighbours.
Australia still in danger of recession
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:33
People are being told that they shouldn't get too obsessed with today's domestic growth figures because the economy is heading for recession either way.
More volatility on Asian share markets
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:33
Most Asian share markets continued to slide today as the world absorbed the news of the United States biggest corporate loss by insurer AIG.
Global 'New Deal' possible
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:34
A plan to remedy the ailing global economy has been floated during a meeting in Washington between the leaders of the US and Britain.
Pakistan reeling from Sri Lankan cricket attacks
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:34
At least six Sri Lankan cricket players and an assistant coach were hurt and five police and one driver were killed when gunmen attacked the team's bus as it drove under police escort to a stadium in Lahore.
Police search for Sri Lanka cricket attackers
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:34
Pakistani police are searching for up to 12 gunmen who opened fire on the Sri Lankan cricket side, killing seven people, including police personnel and wounding several members of the team.
Still a one-horse race for Asian Cup
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:33
The odds are firming that Australia will be given the right to host one of the biggest events on the world soccer calander - the Asian Cup.
Fire a major cause of death among young Indian women
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:33
New research shows fire is the biggest single killer of young urban Indian women.
Skilled migrants still in demand
Updated 04/03/2009 12:29:33
As the global financial crisis deepens, immigration and labour are big challenges for government.
Pay dispute throws spotlight on Australian Defence
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:36
A minor pay dispute involving some of Australia's frontline soldiers has underscored tensions over lines of authority and raised questions about the competence of the civilian administrators of Australian defence.
Tsunami museum opens in Aceh
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:36
It's been a four year job, but the task of rebuilding the tsunami devastated city of Banda Aceh is almost complete.
Timor MP urges passage of domestic violence law
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:37
This year marks ten years since East Timor's historic independence ballot.
ASEAN challenged on rights rhetoric
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:37
The ASEAN leaders summit wrapped up in Thailand over the weekend.
Military, govt tension over hunt for Bangladesh mutineers
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:37
The hunt is on to find those responsible for last week's deadly mutiny in Bangladesh.
WTO head urges completion of Doha talks
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:37
Global sharemarkets have tumbled after the world's biggest insurer posted the largest loss in US corporate history.
Drug-resistant malaria threatens eradication efforts
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:33
The World Health Organisation has warned that a new strain of drug-resistant malaria could threaten global efforts to contain the disease.
Flu vaccine could be ready in three years
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:36
Two separate teams of scientists say they've isolated antibodies that could provide a universal flu vaccine, but it'll be three years before we see a version fit for human consumption.
Extended interview: Alan Behm talks Defence problems
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:36
In a system where civilian and uniformed responsibilities are clearly defined and separated, with ultimate responsibility lying with the minister, the current issue, the minister says, highlights a need for reform.
Gandhi memorabilia owner defends auction
Updated 03/03/2009 12:06:36
This week in New York, some of the best known items of Gandhi memorabilia go on sale.
US warns early election will compromise security
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:32
The United States is burdened with most of the heavy lifting when it comes to security for the Afghan elections.
US should rethink 'hot pursuit' in Pakistan
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:32
One of the world's foremost strategic analysts says Pakistan is the most worrying current feature of international politics in this extended interview with Radio Australia Canberra correspondent Linda Mottram.
Pakistan unrest over court ruling barring Sharif
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:32
In Pakistan, there has been further unrest after the Supreme Court barred the main opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, from public office.
Corruption and abuse mark Burma's cyclone recovery
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:32
A report by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has called for a United Nations-led investigation into Burma's handling of aid and assistance since last year's devastating cyclone Nargis, accusing the military government of crimes against humanity.
East Timor in good economic shape, says Minister
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:32
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved East Timor's request to keep its peace keeping force there for another year.
US should be more involved in Human Right Council
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:32
Many audacious hopes have been raised by the election of Barack Obama, not least that there will be a restoration of America's reputation as a human rights defender.
Afghan president seeks early election
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:32
Afghanistan's president is under pressure to reverse a decision to hold nationwide elections as early as next month.
Activists forced out of ASEAN meeting
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:32
It's been just over two months since the charter of the Association of South East Asian Nations came into effect which makes much of involving the people of the region.
Land clearing brings Indonesia's tigers out in the open
Updated 02/03/2009 12:39:29
Indonesia, and tigers have now mauled six people to death in one area of Sumatra within the last month alone.
