UPI Asia.com

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Photo of the Day

Lunar luck: A van delivers kumquat trees in preparation for the Tet holiday in Hanoi, Vietnam on Feb. 7, 2010. The tiny fruit trees are a popular decoration in China as well as Vietnam for the Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 14, as they symbolize the coming of luck and wealth. (Photo/Steve Jackson)

Is the HPV vaccine worthwhile?

By DR. PRADNYA KULKARNI

Column: Doc Talk

Hong Kong, China, February 8 — Many parents face the dilemma of whether to vaccinate their teenage girls against infection from the human papilloma virus, or HPV. Many questions arise about the vaccine and its social implications. Since the vaccine does not cure a preexisting infection, it is advisable to vaccinate girls in their teens.

Religious freedom in North Korea?

By LEE JONG-HEON

UPI Correspondent

Seoul, South Korea, February 5 — North Korea announced on Friday it would release U.S. missionary Robert Park after holding him for a month for illegal entry. State media said Park will be freed as he confessed he had a "wrong understanding" of North Korea because of "the false propaganda made by the West to tarnish its image."

COMMENTARY

It pays to be a Taliban

By UDDIPAN MUKHERJEE

Column: Machine Gun

Kolkata, India, February 8 — U.S. President Barack Obama is trapped in a vicious circle. He inherited the tormenting legacy of the war on terror, and now must deal with a growing anti-war current at home and around the globe. Whatever strategy he chooses to exit Afghanistan, the Taliban is likely to be the ultimate winner.

Thailand: A coup or not a coup?

By FRANK G. ANDERSON

Column: Thai Traditions

Nakhonratchasima, Thailand, February 8 — Upheaval, real or imagined, is the word of the day in Thailand. Red Shirt activists, supported by ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, held protests at multiple locations last week to warn the Thai army not to stage a coup. What coup? The coup that Thaksin has slyly warned about?

Prioritizing maternal health in Nepal

By BHUMIKA GHIMIRE

Column: Nepali in America

West Lafayette, IN, United States, February 8 — Considerable improvements have been made in reducing maternal mortality in Nepal, thanks to international efforts that have been picked up and advanced domestically. While Nepal’s leaders acknowledge the need for legislation to protect women and children, they do not see this as a national priority.

China longs for a 'Bao the Upright' to uproot corruption

By ZHANG QUANYI

Column: Global Survey

Ningbo, China, February 5 — A Chinese TV series called “Stories of Judge Bao,” which depicts the life of an upright 11th century judge, is gaining wide acclaim in China. One reason is that corruption has extended to all corners of life in China. People long for a wise and just man who can remedy the situation.

Bangladesh: Justice delayed and denied
William Gomes

Dhaka , Bangladesh

Body2Body
by Jerome Kugan and Pang Khee Teik (eds.)

Reviewed by Nigel Collett