Saudi Arabia’s new 100% shisha tax sparks fury
A decision to impose a 100 percent tax on bills at restaurants that serve shisha has ignited criticism on social media in Saudi Arabia, where the water pipes are a…
Four killed as police fire on Bangladesh protesters
At least four people were killed and nearly 50 injured Sunday after police fired on thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims protesting a Facebook post by a Hindu who allegedly defamed the…
China talks up tech prowess in face of US rivalry
China on Sunday said it aims to become a "great power" in the online world and took a swipe at Washington on trade, kicking off its annual conference promoting the…
Democracy crowds defy Hong Kong police after activists attacked
by Yan ZHAO / Xinqi SU Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and held an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swollen by anger over the recent…
Nobel Peace Prize for ‘people of Hong Kong’ can draw China’s ire
While millions have taken to the streets of Hong Kong, a Norwegian politician -Guri Melby, a member of Norway's parliament for the liberal party -- has nominated the "people of Hong…
Murderer who triggered Hong Kong protests will go to Taiwan: pastor
A man who inadvertently triggered Hong Kong's huge protests after he murdered his girlfriend in Taiwan has agreed to return to the island to face justice, a clergyman who has…
Backlash grows over ‘Abominable’ film’s disputed S. China Sea map
by Patrick Lee A scene in the film "Abominable" featuring a map with Beijing's disputed South China Sea claims sparked a growing regional backlash Friday, with Malaysia cutting the segment…
Radical Thai billionaire in court over alleged share holdings
by Dene-Hern Chen The charismatic frontman of Thailand's anti-military parliamentary bloc appeared in court Friday accused of breaching election rules by holding media shares, a case which could see him…
HK lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day
by Jerome TAYLOR / Jasmine LEUNG Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of Hong Kong's legislature by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the city's pro-Beijing leader for a second…
Hong Kong leader abandons policy speech after heckles from lawmakers
by Jerome TAYLOR / Jasmine LEUNG Hong Kong's embattled leader abandoned a State of the Union-style speech on Wednesday after she was heckled by rowdy opposition lawmakers during chaotic scenes…