Prominent Burma dissident welcomes Obama approach

Rangoon - US president-elect Barack Obama is expected to take a more multilateral and "effective" approach to Burma's transition to democracy than the outgoing administration of President George Bush, a prominent dissident said Wednesday.

More suffering, displacement feared in Mindanao : analysts
MANILA - Muslim separatist rebels are expected to step up guerrilla attacks against government and civilian targets in the coming months, leading to more displacement and suffering on the southern island of Mindanao, analysts warned.

Burmese activists, bloggers get stiff jail terms
Rangoon - Fourteen Burmese activists who participated in last year's Saffron Revolution were sentenced to 65 years in jail each on Tuesday, a non-governmental organisation said.

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New scandal hounds Arroyo government
Manila -- A former senior police official caught with a huge amount of cash at an airport in Moscow has reinforced the widespread perception that the Philippine government is riddled with corruption.

After Nargis: Time to Normalise Aid Relations
International Crisis Group (ICG) latest report on Burma, also known as Myanmar, called on the the international community to build on the recent achievements. Following is ICG's Executive Summary and recommendations:

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Security concerns over guns in civilian hands: Timor-Leste
DILI - Poor management of government weapon stockpiles and an unknown number of small arms in the hands of civilians were potential triggers for violence in the fledgling nation, according to a new report.
Indonesian Muslim hardliners sentenced to 18 months in jail
Jakarta (dpa) - An Indonesian court Thursday sentenced two Muslim hardliners to 18 months in prison each for their roles in a violent attack against an interfaith rally in June that left dozens of people injured.
Nine Burmese activists get six months for contempt of court
Rangoon - Nine activists who played a role in last year's Buddhist monk-led anti-government demonstrations have received six-month jail terms for contempt of court after complaining of the lack of a free judiciary in military-run Burma, a non-governmental organisation said Thursday.
No escalation of conflict in southern Philippines
Manila -- Fighting between government troops and Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines is not likely to escalate into a full-scale war, an international security think tank said Friday.

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Bangkok's best bars and pubs
Our nightlife reporter bids weekend a fond farewell with a recap of her seven favourite watering holes
Get it while it's tasty
Thai and international favourites, plus a few exotic items, are prepared in an open-kitchen
Babymime in full view
The acclaimed Thai pantomime troupe collaborates with top director nikorn saetang for their first solo show
Shopping by the sea
Along with the beach, there is an extensive selection of items worth browsing for in local markets