Asia

El Al cancels Tel Aviv-Hanoi flight route after Shin Bet denies security authorization

According to the airline, it sought permission from Israel's security establishment to operate the flights but was told it could not obtain the required authorizations to run the route.

El Al plane takes off at the Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, August 4, 2026; Illustrative.
Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing reviews a guard of honour with Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (not pictured), during a welcoming ceremony at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, August 6, 2026.

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing departs for Russia to expand energy and economic ties

Children wave flags of Vietnam and Laos ahead a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Hanoi on January 26, 2026.

Vietnam targets natural birth sex ratio by 2035 with crackdown on fetal sex selection

TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, next to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after signing a joint defense agreement in Mecca, on August 7, 2026.

Mecca pact unites Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan - but what does it mean? - opinion


Around 250 missing after Rohingya boat capsizes in Andaman Sea, UN agencies say

The UN agencies said the trawler carrying around 250 men, women, and children reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding.

A staff member of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency searches for victims of a boat from Buthidaung, Myanmar, that sank near the Malaysia–Thailand border, during a search and rescue operation close to Langkawi, Malaysia November 9, 2025.

Ashes of Pompeii: New study confirms ancient city's role within Rome’s global trade route

Remnants of a “grape-derived product” was also found within one of the burners, the study noted, consistent with literary and artistic depictions of wine being used for ritual purpose in Rome.

Incense burner found in Pompeii, containing residue of local plants and imported resin, April 7, 2026.

Iranians rally outside US embassies worldwide, urge continued pressure on Tehran

Protesters sent a unified message to Washington, urging policymakers not to reach agreements with Tehran and instead to “stay the course” in confronting the regime.

People hold signs featuring images of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah and an Iranian opposition figure, during a protest against the Iranian government, amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, in front of the Iranian embassy in London, Britain, April 4, 2026.

Ignoring Central Asia’s environmental crisis is a strategic mistake - opinion

Falling water levels also affect river transport and port operations. The Caspian Sea's declining levels threaten ecosystems and critical economic assets, including ports and energy facilities.

Illustrative image of a town in Central Asia.

Taiwan fears China may exploit US distraction from Middle East war

"This is a moment for China to exercise influence," said a senior Taiwan security official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks at a press conference on the latest round of economic talks with the US, in Taipei, Taiwan, February 3, 2026.

Asia looks to COVID-era playbook to tackle fuel crisis from Iran war

Asia is at the frontline of the fuel crisis, buying more than 80% of the crude that transits the Strait of Hormuz, which has been almost totally blocked by Iran since the war broke out in February.

A coastguard boat approaches an Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, Shivalik, as it arrives at Mundra Port via the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, in Gujarat, India, March 16, 2026.

Asia is most affected continent by Strait of Hormuz closure, with 80% of Gulf energy imports

A New York Times report revealed that Asian countries are entering an energy crisis due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while Western nations will feel the economic effects of the war.

Asia will be the most affected continent by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Closing the Strait of Hormuz could bankroll a new Iranian government - opinion

Sanctioned Iranian oil offers the opposition a rare chance to challenge the regime and stabilize global oil prices.

Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governance, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026.

Philippines allows dirtier Euro-II fuel use to ease supply crunch amid Middle East crisis

"The measure is intended to help maintain a continuous, adequate and accessible fuel supply, while allowing limited flexibility for sectors that may be affected," the DOE said.

A sharp spike in oil prices rattled equities and revived fears of a renewed global inflation wave.

Strauss coffee initiative brews opportunity for women farmers in the Global South

More Than a Cup enterprise is helping marginalized female coffee growers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America strengthen their livelihoods

Harvesting coffee cherries that contain the coffee beans used to make coffee.