Fire in the sky

Article Abstract:

Air pollution in Southeast Asia has reached dangerous levels as a result of the noxious smog which blankets the region, caused by massive and out-of-control forest fires in Indonesia. Pollution is threatening the lucrative tourist industry, with airports closed and airlines forced to cancel flights. The smog has also caused health problems, particularly an increase in respiratory ailments. Looking ahead, doctors warn that increases in malignant diseases could be seen in 20 to 30 years. Some businessmen believe that the crisis should awaken the region's environmental consciousness and force changes in business practices.

Health aspects, Cover Story, Environmental aspects, Pollution, Forest fires, Air pollution, Smog, Shifting cultivation

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The great escape

Article Abstract:

The yen's appreciation and the US dollar's relative decline are reshaping the economies and production strategies of all East Asia. Japanese companies have begun to examine in earnest moving high-value-added work abroad; at present, only 6% of Japanese production is overseas, compared to 20% in the West. Other countries are finding it a mixed blessing, as their exports become more competitive but existing yen-denominated loans get more expensive to repay.

Japan, International aspects, Corporations, Outsourcing, Corporations, Japanese

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Devious and deliberate: as they come under increasing international pressure to go easy on dissent, governments across the region are resorting to more indirect means to stifle opposition groups and social activists

Article Abstract:

Many regional governments in the Far East lacked subtlety about methods used to stifle dissent, but today they come under increasing pressure from human rights groups, as their regional societies open up alongside their economic gains. Governments now tend to use indirect methods such as 'extra-legal' methods which enables them to distance themselves from the actions of political shock troops.

Politics, Political aspects, Asia, Dissenters, Political persecution, Repression

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