Asia

Turkey places site of Alexander the Great’s first battle with Persians under historic protection

Under the Çanakkale Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage’s decision, both the battlefield and its surrounding areas have gained the protected status.

Mosaic showing Alexander the Great on a horse, June 25, 2026.
Japanese troops take part in a counter-landing live fire exercise as part of the annual Balikatan joint military drills on May 04, 2026 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte province, Philippines.

Israel must seize the opportunities created by Japan's strategic awakening - opinion

North Korean propaganda village "Gijungdong" is seen from an South Korea's observation post inside the JSA during a media tour at the Joint Security Area (JSA) on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the border village of Panmunjom in Paju, South Korea, 3 March 2023.

South Korea's military says it detained a North Korean soldier near border

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and President Isaac Herzog during Abdullahi's first official state visit to Israel, June 14, 2026.

The Somaliland president’s historic Israel visit - opinion


Croatian police find bodies of four migrants near Slovene border, aid 15 others

The police determined that the migrants were taken in a cargo vehicle by an unknown driver and left at the Slovenian border after having been subject to "inhumane conditions" during the drive.

Migrants from Bangladesh stand in the woods near Velika Kladusa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, September 30, 2020. Hundreds of migrants from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa set up makeshift camps in Bosnian woods near the border with Croatia, attempting to cross into the European Union where they h

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.