Politics - Asia latest news

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is trumpeting that he has "kept his promise" in having five prisoners and the remains of 199 others returned to lebanon by Israel. This indeed enhances Hezbollah's prestige, while Israel, although getting back the bodies of two soldiers abducted in 2006, has drawn widespread criticism for appearing to come off worse in the exchange. And why did the Israelis wait so long before agreeing to the deal? - Sami Moubayed (Jul 17, '08)

The decision by the george W bush administration to send a high-level official to join talks on Iran's nuclear program as a "listener" marks a significant shift, but in line with Washington's engagement of North Korea. The move on Iran brings the possibility of a "freeze-for-freeze" - a simultaneous suspension of international sanctions and uranium enrichment - a step closer. Hardliners in the United States, though, will not give up without a fight. - Jim Lobe (Jul 17, '08)

The government of President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has responded positively to a proposal by Washington that it open a US Interests Section in Tehran. Hooshang Amirahmadi, president of the American Iranian council and currently in Iran, also welcomes the initiative, pointing out that Ahmadinejad is always ready to talk. (Jul 17, '08)

More than any other Southeast Asian country, Cambodia is caught between competing superpowers. With the United States extending strategic initiatives and Beijing coughing up financial assistance, Prime Minister Hun Sen has deftly balanced the diplomatic overtures to his government's political advantage. - Geoffrey Cain (Jul 17, '08)

Local militias supported by United States forces claim to have "cleansed" the troubled Iraqi city of Fallujah, though residents claim the security situation is as bad as ever, blaming political parties and Sunni groups fighting for money and power. - Ali al-Fadhily and Dahr Jamail (Jul 17, '08)

When the Sichuan earthquake began to rattle his school, teacher Fan Fan Meizhong abandoned his students and ran for his life. After he was sacked in disgrace, he went online and on television to defend his actions. The story has China engaged in a debate over moral imperatives, and the Ministry of Education has revised its code of conduct for teachers. - Candy Zeng (Jul 17, '08)

The next time you visit India, forget visiting the Taj Mahal, the Kerala backwaters or Kashmir. Instead, travel to Rajasthan's notoriously bandit-infested hinterlands and get to know a mustachioed, gun-strapped dacoit along the banks of River Chambal. A new plan is redefining "adventure tourism". - Neeta Lal (Jul 17, '08)