An Asian equivalent to the euro?

May 4, 2006
Today China, Japan and South Korea announced a plan to work toward coordination of their monetary policies. But the first hurdle will be overcoming centuries of suspicion and mistrust. Bob Moon reports.

A creative prostitution solution

May 3, 2006
John Laurenson reports on how Germany is offering an interesting career change for its prostitutes — and how the country is dealing with an expected demand for prostitution during the upcoming World Cup.

How's your Mandarin?

May 3, 2006
Hotel chains are pouring millions into new construction in China. But commentator Rudy Maxa says much of the investment seems to run counter to that nation's official Communist philosophy.

Bird flu threatens Africa's chicken economy

May 3, 2006
While avian flu is still a big "if" here, other parts of the world are already battling outbreaks in their bird populations. In Africa, chickens are not only food, but an insurance policy against hard times. Suzanne Marmion reports.

Russia's building a petro-based empire

Apr 27, 2006
Russia has been nationalizing its petroleum industry for the past year and now it's looking for more. Vladimir Putin today hailed a deal with Germany and as Alasdair Sandford reports, Russia doesn't plan to stop there.

Corruption in Iraq

Apr 27, 2006
A year ago, Iraq formed its first democratically-elected government in more than 50 years. But tackling corruption has not been high on the Iraqi government's to do list. As Ben Gilbert reports from Baghdad, corruption is more pervasive than ever.

War of words escalates

Apr 26, 2006
Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened today to strike at US interests if his country is attacked. Meanwhile, the House approved a bill that would block loans and export licenses to companies doing business with Iran's oil industry. John Dimsdale reports.

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Eastern Europe hit by floods

Apr 17, 2006
Thousands of people are being evacuated from rising waters in Romania, Hungary and the Balkans, as governments are dealing with some of the worst flooding in more than a century. Stefan Bos reports.

Hu's first stop: The House of Gates

Apr 17, 2006
Chinese President Hu Jintao visits the United States this week. He travels first to Seattle, where he'll visit Bill Gates. As Alisa Roth reports, the stop is a victory in Gates' ongoing battle against pirated software in China.

Mexican leftist courts businesses

Apr 13, 2006
Mexico's center-left presidential candidate is hoping to broaden his appeal by reaching out to the Mexican business community. Dan Grech looks at how well the strategy is likely to succeed.