Nagercoil, India — Recent attacks on Christian missionaries in Bangalore have pained my heart. Animosity goes back as far as 1857, when missionaries set up schools to teach “heathen Hindoo” children about their white-skinned god. The church has remained at war with the heathens ever since.

Beijing, China — With the Beijing Olympics now part of their domain, historians can begin the process of sifting fact from fiction on the Chinese capital’s decade-long makeover in preparation for the games. How was Beijing transformed from an ancient metropolis to a modern megalopolis?

Dhaka, Bangladesh — In recent years there has been a mushrooming of kindergarten madrassas – Islamic religious kindergartens – in almost all Muslim nations. These schools preach Wahhabism, which greatly encourages jihad and the killing of Jews and Christians.

Beijing, China — China’s expenditure for a member of the Shenzhou 7 mission to take a tethered trip into the void of space Saturday has enabled the country to write a glorious page of history. But it also raises troubling questions: if China can put a man in space, why can’t it build safe schools and market poison-free milk?

West Lafayette, IN, United States — When Nepal’s Maoist-led coalition government decided to cut funding for religious worship, they had no idea that within days, it would be forced to retract the decision after Kathmandu erupted into massive protests and the country expressed anger at the way people’s beliefs were being undercut.

Beijing, China — One more body discovered Wednesday in the debris deposited by a landslide in northern China brought the number of confirmed dead to 260; the real death toll could be much higher. What was initially believed to be a natural landslide has now been described as a manmade disaster.

Beijing, China — China’s health ministry reported a third death from contaminated baby formula milk, in a rapidly growing food scandal that has sickened 6,244 babies. More than 1,327 infants in more than ten provinces remain hospitalized, 158 for acute kidney failure.

Beijing, China — The Mid-Autumn Festival is the most recent example of the recrudescent rise of traditional Chinese customs making a comeback after being forbidden by the Communist Party as feudalistic superstition for more than 50 years.

Goa, India — Last month, on Aug. 15, the republic of India celebrated the anniversary of its founding. The struggle for freedom was not just for political freedom. It was not merely to dislodge foreign rulers and install native ones. It was also for social and economic change and a life of peace and dignity for all citizens.

Ningbo, China — The popular Chinese Moon Festival is traditionally a holiday designed for family reunions and harvest celebrations. China has earmarked it as a public holiday to promote its national heritage. However, the festival has changed significantly in both its content and meaning. The act of family reunion has become more symbolic in modern times.

Beijing, China — One of Beijing’s cherished accomplishments resulting from the Olympic games is the smooth flow of traffic. While the government's “odd-even” policy seems to have done the trick by restricting drivers to drive on either odd or even days depending on the last number on their license plates, questions are now raised on whether the restrictions will remain.

Washington, DC, United States — Three months after Cyclone Nargis, the world has an outdated image of the situation inside Burma. Although aid agencies delivered assistance within days after the storm, the story of a recalcitrant government that rejects aid from the generous nations of the world has not been updated.

West Lafayette, IN, United States — This week, Nepali Hindu women celebrated Teej, honoring Lord Shiva, and Rishi Panchami, which honors sages of the past. Ancient Hindu texts say that a mother is greater than all pleasures of life in heaven. Yet, in supreme irony, the same Hindu tradition forces women to fast and pray for their husbands' sake.

Tokyo, Japan — Despite heavy rains, hundreds of thousands of Japanese gathered to take part in the Asakusa Samba Carnival last Saturday, when the sights and sounds of Brazil’s Rio Carnival were transported to the streets of Tokyo. The rains did not dampen local interest in the colorful Brazilian spectacle.

New York, NY, United States — The Internet has brought us an era of relentless, 24-hour scrutiny in which everyone is constantly searching for information on someone else. This has gone to the extreme in China, where any unacceptable behavior could launch a search to dig out the offending person’s personal information.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — In Malaysia’s eagerness to advance on the road of progress, it has neglected to observe key features of democratic values. One area of concern is the absence of programs for the marginalized Indian population. The integration of minorities must succeed for the nation to realize its dream to unite its people.

Nakhonratchasima, Thailand — There are purists, existentialists and semanticists who argue over the legitimacy of a country’s democracy. Some maintain that because elections have been held, such as in Thailand, the government that comes to power is a democracy. This is not necessarily true.

Manila, Philippines — Southeast Asian countries garnered 12 medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Thailand won two gold medals, in boxing and weightlifting, while Indonesia bagged a gold medal for badminton. In the unofficial Wushu, or martial arts, event, Southeast Asian countries received 14 medals.

Beijing, China — The capability of Chinese computer hackers should not be underestimated. They operate mostly with ill intentions, but sometimes with good ones as well. A recent hacker who posted a fake article criticizing China’s education system met with widespread online approval.

Nagercoil, India — What does Wahabbi fundamentalism have in common with the worldview of Marvin Olasky – the “spiritual advisor” of U.S. President George W. Bush? Seemingly on either side of the famed “clash of civilizations,” they both find themselves shaking hands when it comes to fighting evolution.

Shanghai, China — In the just-finished Beijing Olympic Games China won 100 medals, topping the world with its 51 gold. There is no doubt that China’s success can be attributed to its advantage as the host country, but what benefitted China most was its collective culture.

Tokyo, Japan — Folded inside the streets surrounding the train station in the Tokyo region of Machida is Neko no Mise, which can be translated as “Cat Store.” The store is a cat cafe, which charges customers 800 yen (roughly US$7.20) an hour to play with cats.

Hong Kong, China — Laxmanananda Saraswati, a self-declared Hindu holy man, was murdered Saturday in Orissa, India. Saraswati was an ally of the BJP and a leader of its militant wing, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. He had been associated with religious clashes in which hundreds of people have lost their lives and property.

Beijing, China — As the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics approaches, it is certain that China will reach its goal of being No. 1 in the gold-medal ranking. This success is causing many Chinese to think of their country as a sports superpower; but others say love of sport is more important than winning medals.

Busan, South Korea — The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games are now running their course. Visitors to China are enjoying the country’s uniqueness. Once the Olympics are over, there are nearby Asian countries, such as South Korea and Japan, eager to welcome visitors as well.

Seoul, South Korea — With global eyes focused on the Beijing Olympics, North Korea is looking to lure Olympic tourists to its homegrown event, which sets the world record for the largest gymnastic and artistic performances. Pyongyang’s "Arirang Festival" is a mix between a Nazi-style rally and a 1930s Hollywood musical.

Shanghai, China — The Olympic Games provide a great opportunity for athletes to show off their skills and compete for world championships. At the same time, they provide a unique diplomatic opportunity for the host nation. This has been true in the past, and this year’s Summer Olympic Games in Beijing are no exception.

Beijing, China — For Chinese spectators at the Beijing Olympics, the biggest news this week was the worst news: the withdrawal of hurdler Liu Xiang from competition Monday due to a foot injury. While most fans forgive him and wish him well, some feel angry that he let the nation down.

Toronto, ON, Canada — While China views its hosting of the Olympics as a great show of shows, for the United States and the West it is a great opportunity to examine China as a nation and verify its claims. The Chinese are masking everyday life, and Western media is hell-bent on uncovering it.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — For many peoples of the world, coming from all walks of life, religion is nothing more than the cause of conflict, tension and strife. This is why interfaith dialogue is such a pressing issue. Religious communities need to talk to dispel the suspicion, bitterness and recrimination that lead to antagonism.

Beijing, China — Chinese authorities see the Beijing Olympics as a chance to show the world a perfect, strong China. The opening ceremony was the showcase for this. But, like Olympics winners who lose their medals for cheating, the ceremony is facing criticism over certain parts that have been considered “fake.”

Beijing, China — Online polls show that over 50 percent of the Chinese believe China will be the top gold-medal winner at the Beijing Olympics. However, what has proved heartrending and agonizing for the Chinese is the fact that several of their top athletes failed to win the gold medals expected of them.

Toronto, ON, Canada — A generation ago in India marriages were celebrated with great fanfare in middle-class families. Now, in America, new and even more elaborate dream weddings are taking place in Indian immigrant families. They break the bank, but the bride, groom and guests have the time of their lives.

Beijing, China — While praise for the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Beijing on Aug. 8 has reverberated around the world, Chinese citizens writing on the Internet have cast a more critical eye upon the event. Still, an online poll shows more than 60 percent graded the opening ceremony over 90 out of 100.

Hong Kong, China — The Law Commission of India has recommended to the government that stronger penalties be imposed for acid attacks upon women. In India, as in Bangladesh and Pakistan, throwing corrosive chemicals at women to wreak vengeance is common. But stronger penalties alone will not stop this crime.

Manila, Philippines — Close to 200 athletes from the Southeast Asian region are participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Thailand sent the biggest number of athletes, who will compete in 13 sporting events; Myanmar fielded a single athlete who will participate in the archery competition.

Beijing, China — Many people have questioned whether the Beijing Olympics will change China or the lives of its people. Many bloggers and netizens outside the capital say they envy those living in Beijing who can easily attend the Olympics. However, not all Beijing residents feel this way.

Beijing, China — As the start date for the Beijing Olympic Games draws near, Chinese bloggers are concerned that their athletes may not show proper patriotism when receiving their gold, silver and bronze medals. The correct pose for an athlete while the national flag is being raised has become a topic of online debate.

Beijing, China — Despite billions of dollars spent and drastic last-minute efforts to clean up for the 2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing officials are nervously waiting to see if climate conditions for August 8-24 will shine a spotlight on the China they want visitors to remember, or showcase multiple environmental crises.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Many books and manifestos deal with the dramatic changes in the world and the difficulties and dangers humankind is facing. They suggest economic, environmental or political measures to overcome our present predicament. But what is conspicuously missing is the dimension of cultural and spiritual change.

Beijing, China — Many Beijing residents are noticing changes in their city; there are fewer cars on the roads, fewer people on the street, and more regulations concerning people’s conduct. These are the consequences of measures to present a pleasant environment for the Olympic Games that open on Aug. 8.

Beijing, China — The Chinese are the most satisfied people in the world with regard to the direction their country is going and its economy, according to a Pew Research Center survey released last week. The poll showed 86 percent happy with “the way things are going in their country” and 82 percent pleased with the economy.

Manila, Philippines — There is a raging debate in Singapore today: Should the government legalize the organ trade? Should Singapore endorse transplant tourism? The debate began last month when two young Indonesians were jailed for trying to sell their kidneys to a wealthy businessman in Singapore.

New York, NY, United States — The late scientist Joseph Needham is well known in China because of his monumental project, “Science and Civilization in China.” This biochemist-turned-historian of Chinese science has helped the world to have a better understanding of the marvelous history of science, technology, and medicine in China.

Hong Kong, China — The region of Ladakh, nestled in northeast India’s Jammu and Kashmir state, is renowned for its pristine mountain landscapes and centuries-old Tibetan culture. But due to its strategic and sensitive location, tourism remains restricted and the region well guarded by armed forces.

New York, NY, United States — According to BDA, a Beijing-based consultancy, China has overtaken the United States as the world’s number one in terms of the number of Internet users. The Internet has changed and will continue to change various aspects of Chinese life profoundly – including revealing misconduct and fraud.

Beijing, China — China is facing severe challenges in rebuilding the urban and rural areas and industrial projects that were damaged in the earthquake that hit the southwest province of Sichuan in May. Many towns, villages and industrial projects must be relocated; others will be rebuilt in the original location.

Tokyo, Japan — The newly released Apple iPhone is making a hit all over Asia. But in Japan – where the mobile phone was introduced Friday, selling out the same day – a special feature is being stressed. Among its many capabilities, the iPhone can display popular Japanese “manga,” or comics.

Seoul, South Korea — Twenty years ago, when South Korea hosted the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the country gained recognition as a prospering economy. Foreign workers seeking new jobs poured into Korea, and their increase never slowed. Yet Koreans do not recognize this changing aspect of civil society.

Kawasaki, Japan — Once every three weeks I treat myself to a facial threading session at Graciela salon in Tokyo, Japan. Graciela is located in the youthful and artistic Kichijoji neighborhood in Tokyo. Threading is an ancient method of hair removal by the skillful manipulation of a cotton string.