Wrestling, anyone? Pakistan welcomes back a Japanese hero of the ring.
Muhammad Hussain Inoki, a pro wrestling great from Japan, is treated like a king in Pakistani cities.
Microblog’s coverage of China’s new Communist Party leader is days ahead
![Microblog’s coverage of China’s new Communist Party leader is days ahead](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/12/Foreign/Images/weibofull.jpg)
Some suspect a slick propaganda effort, not an ordinary fan, behind the “Learning from Xi Fan Club.”
Japanese dam delays illustrate ruling party’s dilemma ahead of election
![Japanese dam delays illustrate ruling party’s dilemma ahead of election](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/12/Foreign/Images/515501304.jpg)
Project northwest of Tokyo has become a symbol of the less positive features of Japanese politics.
N. Korean satellite launch illustrates diplomatic challenge for U.S., allies
![N. Korean satellite launch illustrates diplomatic challenge for U.S., allies](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/12/Foreign/Images/South_Korea_North_Korea_Rocket_Launch-0aecc-6887.jpg)
Shielded by China, Pyongyang keeps building weapons program despite heavy international sanctions.
S. Korea’s presidential contenders have near-opposite backgrounds
![S. Korea’s presidential contenders have near-opposite backgrounds](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/11/Foreign/Images/South_Korea_Politics_Election_0a7a0.jpg)
The race features two politicians who talk about center-leaning policies but have taken different paths.
North Korea fires long-range rocket
![North Korea fires long-range rocket](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/12/Foreign/Images/South_Korea_North_Korea_Rocket_Launch-0aecc-6890.jpg)
North Korea’s launch of a rocket carrying a satellite into orbit was apparently successful.
Latest Headlines
- In shadow of US military for generations, Okinawans fume over crimes, Osprey deployment
- Thai former prime minister charged with murder over suppression of 2010 protests
- Pakistan extends refugee status for Afghans by 6 months ahead of looming deadline
- Amnesty International accuses Pakistani military of human rights abuses in anti-Taliban fight
Photos from around the region
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/09/02/Foreign/Images/78071919.jpg)
Pakistan’s Mr. Popular
Imran Khan hopes to replicate his success on the cricket pitch in the field of Pakistani politics.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/05/13/Foreign/Advance/Images/2011-04-18T110153Z_01_DEL01_RTRIDSP_3_INDIA-ELECTION-2127.jpg)
India election sees change
After 34 years, world’s longest-serving democratically elected communist party loses power.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/05/04/Foreign/Advance/Images/Was3904759.jpg)
The art of Ai Weiwei
A collection of popular works of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who was arrested by the Chinese police.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/03/15/Foreign/Images/Nuke-Plants008.jpg)
Global nuclear debate heats up
Governments around the world are questioning the use of nuclear power.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/03/11/Foreign/Images/2011-03-11T100308Z_01_SIN011_RTRIDSP_3_JAPAN-QUAKE.jpg)
Powerful quake, aftershocks rattle Tokyo
A massive earthquake and tsunami struck the eastern coast of Japan.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213152308/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_145x100/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/02/22/Foreign/Images/PHO-11Feb22-293728.jpg)
Quake in New Zealand kills scores
The search for survivors continues after 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch.
Elsewhere in World
Asia / Pacific
![](/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/asia-pacific-86x56.jpg)
- In shadow of US military for generations, Okinawans fume over crimes, Osprey deployment
- Thai former prime minister charged with murder over suppression of 2010 protests
- Pakistan extends refugee status for Afghans by 6 months ahead of looming deadline
- Amnesty International accuses Pakistani military of human rights abuses in anti-Taliban fight
Africa
![](/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/africa-86x56.jpg)
- Ethiopian Airlines says merger proposed by Kenyan Airways is not practical
- Congo rebel group wants president to resign according to list of demands shown to AP
- South Africa's deputy president challenges President Jacob Zuma to lead ruling ANC party
- Mali swears in prime minister days after military forces resignation of predecessor
Middle East
![](/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/middle-east-86x56.jpg)
- Carter Center says it will not monitor Egypt's referendum on draft constitution
- Syrian state news agency says 16 killed in bombing near Damascus, including women and children
- Israeli foreign minister indicted on breach of trust charge; cleared of other accusations
- Israeli media: FM Avigdor Lieberman indicted on breach of trust charge; cleared of others
Europe
![](/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/europe-86x56.jpg)
The Americas
![](/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/americas-86x56.jpg)
- Anxieties rise as surge of tremors makes Chilean town a shaky place in world's shakiest nation
- Corruption scandal nears Brazil's popular ex-president as calls of probe into his role rise
- Venezuela says Chavez in tough fight after surgery, warns he may miss swearing-in for new term
- Innocent verdicts in high-profile trial set back Argentina's fight against sex slavery
National Security
![](/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/national-security-86x56.jpg)
- Italy brings Michelangelo's 'David-Apollo' to Washington for celebration of Italian culture
- Clinton cancels trip to Arab world due to illness
- SEAL team Six member killed in Afghanistan rescue operation was from Pennsylvania
- SEAL team Six member killed in Afghanistan rescue operation was from Pennsylvania