Latest from Asia

German President quits over troop row

Germany's conservative President Horst Koehler tendered his immediate resignation yesterday.

Al Qaeda's top man in Afghanistan dead - report

Al Qaeda says its top leader in Afghanistan, Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, has died, according to a group that monitors Islamist websites.

Bethune's defence argument prompts widespread discussion

Pete Bethune's defence in court that he thought firing acid bottles at a Japanese whaling ship was safe has sparked widespread reaction in Japan.

Corby wants a baby in jail

The mother of convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby says her daughter wants to have a baby, even if she remains in jail.

Most NZers want SAS out of Afghanistan - poll

Most New Zealanders want Special Air Service (SAS) troops withdrawn from Afghanistan, a poll has found.

Laos: Trunk road

Driving Mr Naimoon, Paul Rush gets an entertaining lesson in pachyderm psychology.

<i>Deborah Coddington</i>: Nats fail to see the folly of selling valuable farm assets

Gutsier Navara? Now you're torqueing

Revised turbo-diesel firmly regains most powerful Japanese ute title for Nissan, says Phil Hanson.

Australia launches court action over whaling

Australia will initiate action in the International Court of Justice, seeking to prevent Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean.

Heading for Whangarei - just need a co-driver

<i>Crisis in Bangkok:</i> Behind the barricades

Andrew Buncombe of <i>The Independent</i> describes the visceral scenes of death and destruction behind the Red Shirts' barricade.

Showing off in Shanghai

The New Zealand pavilion at the Shanghai Expo should attract lots of attention thanks to its unique roof garden, writes Brian Fallow

Hockey: Collier's omission puts heat on squads

Shanghai surprise: Exploring a great city

The best thing about the Shanghai Expo is that it's in Shanghai. The city itself is the greater attraction.

Roadside bomb kills 11 in Pakistan

Captive treated like VIP

Jackpot for university

Cricket: Black Caps' throw first pitch in MLB game