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President Barack Obama and Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi after a joint news conference at her residence in Yangon Friday. Obama criticized a clause in the country's constitution that bars Suu Kyi from running for president. KEVIN LAMARQUE/Reuters /Landov hide caption

itoggle caption KEVIN LAMARQUE/Reuters /Landov

The Two-Way

Obama Critiques Myanmar's Reforms Alongside Opposition Leader

November 14, 2014 • President Obama split time between two leaders Friday, meeting separately with President Thein Sein, a former general, and opposition leader Ang San Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner.

At the annual kite festival in Jaipur, India, photographer Stuart Franklin recalls, "I couldn't count the number of people who had kites flying up in the sky from the roofs." Stuart Franklin/Magnum Photo hide caption

itoggle caption Stuart Franklin/Magnum Photo

Goats and Soda

An 'Orphaned' Photo Of Kites And Love, Rescued From Oblivion

November 13, 2014 • A noted photographer talks about a favorite image — from the hundreds of thousands he's shot in the past three decades — that never quite got the attention it deserved.

Dr. R.K. Gupta (center), the doctor who conducted sterilization procedures after which at least 13 women died, is interrogated by police in Bilaspur, India, on Thursday. PTI/AP hide caption

itoggle caption PTI/AP

The Two-Way

Doctor At Center Of Deadly Sterilizations In India Arrested

November 13, 2014 • The toll from the botched procedures is now 13, with scores more sick. Dr. R.K. Gupta, who has performed 50,000 sterilizations over his career, told Reuters that he was being made a scapegoat.

China Stock Market To Open To Foreign Investors

November 14, 2014 • On Monday, Chinese will be allowed to directly invest money across the border in the Hong Kong stock market and vice-a-versa. It's a small move with big implications.

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Experts Parse U.S., China Commitments To Flight Climate Change

November 14, 2014 • China has for the first time announced a limit to its future carbon emissions. Critics say the commitment is primarily symbolic, and unlikely to have a significant impact in the near future.

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In Myanmar, Obama Holds News Conference With Opposition Leader

November 14, 2014 • Usually when the president visits another country, he holds a joint media opportunity with his counterpart. But in Myanmar, also known as Burma, he met reporters together with Aung San Suu Kyi.

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Hotel Breaks Simultaneous Breakfast-In-Bed Record

November 13, 2014 • A Shanghai hotel moved dozens of beds into a giant room, and served croissants and noodles to 388 people. That broke the previous record of 288.

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Environment

Climate Change Deal Requires U.S., China To Overhaul Energy Use

November 13, 2014 • Experts who've parsed the numbers offered by the two countries say it's not enough to keep climate from overheating seriously. It is seen as a benchmark by which governments can be held accountable.

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12 Women Die, Dozens Hospitalized After Sterilization Procedures In India

November 13, 2014 • Since the 1960s, sterilization has been a prevalent method of contraception for women in India. Renee Montagne talks to Annie Gowen of The Washington Post about the recent botched sterilizations

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Obama In Myanmar For Summit With Southeast Asian Leaders

November 13, 2014 • President Obama is in Myanmar amid U.S. concerns that the country's progress toward true democracy is not running smoothly.

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Critics Say Myanmar Still Lacks Press Freedoms

November 13, 2014 • An activist-turned-journalist was recently killed while in military custody. Renee Montagne talks to Ma Thida, a writer and longtime aid to democracy leader Aung San Suii Kyi, about his death.

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew says the global economy is relying too heavily on just the United States for growth. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

itoggle caption Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Economy

As U.S. Leads Growth, It Wants Others To Step Up

November 12, 2014 • U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has a message for the leaders of other advanced economies: You have to shape up! The global economy is relying too heavily on just the United States for growth.

Obama Hopes Myanmar Visit Will Give Fledgling Democracy A Boost

November 12, 2014 • President Obama is visiting Myanmar, also known as Burma, for the second time in two years. He's there to encourage the Southeast Asian nation's efforts to create a functioning democracy.

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Science

For U.S.-China Deal On Greenhouse Gases, The Devil Is In The Details

November 12, 2014 • Scientists say a new deal between the U.S. and China on greenhouse gases is a positive move toward new models for controlling emissions, but that it won't keep the Earth from dangerous levels of warming.

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The Two-Way

China's Leader Says Journalists Are Like Broken Cars

November 12, 2014 • Even the White House wasn't sure what to expect when Chinese President Xi Jinping took a rare question from a U.S. reporter during a joint news conference with President Obama in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Obama, seen here during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, announced pledges to reduce greenhouse gases. HUANG JINGWEN/Xinhua /Landov hide caption

itoggle caption HUANG JINGWEN/Xinhua /Landov

The Two-Way

China And U.S., Titans Of Carbon Pollution, Move To Cut Gases

November 12, 2014 • China and the U.S. account for more than a third of greenhouse gases — making it vital that any broad climate plans include the pair.

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Business

U.S., China Agree To Cut Tariffs On High-Tech Products

November 12, 2014 • The agreement is an unexpected act of cooperation between two countries that have been increasingly at odds over intellectual property, cybersecurity, human rights and trade imbalances.

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Environment

China, U.S. Pledge To Limit Greenhouse Gases

November 12, 2014 • President Obama and China's Xi Jinping have concluded their summit in Beijing. Their joint announcement on climate is designed to set an example for other countries in combating climate change.

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U.S. President Barack Obama, right, smiles after a group of children waved flags and flowers to cheer him during a welcome ceremony Wednesday with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In a surprise agreement late Tuesday, China agreed to a first-ever target for capping its carbon emissions, while the United States pledge to cut faster than previously planned. Andy Wong/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Andy Wong/AP

China Agrees To Greenhouse Gas Cap; U.S. Will Accelerate Cuts

November 12, 2014 • The unexpected breakthrough by the world's two largest polluters reflected both nations' desire to display a united front, and could inspire other reluctant developing countries to follow suit.

The Two-Way

Chinese Shoppers Set Record For 'Singles Day' Shopping Spree

November 11, 2014 • A day meant to celebrate being single has turned in to the world's largest shopping event. But it's unlikely to catch on in the U.S.

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin (right) helps put a shawl or coat on Peng Liyuan, wife of China's President Xi Jinping, as Xi talks to President Obama during a fireworks show celebrating the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation session in Beijing. Reuters/Landov hide caption

itoggle caption Reuters/Landov

The Two-Way

Putin Puts Shawl On China's First Lady, And Censors Leap

November 11, 2014 • When Russian President Vladimir Putin moved to place a shawl over the shoulders of Peng Liyuan, the wife of China's President Xi Jinping, he set off alarm bells.

The Two-Way

In China, Dreaded Process Of Getting Visa To The U.S. May Get Easier

November 11, 2014 • The first impression most Chinese have of the U.S. government comes when they apply for a visa. A deal announced this week between the U.S. and China may spare people from having to apply every year.

The Two-Way

Sterilization Operations In India Reportedly Kill 9 Women

November 11, 2014 • More than 80 surgeries were performed on women at a government-run camp Saturday; the first death was reported Monday morning.

A Malaysian flag sits on a table among other flags during a news conference at the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement talks in July 2012 in San Diego. Nearly two and a half years later, the deal remains incomplete. Gregory Bull/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Gregory Bull/AP

Business

Politics And A Food Fight Are Stalling A Major U.S.-Asia Trade Deal

November 11, 2014 • Supporters of expanded trade with Asian nations hoped this week would bring completion of a major deal, but U.S. and Japanese negotiators — and Obama and congressional Republicans — still don't agree.

Sewol ferry crew members, whose identities are obscured in this photo at the request of the court, attend verdict proceedings in Gwangju, South Korea, Tuesday. Ferry captain Lee Joon-Seok was sentenced to 36 years in jail. Getty Images hide caption

itoggle caption Getty Images

The Two-Way

South Korean Ferry Captain Sentenced To 36 Years

November 11, 2014 • The punishment for the April calamity drew shouts and sharp criticism from victims' family members in the courtroom; many had urged a death sentence.

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