Asia

China's ruling Communist Party is wrapping up a meeting that it claims will advance the rule of law. But leaders are facing an urgent distraction in Hong Kong. The protests there raise difficult questions about China's future political direction at a time when its leaders seem least prepared to answer them.

Two controversial cases have put a spotlight on surrogacy in Thailand. Now the government is drafting new laws to stop abuse.

A group says the Chinese government backed an attack against users of Apple's iCloud service. Experts worry attacks that target weaknesses in the transfer of data on the cloud will become more common.

Abdul Sattar Edhi and his foundation are synonymous with humanitarian work in Pakistan. But that didn't keep the foundation from being robbed of more than $1 million, provoking widespread outrage.

American journalist Suki Kim spent six months teaching English at a North Korean University that serves the sons of the elite. She chronicles her experience in a new book, Without You, There Is No Us.

Some Israelis are flying to China to buy most everything they need to furnish a home. They say it's cheaper than buying in Israel, though there are also cautionary tales of shopping trips gone wrong.

An American held by North Korea since June was freed on Tuesday. The U.S. State Department confirmed that Jeffrey Fowle was released following negotiations.