Upfront 2010 hot spots: Asia.

• Position: Brief article

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Taliban insurgents are threatening AFGHANISTAN and its neighbor, nuclear-armed PAKISTAN President Obama is increasing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan to 68,000 and sending more aid to Pakistan.

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The economies of CHINA and INDIA keep growing, if more slowly than before the recession. Americans benefit from buying their inexpensive exports, but worry about jobs moving to countries where tabor is cheaper than in the U.S.

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With ailing reader Kim still in control of this poor and isolated Communist nation, NORTH KOREA is continuing its...