The past year has seen a significant surge in civilian deaths in Iraq, with nearly half of all violent civilian fatalities since the 2003 invasion occurring in this period. The Iraq Body Count organization reports that the fourth year of the conflict was the deadliest, with a marked increase in mortar attacks, bomb blasts, and other violent incidents. Despite the deployment of additional US troops, insurgent attacks continue unabated, leading to daily civilian casualties. Adult males are the most affected demographic, bearing the brunt of the violence.

Dubai is set to enhance its tourism appeal with the construction of Chess City, a $3 billion project featuring 32 buildings shaped like chess pieces, aiming to become the chess capital of the world. This initiative is part of Dubai's extensive infrastructure investments to diversify its economy as its oil resources dwindle. Other notable projects include Palm Island, where David Beckham has bought a property, and Dubai Land, which will feature a Formula One race track and the world's longest indoor ski slope. Additionally, Dubai is constructing the world's tallest tower, surpassing Taipei 101.

Journalists from various nations gathered in Amman, heading to Baghdad a year after the war started, to witness the city's condition. The journey involved avoiding disturbances in Fallujah and observing the poverty in Iraqi villages. Baghdad's skyline changed with the proliferation of satellite dishes as Iraqis sought connection with the outside world. Despite the electronic boom, inflation and laissez-faire policies of the coalition have been met with distaste. Baghdad residents express a sense of despair and fatigue, with a black humor about their lack of optimism. The Green Land cafe's customers discuss the decline in quality of life, attributing blame to democracy for frequent power outages and bombings. The article reflects on the disillusionment following initial high hopes for freedom, with Iraqis finding the nation ungovernable and associating the failures with the American forces.

The article highlights the severe insecurity in Baghdad a year after the invasion, focusing on the impact on children's safety and education. Parents, like Tariq, face constant threats from kidnap gangs demanding ransom, leading to extreme measures such as armed guards at schools and vigilante groups. The Education Ministry's failure to pay guards has exacerbated the situation, leaving schools vulnerable. The narrative underscores the contrast between technological progress and the deteriorating security situation.

In Baghdad, despite the city's dangerous conditions and frequent blasts, the local population exhibits remarkable grace and humor. The high unemployment rate and the difficulty of obtaining first-hand information due to language barriers and travel restrictions contribute to the underreporting of Iraqi suffering in the global media. Nonetheless, the Iraqi people's polite charm and consideration towards foreigners stand out, even amidst the fear and chaos.

The health of Emperor Akihito, who has prostate cancer, has prompted discussions on the succession of Japan's throne, a rare event since the Meiji Restoration. The Imperial Household Law of 1948 limits succession to male descendants, potentially excluding Akihito's granddaughter, Princess Aiko, unless the law is changed. The imperial family is seen as a symbol of traditional values in Japan, which contrasts with the country's lost economic opportunities post-economic bubble. The upcoming succession is seen as a reaffirmation of national identity, though it may also be co-opted by rightist groups to promote a vision of the 'real Japan'.

Train punctuality in Japan contrasts sharply with outdated political attitudes, exemplified by Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara's misogynistic remarks. Despite his controversial statements, Ishihara remains a popular figure, even contemplating a challenge to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. A lawsuit by women against his comments signifies societal change, reflecting a shift in Japan's political landscape. The country, accustomed to precision, now faces uncertainty and frustration with its political stagnation.

Japan's defence agency is set to be upgraded to ministerial status following an agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partners, New Komeito and the New Conservative Party. A bill will be submitted in the upcoming Diet session, with its passage almost certain. This move signifies the growing political acceptance of the military's expanded role in Japan, which has the world's fifth-largest military budget and hosts over 30,000 US troops.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi faces significant internal opposition within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over his plan to call an early general election. Despite his desire to secure a popular mandate and preempt a challenge from Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, the party's old guard remains deeply hostile to his reform agenda. Key figures like Hiromu Nonaka and Shizuka Kamei express skepticism about Koizumi's chances of dissolving the lower house, while economic challenges and upcoming party leadership contests further complicate his strategy.

A report by Japan's Education Ministry advisory panel calls for increased patriotism and respect for tradition in schools, raising concerns about a return to militaristic values and increased government influence on education. The report, which aims to overhaul the 1947 education law, emphasizes social norms and family responsibilities but is criticized for potentially neglecting individual respect and ethics. Analysts fear the revisions may strengthen government control and reflect right-wing priorities, including instilling patriotic pride among young Japanese.