China's US$9 billion barter deal to develop infrastructure in return for concessions on copper and cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo was seen as a win- win for Chinese companies and the African nation. But the project has fallen foul to the impoverished but resource-rich nation's Western creditors, setting China on a roller-coaster ride that could yet derail the "deal of the century". - Peter Lee (Mar 10, '10)

Beijing is pushing hard to change the rules of the global geopolitical game, envisioning a more powerful role for China. Although its ongoing tussles with the United States over issues including Taiwan, Tibet and trade are nothing new, China wants Washington to know it won’t be shy about playing hardball, given its much-enhanced global clout. - Willy Lam (Mar 10, '10)

Now that Afghan and Western troops have pushed the Taliban out of the Marjah area, locals fear the return of the warlords who once terrorized them. One notorious strongman is already preparing to resume control. If he and others like him do regain influence, it could lead to the return of the insurgents. - Mohammad Elyas Daee and Abubakar Siddique (Mar 10, '10)

Iran has long threatened Israel with destruction, while Tel Aviv has not dismissed launching a pre-emptive strike on Tehran's nuclear facilities. The war-like rhetoric hints at the antagonism one day spiraling into a real conflict, but for now it seems more like brinkmanship designed to gain the upper hand on the diplomatic battlefield. - Mel Frykberg (Mar 10, '10)

Chinese filmgoers flocking to the futuristic American blockbuster Avatar are leaving their government-sponsored historical epic Confucius in its wake. The two movies are reflections of how different cultures respond to times of great transformation. - Francesco Sisci (Mar 10, '10)