beyondBeijing2008.com

Many medical workers eager to help Gazans injured by the Israeli offensive are being thwarted by Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing.
Gaza’s few hospitals have been overwhelmed by the flood of at least 3,000 wounded since the Israeli assault began on Dec. 27. But Egyptian authorities are preventing many doctors from entering Gaza, citing security [...]

By Ian Williams, NBC News correspondent
 BANGKOK, Thailand –  The initial investigation into the pub inferno that killed 64 New Year’s revelers here makes for depressing reading: Not only did Bangkok’s Santika Club have no operating license or insurance, there were no heat or smoke detectors, no fire alarm, no emergency lights, no fire escape sign and [...]

By Martin Fletcher, NBC News Correspondent  TEL AVIV – Once upon a time in Gaza. And not so long ago. There were no border controls between Gaza and Israel.
Israelis happily went shopping in the Gaza market and ate cheap meals at fish restaurants on the Gaza beach, while Gazans drove to Tel Aviv [...]

China this month is celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties with the U.S.  Relations were established after the legendary “ping pong” diplomacy that began in 1971, when the U.S. national table tennis team was invited to play in China. A year later, China’s national team traveled to the U.S., and the rest is history. 
At [...]

As Israel’s Gaza offensive continues, two reports from NBC News’ reporters in the field.
NBC’s Richard Engel reports on the international calls for a ceasefire as the casualties mount.

VIDEO: Push for ceasefire intensifies in Gaza
And Martin Fletcher reports on how doctors at Shifa, Gaza’s under-equipped main hospital, are straining to keep up with the [...]