The article by Thomas Maresca for USA TODAY discusses the challenges faced by rangers in Thailand's Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, where they combat poachers in an effort to protect the dwindling tiger population. The illegal wildlife trade, estimated at up to $10 billion annually, is driven by demand for tiger parts in countries like China. Despite the dangers, the sanctuary has seen an increase in tiger numbers from 50 in 2006 to at least 80 in 2016, thanks to the Smart Patrol System, a collaboration between Thailand’s Department of National Parks and the Wildlife Conservation Society. The article also touches on the global efforts to double the world's tiger population by 2022 and the challenges posed by tiger farms and the illegal trade routes used for trafficking. It highlights the international response to wildlife crime, including the formation of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime and increased enforcement efforts in Asia.

Thomas Maresca reflects on Vietnam's development, comparing his initial coverage of the country's higher education system to its current state during President Obama's visit. He notes the physical growth of cities and the worldly nature of the youth, but also the persistent issues such as human rights violations, with reports of detentions and political dissidents. The economic progress is acknowledged, yet it's still hindered by a state-dominated economy. Cultural development is stifled by censorship, despite a vibrant creative spirit. Maresca discusses the potential for Vietnam's future, referencing a World Bank road map and Vietnam's Constitution, which suggest a need for openness and modern governance. He concludes with a personal anecdote about a Vietnamese student in the USA, pondering the country's direction and the choices it faces.

One year after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, many families, like the Pandeys, are still living in temporary shelters with little to no government assistance. Despite $4.1 billion pledged in international aid, bureaucratic delays and political strife have severely hampered reconstruction efforts. Nepal's government has been criticized for its slow response, and the Nepal Reconstruction Authority only began operations seven months post-earthquake. The Asian Development Bank and aid groups like the Red Cross face challenges due to the government's inefficiency. The earthquake's impact was exacerbated by pre-existing social inequalities and a lack of infrastructure. With the monsoon season approaching, those affected by the earthquake continue to live in uncertainty and fear of another disaster.