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The Debate
The Debate is our home for the best opinions from around Asia. Whether it is negotiating with Iran, responding to North Korean provocations, discussing Japan's looming demographic issues, or considering the new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, some of the region's leading thinkers offer their take.
Tibet’s Rivers Will Determine Asia’s Future
By Dechen Palmo
At the dawn of a new era of building dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo, countless lives and ecosystems are being risked in the name of “development” and geopolitics.
The US Must Counter China’s Malign Agenda
By Michael McCaul
China poses a threat to the U.S. and the world.
China’s Bride Trafficking Problem
By Heather Bar
Over generations, China’s one-child policy drove a demographic disaster that has sparked a devastatingly cruel trade.
Don’t Let a New Rift Between China and the West Be Torn Over Hong Kong
By Jin Kai
As turmoil continues in Hong Kong, U.S. intervention stands to make things worse.
The Future of Biometrics: Opportunities and Challenges
By Trisha Ray
While the use of biometrics has its advantages, countries are only beginning to wrestle with the underlying challenges it poses.
Saving Our Oceans: A Plea for Action
By David W. Panuelo
“One island, one atoll, one country at a time – that’s how we meet this challenge.”
Education Is the Key to Empowering Afghan Women
By Sabera Azizi
Afghan women see more influence than ever, but prejudice and sexism remain barriers.
The Internal and International Dimensions of Sri Lanka’s Presidential Elections
By Ana Pararajasingham
A Gotabaya Rajapaksa presidency will have serious repercussions for both Sri Lanka’s internal governance as well as its international partnerships.
The Second ‘Informal Summit’ Is Done. Now for the Hard Part in India-China Ties
By Ankit Panda
The optics of the latest “informal summit” aside, India and China remain worlds apart on major issues.
After the Kurds, Will Trump Abandon Afghanistan Next?
By Uzair Younus
Given the Syria debacle, one cannot rule out a tweet that abruptly announces the end of the war in Afghanistan.
Brazil is Clueless About the Indo-Pacific
By Dawisson Belém Lopes
Brazil has potential to become a global player; but Brasilia has not clearly defined its grand strategic vision.
Trump’s Devastating Silence on China’s Human Rights Abuses
By Naz El-Khatib and Ashley Wood
Trump’s obsession with “strength” at the expense of human rights has been a defining feature of his views on China.