Archive
March 2016
Australia Gives the Philippines Another Military Boost
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Manila takes delivery of three more ex-Australian landing craft heavy vessels in a boost for its sealift capability.
Did China Vessels Encroach Malaysia’s Waters?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Malaysia’s defense minister appears to contradict earlier official reports.
The Quran, As Seen by the Muslims
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Discovering how most Muslims see their holy book means treading between the two extremes of radical Islam and liberal Western scholarship.
Post-Pathankot Attack, Pakistani Investigative Team Arrives in India
By Ankit Panda
Three months after January's terror attack, a Pakistani investigative team is visiting Pathankot Air Base.
South Korean Political Parties' Newest Weapon: Music Videos
By Elaine Ramirez
The catchy tunes belie intense in-fighting and defections on both sides.
New Radar Facility: Japan Expands Military Presence in East China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The new surveillance station will be capable of monitoring Chinese activities in the East China Sea.
KMT's Ousted Presidential Candidate Returns as Party Chair
By Shannon Tiezzi
Hung Hsiu-chu is back -- now can she rebuild a fractured and damaged party?
Russia to Deploy Missile Systems on Kuril Islands
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Moscow is allegedly also exploring whether the islands could serve as a naval base for its Pacific fleet.
Papua New Guinea's Tuberculosis Pandemic
By Georgia Eccles
With one of the highest infection rates in the world, drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis are causing a crisis in PNG.
Mongolia’s Third Neighbor Policy Blooms
By Bolor Lkhaajav
"2015 marked increasing diplomatic engagement for Mongolia in East Asia, the Persian Gulf, and even the Americas."
Trump, Mao, and Xi: The Perils of Charisma-Driven Politics
By Kerry Brown
China's painful experiences with personality cults in politics have lessons for two modern-day figures.
Myanmar Military Might on Display in Parade Amid Democracy Concerns
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The country marks Armed Forces Day days before a new civilian government takes power.
Indonesia Plays Up New South China Sea ‘Base’ After China Spat
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Lawmakers want existing plans for a new 'base' in the Natunas to get a closer look.
China Joins Indonesia Naval Exercise After South China Sea Spat
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Vessels leave for Exercise Komodo 2016.
Commodity Prices: The Cycle Turns?
By Anthony Fensom
Rising commodity prices have given the region’s miners a much-needed boost. Is this really a turning point?
Trump’s Trumped-Up Accusations Against China
By Sara Hsu
The bloviating Republican frontrunner threatens to derail bilateral relations.
Japan and China: The Geo-Economic Dimension
By Chietigj Bajpaee
The stage is set for a growing geo-economic rivalry in Asia.
Political Prisoners and Sri Lanka’s Sincerity Crisis
By Taylor Dibbert
Colombo’s cowardice regarding Tamil political prisoners is deeply troubling.
Scores Killed in Easter Day Suicide Bombing in Lahore
By Ankit Panda
At least 60 have been killed and more than 200 injured after a suicide attack at a public park in Lahore.
Review - India’s War: World War II and the Making of Modern South Asia
By Nigel Collett
India's contributions during WWII have often been overlooked. A new book by Srinath Raghavan helps redress that.
North Korea Propaganda Video Shows Nuclear Strike on Washington DC
By Ankit Panda
Plus, RIMPAC 2016 and China, India-Pakistan spy games, and the China-Indonesia stand-off in the Natunas. Links.
Nukes for South Korea and Japan? Donald Trump Sees No Problem
By Ankit Panda
Under President Trump, South Korea and Japan would need to go shopping for their own nuclear umbrellas.
We Need Another Grand Bargain With North Korea
By Jake Mahon
Kim Jong-un doesn’t want nukes to bomb San Francisco. He wants them as bargaining chips.
Once Again, Pakistan Scuttles South Asian Regional Connectivity
By Harsh V. Pant
Pakistan cannot hold the future of the region hostage to its paranoia regarding India.