Archive
November 2020
The Intensifying Pressures to Further ‘Reform’ Hong Kong’s Courts
By Jerome A. Cohen
With LegCo subdued, Beijing is turning its attention to Hong Kong’s independent judiciary.
China Digs its Heels in – in Ladakh and Elsewhere
By Abhijnan Rej
New Indian media reports suggest that the People’s Liberation Army has expanded its activities across the entire LAC.
Afghanistan’s Progress Was Made Possible With International Support
By Sediq Seddiqi
It is vital that aid resources remain sufficient over the coming years to sustain these gains.
Where Is Uyghur Folklore Expert Rahile Dawut?
By Ruth Ingram
Uyghur scholar Rahile Dawut, missing since 2017, was awarded the 2020 Scholars at Risk “Courage to Think” award.
IP Dispute May Slow Canada’s Plans to Procure New Frigates
By Robert Farley
This kind of story has become common, although it less commonly involves allies and domestic production contracts.
United States Formally Exits Open Skies Treaty
By Abhijnan Rej
A report suggests that the Trump administration’s decision to label the supporting reconnaissance aircraft “excess defense articles” is meant to complicate any attempt by President-elect Biden to rejoin it.
Biden Expected to Nominate Antony Blinken as Secretary of State
By Associated Press
Blinken will be tasked with repairing the serious damage to American diplomacy incurred during the Trump years.
Philippines Close to Indo-Russian Cruise Missile Purchase: Reports
By Sebastian Strangio
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile would give Manila a potent deterrent to Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Malaysia Group Teaches Refugee Women how to Read and Write
By Associated Press
A new school in Kuala Lumpur is giving refugee women from Myanmar and Indonesia a chance at a better life.
What the Philippines Can Learn from Myanmar’s Election
By Mong Palatino
Lesson #1: Stinging international rebukes over human rights abuses do not necessarily translate into fewer votes.
Could Vietnam Really Shut Down Facebook?
By Sebastian Strangio
Reports of recent threats notwithstanding, such a move would invite massive blowback from the public.
In Southeast Asia, Press Freedom Takes a Turn for the Orwellian
By David Hutt
Increasingly, journalists are being prosecuted not for publishing falsehoods – but for the potential consequences of their reporting.