Archive
2020
Afghans Say Preventing the Next War as Vital as Ending This One
By Associated Press
Even if an intra-Afghan deal is reached, many Afghans fear that the country's many factions will fight for power if U.S. and NATO troops leave.
Following Fresh US Sanctions, Will China Bail out Iran?
By Emily Jin
When the United States cuts off Iran completely, will China step in? This question comes at a critical time, but the answer is complicated.
Kyrgyzstan Working Toward New Elections Under New Rules
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan looks likely to have a new parliament election sometime in December and a presidential poll in January. It may also have a constitutional referendum.
Vietnam’s War Against COVID-19
By Maya Nguyen
Vietnam's campaign against COVID-19 is infused with military imagery, playing into existing strands of national identity.
Is the Quad Bound by Values or Interests?
By Grant Wyeth
Is the Quad really made up of “vibrant and pluralistic democracies with shared values”?
Italian Policemen Sentenced for Kidnapping Kazakh Ex-Banker’s Family
By Paolo Sorbello
Italian police staged a special operation to detain and repatriate the wife and daughter of Mukhtar Ablyazov in 2013. Now seven of those involved were sentenced.
Opposition Rallies Rock Pakistan As Its Leaders Push Against Imran Khan and the Military
By Abhijnan Rej
Opposition leader Nawaz Sharif’s push against the country’s powerful military is a bold gambit with no obvious end game.
Of Hostage Diplomacy and History: China and American Political Polarization
By Bradley J. Murg
Beijing's threats against U.S. citizens in China seemingly ignore the central place that "hostage diplomacy" has played in American history.
Myanmar Calls Off Polling in Rakhine, Shan Conflict Zones
By Sebastian Strangio
The cancellations were expected, but some say the decisions were selective and benefit the ruling National League for Democracy.
Public Shaming is Terrible, But So Is Poor Journalism
By Vu Lam
The online attacks on Vietnam's "Patient 17" were disgraceful, but there is no evidence that her identity was leaked by the Vietnamese government.
Japan’s Pragmatic New PM Pushes Abe’s Vision on Southeast Asia Trip
By Associated Press
As Suga Yoshihide jets off on his first overseas trip as Japan's leader, he is battling a number of controversies at home.
Defying State of Emergency, Thailand Student Protests Roll Onward
By Sebastian Strangio
Thailand student protesters are increasingly drawing support – and tactics – from Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.