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ASEAN Beat
‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.
Fresh Calls for Rescue of Rohingya Refugees Stranded at Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The boat, which set off from Bangladesh in late November, has been adrift since its engines failed on December 1.
New Indonesian Military Chief Downplays Extent of Papua Conflict
By Sebastian Strangio
The past few years have seen growing numbers of violent incidents in the eastern region, home to a long-running separatist insurgency.
Myanmar’s NUG Welcomes the Passage of the U.S. BURMA Act
By Luke Hunt
The legislation authorizes the Biden administration to begin providing non-lethal assistance to the opposition National Unity Government and its allies.
Thailand to Convene Regional Meeting on Myanmar Conflict
By Sebastian Strangio
The “open-ended consultative meeting" on the country's conflict will reportedly take place on December 22.
Why Can’t a Nation of 276 Million People Field a Decent Soccer Team?
By William Yuen Yee
Despite the Indonesian public's passion for the world game, the "Red and White" have consistently under-performed on the global stage.
Malaysian PM Survives Confidence Vote, Stabilizes Government
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Ibrahim has secured the support of a healthy majority, but there are no ironclad guarantees over the longer term.
UN General Assembly Denies Junta Bid for Myanmar Seat
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision is a victory for the opposition National Unity Government – but will the U.N.'s various agencies follow suit?
Philippine Communist Party Founder Dies in Exile at 83
By Associated Press
Jose Maria Sison had lived in self-exile in The Netherlands since his release from prison in 1986.
How Vietnam Can Balance Against China, on Land and at Sea
By Khang Vu
Vietnam’s proximity to China and lack of strategic depth limit its options in forming security partnerships with other great powers.
‘Where is Sombath?’: After 10 Years, the Question Remains Hanging
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite a decade of calls from U.N. officials and human rights groups, there is still no word as to the ultimate fate of Lao civil society leader Sombath Somphone.
Vietnam’s Shaky Crusade Against Online ‘Trash Culture’
By Le Nguyen Duy Hau
In the absence of firm principles, Vietnam’s ambitious effort to combat malicious online content has been guided by public outrage.
After the Astana Anyar Bombing: A Critical Overview of Indonesia’s CVE System
By Alif Satria
Indonesia’s post-arrest countering violent extremism programs are intended to help prevent recidivism. What are the system's current shortcomings?