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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.
February 27, 2021
Myanmar and Sri Lanka: Bound by Travails
By Thusiyan Nandakumar
The February coup in Myanmar should serve as a wake-up call when it comes to Sri Lanka.
February 26, 2021
Is a Coup Worse Than a Genocide?
By Sebastian Strangio
The difference in Western governments' reaction to the two episodes suggests a misplaced focus on electoral procedures.
February 26, 2021
Human Rights Concerns Continue to Dog 2022 Beijing Olympics
By Philip Citowicki
With less than a year to the Winter Olympics in Beijing, the calls for a boycott will only get louder.
February 25, 2021
Reversing the Tide of Violence, Treading the Path of Peace in the Philippines
By Gus Miclat and Karen Tañada
After a promising start under President Duterte, the Philippine peace process has fallen apart. But civil society can help get things going again.
February 24, 2021
Sri Lankan Muslims Pin Hopes on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan
By Tasnim Nazeer
Muslims hope Khan will address growing Islamophobia in Sri Lanka during his visit to the island.
February 24, 2021
Japanese ‘Magnitsky Law’ Would Send a Strong Message to Cambodia’s Hun Sen
By Sam Rainsy
A Japanese Magnitsky law would allow Tokyo to develop a distinctive Asian voice on human rights and democracy.
February 23, 2021
On ‘Comfort Women’ and Academic Freedom: A Rebuttal
By Yong-Shik Lee and Chan Un Park
Academic freedom does not protect outright falsehoods and distortions.
February 23, 2021
How Will China Avoid Consequences for Its Uyghur Policy?
By Bonnie Girard
The international toll is growing. But the domestic consequences are what Beijing should truly fear.
February 22, 2021
The Military Tightens Its Grip on Access to Information in Myanmar
By Emilie Lehmann-Jacobsen
To maintain the upper hand after the coup, the Tatmadaw is doing its best to choke off the flow of information.
February 19, 2021
Laos’ Pointless Election
By Mu Sochua
The country votes in tightly-controlled elections this weekend – but don't expect anything much to change.
February 18, 2021
This Is Not the Time for Foreign Governments to Stay ‘Neutral’ in Myanmar
By Kim Jolliffe
Myanmar is approaching an inflection point, but the window for meaningful foreign action is quickly closing.
February 18, 2021
On ‘Comfort Women’ and Academic Freedom
By Joseph Yi and Joe Phillips
The recent controversy over a Harvard professor’s article showcases how limited the space for debate and discussion on the issue has become.
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