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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.
It’s Time to Confront the Taliban’s Corruption
By David J. Kramer, Natalie Gonnella-Platts, and Jessica Ludwig
Fundamental to the Taliban’s vicious pursuit of power is the strategic use of corruption and kleptocracy.
Rip off the Blindfold: Let Taiwanese Civil Society Learn From Ukraine
By Wu Min-Hsuan
Taiwan’s new government must encourage civil society groups to visit Ukraine and learn from the country's recent experience.
Why the US Needs to Back Myanmar’s Spring Revolution
By Peter Morris
Recent rebel offensives have the military junta reeling. A little bit of outside support could hasten its collapse.
The Baloch Protest: Why We March
By Mahrang Baloch
“Upon arriving in Islamabad with 300 families, we realized that the state was neither ready to listen nor interested in addressing the issue of missing persons.”
Making China-US Ties More Resilient
By Jin Kai
Rather than wait and see what “life after Xi” looks like, it is more urgent, practical, and constructive to make Washington’s relationship with Beijing resilient (once again).
Does Competing with the Chinese Communist Party Mean ‘Kicking It When It’s Down?’
By Raja Krishnamoorthi
No. It means American must reaffirm our commitment to investing in people, production, partnerships, and protection -- and embrace our fundamental political tradition of self-examination and improvement.
How China Games the Universal Periodic Review System
By Renee Xia and William Nee
China will try to manipulate a U.N. human rights review in January. States can’t let that happen.
Bombing Revives Fears of Islamist Militancy in the Philippines
By Georgi Engelbrecht
The December 3 bombing of a Catholic mass in Marawi City was an ominous warning as the Bangsamoro peace process approaches a crucial juncture.
Hong Kong’s Dismal December
By Benedict Rogers
The oppression of rights and political participation in Hong Kong marked new milestones at the end of 2023. The international community must hold Beijing to account at its upcoming UPR.
A Legitimate Election in Bangladesh Depends on a Free Press
By Gypsy Guillén Kaiser and Angelita Baeyens
Journalists, whose daily reports are the lifeblood of information flows that make dynamic economies possible, risk being silenced in an amplified government crackdown.
UNESCO Has Failed to Prevent Forced Evictions at Angkor Wat
By Sambath Reth
The rights group Amnesty International claims that thousands of families have been evicted from the world-famous temples over the past year.
A New Era of Japan-ASEAN Relations
By SUKEGAWA Seiya
‘Trust’ and ‘Mutual Benefit’ are the watchwords.