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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.
The EU’s Cynical Hong Kong Proposal
By Martin Sebena
The bloc’s offer to Hong Kongers sends the message that Europe only supports the rich.
Ambassador to Japan Walter Mondale: An Appreciation
By Ken Moskowitz
Reflections on time spent working for the late Mondale at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
What ASEAN Leaders Should Say to the Head of Myanmar’s Junta
By Dino Patti Djalal
At this weekend's summit, Southeast Asian leaders need to take a firm and principled stance.
Myanmar’s Civil War Has Already Begun
By Philipp Annawitt
Here’s what the international community can and should do about it.
Long After the World Moved on, Bangladesh Is Still Sheltering Rohingya Refugees
By Sayeed Ahmed
The world owes Bangladesh a standing ovation for taking in an astonishing 1.3 million Rohingyas.
A Crisis in Timor-Leste Reveals the Hollowness of ‘Build Back Better’ Rhetoric
By Chloe King
Despite invocations to envision a better, more equal world in the wake of COVID-19, global inequalities remain deeply entrenched.
Jumpstarting China’s Industrial Decarbonization Revolution
By Phelim Kyne
China's decarbonization plans must begin with its steel sector, which contributes 15 percent of its total carbon emissions.
Vietnam’s Great Debate Over Democracy
By Trien Vinh Le
Dynamic political reform can resolve an internal ideological conflict – and help differentiate Vietnam from China.
Afghan Civil Society Must Not Be Left Out of the Peace Process
By Samina Ansari
During the 2001 Bonn Conference, the U.N. opted for a “light footprint” that delegated its civilian development role to foreign military forces. That cannot happen again.
Sri Lankan Muslims Fear Speaking Out
By Tasnim Nazeer
A crackdown on dissenting voices -- those denouncing Islamophobia and criticizing the government -- has Sri Lanka’s Muslims afraid to speak out.
The US Must Help Afghans Who Helped It
By James Schwemlein and Earl Anthony Wayne
While working for a sustainable peace, the U.S. must also recognize that withdrawing from Afghanistan should not mean abandoning the many Afghans who supported its mission.
Afghanistan: A Difficult Road Ahead, But Change Is Inescapable
By Abdallah Al Dardari and Zafiris Tzannatos
If peace is achieved soon, Afghanistan can face the future with optimism.