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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 Wall Street Journal Owes Hong Kong Reporters an Explanation
By Christopher Siu-tat Mung
Selina Cheng was let go by WSJ only two weeks after being elected as the chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association.
ASEAN Must Step-up or Face Irrelevance on the Myanmar Crisis
By Thiha Wint Aung, Jaivet Ealom, and Mehek Berry
There are three basic things the Southeast Asian bloc could do to more effectively address the country's crisis.
Can the US ‘Resolve Tibet Act’ Make a Difference?
By Marie Miller and Tenzin Lhadon
The act takes a landmark step in challenging the CCP’s historical revisionism. But the U.S. should be prepared to offer concrete support to the Tibetan community, which is already beginning to feel the CCP’s retaliation.
Why Are Women Forbidden From Wearing Hijab In Uzbekistan’s Schools?
By Gulnoz Mamarasulova
As the next school year approaches, it seems some officials are trying to pressure teachers and students to uncover. It’s a violation of their rights.
The Quota Reform Protest In Bangladesh Is Much More Than It Seems
By Md Mizanur Rahman
Bangladesh’s leaders are right that the protest has morphed into a broader challenge. What they fail to see is that their own actions are responsible for that development.
It Is Time for the World to Listen and Act to Help Rohingya
By Lucky Karim
Rohingya are not asking for special treatment – they are asking for the most basic human rights that have been denied to them for far too long.
Taking Enhanced Russia-North Korea Ties in Stride
By Lyle Goldstein
In the end, enhanced Russia-North Korea ties should not come as a surprise.
An Expanding BRICS Seeks to Reform Not Replace the Global Order
By Muqtedar Khan and Lucas Lima
Member nations are unhappy with the systemic bias against the Global South and want to reform the current order such that mutually agreed upon norms are applied equally to all nations.
A New Era for Japan and the Pacific Islands
By SHIOZAWA Hideyuki
The 10th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM) promises to build new bonds.
How Mongolia’s Foreign Policy Can Bolster Critical Mineral Supply Chains
By Bolor Lkhaajav and Enkhtur Lkhagvajav
Mongolia has a significant opportunity to contribute to the regional and global energy transition by supplying key commodities.
The Sea Isn’t the Only Thing Rising: Life, Death and Disease in the Pacific
By Ami Bera and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Cutting funding to multilateral efforts that confront climate change globally is shortsighted. When we help others, no matter how many miles away, we learn how to help ourselves.
Dignifying the Taliban in Doha While Reports of Systemic Sexual Violence Emerge
By Lauryn Oates
There is overwhelming evidence that sexual assault perpetrated by Taliban officials is widespread and systemic, and that it occurs with total impunity.