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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.
Smackdown on O’Smach: Cambodia’s Path Out of Tier 3?
By Arthur Eremita
There may yet be a chance for the country’s new government to charm itself into a human trafficking upgrade.
Revisiting China: One Year After the White Paper Movement
By Jianli Yang
Is China any closer to meaningful political change?
Cambodian PM’s First 100 Days Show Real Transfer of Power Yet to Come
By Sam Rainsy
As expected, the new government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet has been a case of old wine in new bottles.
Want to Reset China-US Relations? Bring Back Fulbright China
By Colleen O’Connor and Elizabeth M. Lynch
Restoring the Fulbright Program could be a gateway to alleviating tensions and closing the China expertise gap.
G7 President Japan Has a Final Chance for Energy Leadership at COP28
By Yoko Mulholland, Hanna Hakko, and Kat Petersen
As its G-7 presidency concludes, Japan has an opportunity to advance delivery of the global clean energy transition at COP28.
Indonesia’s Non-aligned Foreign Policy Is Not Neutral
By Retno L.P. Marsudi
No bloc, no problem, explains Indonesia’s foreign minister.
The World Needs to Capitalize on the Gains of Myanmar’s Operation 1027
By Than Naing Oo
The military junta is teetering on the brink of collapse. A concerted push could see it fall.
Taliban Leaders Get Medical Treatment Abroad While Afghan Women and Children Lack Basic Care
By Natalie Gonnella-Platts and Jessica Ludwig
Why are sanctioned Taliban leaders allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment while their policies push Afghanistan’s healthcare system to the edge of collapse?
A New Myanmar Needs a New (Crypto) Currency
By James Song and Maung Zarni
Despite a string of recent cryptocurrency scandals, the country's resistance forces have a lot to gain from pushing toward fintech's frontiers.
A Diplomatic Tightrope: Taiwan’s Stance on the Israel-Hamas War
By Philip Hou
Taiwan must stand up for Palestine, otherwise it may face the same fate as Gaza – and a potentially silent international community.
It’s Time for a New Approach to Peace and Reconciliation in Afghanistan
By Youssof Ghafoorzai
To change the status quo and place Afghanistan on a trajectory toward stability, the international community needs to take a new approach to dealing with the country.
The Slow, Insidious Attack on Freedom of Religion in Hong Kong
By Benedict Rogers
As Hong Kong’s basic freedoms have been dismantled, freedom of religion or belief – perhaps the last liberty still just about standing – is under ever-increasing threat.