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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.
Democracy Is Dying in Bangladesh. Targeted Sanctions Could Save It.
By Toby Cadman
Sanctions are a critical and powerful tool to spur much-needed reform.
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit on the Struggle for a Free Thailand
By Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit
Young Thais are becoming increasingly fed up with the stifling consensus and repeated military interventions in the country's politics.
The India-China Ladakh Crisis: Why So Silent, World?
By Abhijnan Rej
The fact that the tense standoff in Ladakh has not led to a greater impression on the public in the U.S. and elsewhere raises uncomfortable questions.
Seeking a Viable Alternative to Indonesia’s Blasphemy Laws
By Desi Hanara
Instead of criminalizing blasphemy, Indonesia should focus on penalizing incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence.
Japan: Dealing with North Korea’s Growing Missile Threat
By Koda Yoji
Time for Japan’s political leaders to do their job.
Reality Check on Human Rights in Uzbekistan
By Hugh Williamson
Tashkent needs clear goals for a Human Rights Council term.
Why Am I Worried About the Taliban’s Return?
By Ali Reza Sarwar
One Afghan explains why he’s concerned about the return of the Taliban to the official political arena in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Fight Against COVID-19 Has Made Imran Khan Stronger
By Syed Ali Zia Jaffery
By bringing the military in as a stakeholder as well as advocating a smart lockdown, Khan’s COVID-19 response has consolidated his hold on power.
Is Pakistan Safe for Women?
By Tehreem Azeem
The horrific gang rape of a mother along the highway was not an isolated incident, but comes against a backdrop of regular threats and harassment of women.
Recover Better Together: Taiwan Can Help
By Jaushieh Joseph Wu
“Working together for the greater good is how the world will defeat COVID-19,” Taiwan’s foreign minister writes – and Taiwan must be a part of that effort.
China-US Media Relations Are Cratering. That’s a Serious Problem.
By Mu Chunshan
Amid the tensions, media on both sides have been casualties. That bodes very poorly for the future of U.S.-China relations.
Rapidly Evolving Missile Threats Require Modern, Multilateral Approaches
By Izumi Nakamitsu
Preventing the spread and emergence of destabilizing missile threats is a vital, unfinished task for the international community.