Region
Southeast Asia
Why Did Duterte Veto the Philippine SIM Card Registration Act?
By Mong Palatino
The bill was criticized by civil liberties groups and citizens. But President Rodrigo Duterte is hardly known for his emphasis on freedoms.
There’s a Crisis Unfolding in Southeastern Myanmar
By Nai Aue Mon and Maggi Quadrini
Heavy attacks by Myanmar’s military are threatening civilian safety and security. The world must not look away.
How Does Inviting Autocrats to the White House Make Asia More Free?
By John Sifton
The upcoming U.S.-ASEAN special summit stands in jarring juxtaposition to last year’s “Summit for Democracy” -- to which most ASEAN states didn’t merit an invitation.
Hundreds in Jakarta Protest Talk of 2024 Election Delay
By Fadlan Syam and Niniek Karmini
Rumors that President Joko Widodo is seeking to extend his time in office continue to spark protests, alongside inflation and controversial legislation.
How the Coup Shattered the Image of Myanmar’s Military
By Tun Myint
The Tatmadaw has slid from a repressive to a repugnant institution in public opinion.
Thailand’s New Deep South Airport: Dead on Arrival?
By Tita Sanglee
A new airport in Betong is supposed to spark development in Thailand's troubled south, but practical considerations limit its potential.
Old Challenges Loom Over Southern Thailand’s New Peace Talks
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Building on the recent successes of fresh negotiations will depend on both sides overcoming decades-old difficulties.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines Consider Expanding Sulu Sea Trilateral Patrols
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Ongoing efforts to further develop the minilateral mechanism bear close watching, despite lingering challenges.
Indonesia’s GoTo Goes Public
By James Guild
GoTo is a key part of Indonesia’s vision for future economic growth: It’s a company that uses technology and capital to make domestic markets more efficient.
Timor-Leste Chooses President in Runoff Amid Political Feud
By Associated Press
Preliminary results for in the race between two former independence fighters, and bitter rivals, may not be known until Wednesday.
Prophecies, Rituals, and Resistance in Myanmar
By Naw Theresa
Soothsayers, astrologers, and monks marshal symbols and oracles to predict the anti-coup movement's eventual success.
Myanmar’s Military Chief Pardons Prisoners to Mark Holiday
By Grant Peck
While around 1,600 prisoners have been freed, political detainees were not among those released.