Region
Southeast Asia
Asia Gets Tough on Graft. Kind of.
Thursday marks UN Anti-Corruption Day. There’s plenty of it to be worried about, reports Simon Roughneen from Bangkok.
Vietnam’s Cluster Bomb Shadow
Decades after the Vietnam War ended, cluster bombs still leave large swathes of land in Laos off-limits. But the foot-dragging on a ban continues.
Islamic Militancy: Jakarta Hits Back
Indonesia’s Detachment 88 counterterrorism unit has had some big successes this year. But are separatist militants down and out?
Towering Ambition in Malaysia
Are plans for a new 100-storey skyscraper a sign of strength or weakness? Either way, they make little economic sense.
From One Prison to Another
By The Diplomat Special Correspondent
Aung San Suu Kyi’s release is a gamble for Burma’s ruling junta. Will its post-election confidence prove to be misplaced?
Once More, Without Feeling
By Diplomat Special Correspondent
No one expects anything other than a big election win for Burma’s ruling junta. A dejected population is giving up on hoping for better.
Thailand’s Misplaced Police Priority
By Pavin Chachavalpongpun
The new Thai police chief says tackling anti-monarchists is his top priority. He risks deepening divisions in the country.
Burma’s Mysterious Border Closure
By Phil Thornton
The Burmese junta’s decision to close a Thai border crossing has prompted frustration and questions—and no answers from Burma.
Moscow’s Asian Nuclear Campaign
By Richard Weitz
Energy-hungry Asia offers Russia a chance to re-engage with the continent. But is a nuclear strategy a guarantee of influence?
When Is a Terrorist a Terrorist?
By Luke Hunt
‘War on terror’ was a flawed term from the start. But Asian governments, too, are willing to play politics with terrorism.
After Burma Poll, Conflict Looms
Burma’s history is marked by insurgencies and ethnic tension. Next month’s poll could see them bubble over into armed conflict.
The Battle Over the Mekong
By Tom Fawthrop
Chinese dams threaten one of the world’s most biodiverse rivers, critics say. It’s not just environmentalists who are worried.