Showing 2,711 - 2,720 of 2,724
The empires are making nice with former colonies
News, Published on 16/01/2012
» As Egyptians and Tunisians vote to replace ousted despots and the Syrian government teeters on the brink, two old imperial powers are competing to exert their political influence over Arab countries in upheaval.
Gitmo no cause for celebration
News, Published on 15/01/2012
» Last Wednesday was the 10th anniversary of the opening of the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention centre for those deemed to be foreign combatants in the nebulous US-led war on terror. Riding a wave of popular outcry against the centre internationally and at home, then-candidate Barack Obama made a pledge to close the facility a keynote of campaign speeches, and soon after he was inaugurated in January 2009 he signed an executive order calling for its closure. Yet in December the US Congress passed a defence funding appropriation bill with a provision that established the legal framework to keep the detention centre open indefinitely. Mr Obama did make some efforts to keep his promise. Not long after US Attorney General Eric Holder announced a plan to hold trials for detainees in US federal courts. To be sure there were considerable obstacles to carrying this out, not least the vehement opposition in communities near where the detainees would be imprisoned while awaiting trial. But despite the difficulties, Mr Obama's first impulses were correct. Guantanamo should have been closed long ago.
The implications of Burma's progress
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 13/01/2012
» Watching Burma's ongoing progress towards democratic reforms and political dialogue from afar is like seeing sprinkling rain turning into a light downpour after a long drought over two decades. It is a spectacular and stunning sight thus far, partly because the long drought stirred pent-up demands and grievances for ways forward.
Bangkok Today Columnist Phya Mai
News, Published on 12/01/2012
» Pheu Thai Party leaders must have the courage to push for constitutional amendments. This is a promise they gave voters during their campaign in last year's general election.
Public voice in charter is vital
News, Published on 12/01/2012
» The proposal from Dr Ukrit Mongkolnavin's commission _ that a 34-member panel he handpicked should be tasked with rewriting the Constitution _ appears doomed, as most Pheu Thai MPs have rejected his idea. This should not be surprising at all.
Thai Rath Editorial
News, Published on 11/01/2012
» The government's attempt to amend the constitution continues to draw much public attention, as well as criticism from the opposition Democrat Party. Even members of the ruling Pheu Thai Party are divided over who should be in charge of rewriting the charter.
Playing an off-key fiddle
News, Published on 09/01/2012
» Re: ''Central bank's attitude unhealthy for Thailand's democracy, says Virabongsa'' (BP, Jan 8). The controversy of who should bear the burden of 1.14 trillion baht debt is rather irrelevant when foreign reinsurers and existing and potential foreign investors are waiting for our remedial performance. The bickering is like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burned in AD 64.
Thai Rath Analysis
News, Published on 09/01/2012
» Given the strong opposition from their opponents, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and the ruling Pheu Thai Party will not push hard for constitutional amendments.
Burma balancing act
News, Published on 08/01/2012
» A day after the 64th anniversary of Burma's declaration of independence from Britain on Jan 4, 1948, British Foreign Minister William Hague arrived in Rangoon in the interests of speeding along true independence for the Burmese people.
Shifting political tides portend turmoil
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 06/01/2012
» Thailand has arrived at the outset of 2012 more bruised and battered compared to its previous bouts of political instability, characterised by several years of protests and violence and then capped recently by the floods.