Showing 1 - 10 of 34
Blinken's diplomatic dance in China
Oped, Published on 01/05/2024
» US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited China for whirlwind discussions with the People's Republic political grandees in Shanghai and Beijing with the hope of "stabilising the relationship" between both countries. So into the Beijing/Washington political turbulence, Mr Blinken flew to smooth the Sino-American political rivalry, especially over China's military assertiveness towards the South China Sea, Taiwan, the Ukraine war, and naturally two-way trade.
International challenges demand action
Oped, Published on 18/04/2024
» It's not often an American ally addresses the US Congress, but when they do, it's time to listen. That was the case on April 12 when Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke before a joint session of Congress in Washington to both thank America for its post-war friendship and to reaffirm the continuing political and strategic partnership between Japan and the US.
Russian moves block UN probe of North Korea
Oped, Published on 05/04/2024
» In a classic under-the-political radar ploy, Russia has vetoed a UN committee investigating North Korean nuclear missile and banking sanctions violations. The low-profile but highly significant sanctions committee regularly monitors illicit actions by Pyongyang to develop, improve and implement the regime's nuclear weapons and offensive missile programmes.
Tough security law dims Hong Kong's lustre
Oped, Published on 28/03/2024
» There was no hint of dissent in Hong Kong's Legislative Council as its 88 members passed Article 23, a piece of draconian domestic Security legislation which "complements" Beijing's own 2020 Security stamp on the Special Administrative Region.
Haiti's ticking humanitarian timebomb
Oped, Published on 21/03/2024
» As waves of gang violence engulf an already poor and destitute land through a reckless orgy of shootings and looting, the Caribbean Island of Haiti equally faces a widening domestic humanitarian crisis along with a ticking migrant exodus.
UN condemns Iran's treatment of girls, women
Oped, Published on 15/03/2024
» The Iranian regime has been firmly condemned by a UN fact-finding mission investigating the unprovoked killing of Mahsa Amini two years ago, in an incident that set off nationwide protests. Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old student, according to a UN fact-finding mission, died in police custody after violating the Islamic Republic's strict "morality rules" requiring women to wear the headscarf.
Pakistan again lands itself in political strife
Oped, Published on 17/02/2024
» Pakistan is politically on the brink again in the aftermath of fractious but inconclusive national parliamentary elections, which ended with a question mark hanging over this land of 241 million people like a political Damocles sword. Two former prime ministers, both bitter rivals and equally mired in alleged corruption, are vying for the top spot.
Predicting 2024's global challenges
Oped, Published on 03/01/2024
» Looking into the snow globe, it's that time of year to predict and prognosticate what awaits this tired world in the new year. There's a certain trepidation in the air as we view the current and emerging crises, especially during a highly contested election year in so many key countries.
North Korea's launches still making a splash
Oped, Published on 27/12/2023
» There they go again again! North Korea's reclusive communist regime ended the year with a provocative intercontinental ballistic launch, flying near Japan and splashing down in the Pacific. The ominous firing of a powerful Hwasong-18 rocket came a month after Pyongyang put a spy satellite into orbit.
Ukraine: War, peace and the US Congress
Oped, Published on 16/12/2023
» We are approaching Ukraine's second Christmas at war with Russia. Gone are the heady days and David and Goliath moments of tough and plucky Ukraine stunning the Russian bear and, against all odds and predictions, presumably turning the military tide on the aggressor.