Showing 1 - 10 of 18
Rough sailing
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 29/06/2020
» Life aboard a Chinese fishing vessel was a nightmare of abuse for Mashuri, who says he's never going to sea again. The 22-year old Indonesian is now safely back on dry land, working as a technician at a motorcycle garage in Lumajang, East Java.
No, Brexit Britain doesn't want its empire back
News, John Lloyd, Published on 14/01/2019
» Britain is moving towards an exit from the European Union on March 29, possibly with no agreement, and thus courting – according to the Bank of England – an 8 percent drop in GDP and a 7.5% rise in unemployment. A drear prospect, attended by matching drear commentaries on the stupidity of the 52 percent of the British electorate who voted for Brexit in 2016.
Is populism a disease? Or a cure?
News, John Lloyd, Published on 29/10/2018
» Populist nationalism is here to stay. Many still believe it a phase which, like surliness in adolescence, will pass and be succeeded by orderly, thoughtful maturity. But they will find that the political world, already changed, will disappoint them. Liberalism, however defined, is not politics' default position: mainstream politicians are in a fight ring facing young contenders buoyed by a string of victories.
Anti-Trump op-ed boosts democracy
News, John Lloyd, Published on 10/09/2018
» The good news was well disguised in the anonymous cry of warning against the "amorality" of Donald Trump. A senior administration official, writing as an unnamed columnist in The New York Times, described how he and like-minded colleagues "are working diligently from within to frustrate parts of (the US president's) agenda and his worst inclinations." The message is that democratic habits -- and, crucially, civic decency and responsibility -- can, in step with free journalism, win out over degraded administrations.
Surakiart's Rakhine mission no easy task
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/02/2018
» After a dramatically shaky start, Surakiart Sathirathai's international advisory group is getting down to tackle the Herculean task of trying to find practical solutions to Myanmar's tragic inter-communal violence. As the Myanmar government comes under increased criticism and international scrutiny, Mr Surakiart believes he and his team must help Myanmar look forward and produce a comprehensive and sustainable plan to restore peace, harmony and development to the country.
Scandals finally topple South Africa's Zuma
Associated Press, Published on 15/02/2018
» JOHANNESBURG: As scandal after scandal unfolded, South African President Jacob Zuma maintained an affable demeanour in public, rallying his support base, dispatching lawyers to fend off court challenges and, it is alleged, enabling his corrupt associates.
Myanmar confident of economic take-off this year
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 08/01/2018
» After nearly two years in power, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and her government face a crucial year ahead. Apart from significant political problems -- resolving the troubles in violence-torn Rakhine state and reviving the stalled peace process -- the government needs to show dramatically improved performance on the economic front.
Australian Parliament allows same-sex marriages
Associated Press, Published on 07/12/2017
» CANBERRA, Australia: The Australian Parliament voted on Thursday to allow same-sex marriage across the nation, following a bitter and divisive debate settled by the government polling voters in a much-criticized ballot survey that strongly endorsed change.
Britain's current mess extends well beyond Brexit
News, John Lloyd, Published on 13/11/2017
» Britain -- ever-ready to boast stable politics and a faultless, often-called "Rolls-Royce" civil service -- is in a mess. Between scandals over sex, secret meetings, political donors and the royal family, the government is melting down.
Escape from poverty
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 11/09/2017
» It was a cold winter night when Ji Seong-ho lost both of his left limbs. He was trying to jump onto a moving freight train to steal coal being transported from North Korea to China. He slipped on the snow and tumbled under the wheels of the carriage.