Showing 1 - 10 of 1,272
The war and its likely consequences
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 17/04/2026
» As the joint attack between the United States and Israel against Iran that resulted in a wider regional conflict in the Middle East approaches its two-month mark, the directions of the war remain precarious while some of the longer-lasting consequences appear evident. Unsurprisingly, the war has been detrimental and damaging for all states and societies concerned, not just within the affected region but the wider world. Already we can start counting some of the long-term costs.
Myanmar looks east again in search of legitimacy
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/04/2026
» Myanmar understands it needs to reach out to the world if it is to end its isolation and roll back the sanctions much of the West has levied against it. To this end, the men in green, now in civilian clothes, are seeking the support of traditional allies -- China and Asean, especially Thailand -- as well as Bangladesh and Pakistan, in an effort to reset foreign policy and regain international acceptance.
Hail the blasphemer
Oped, Postbag, Published on 17/04/2026
» Re: "Trump 'not a big fan' of Leo", (World, April 14). Between the leader of the spiritual world and that man portraying himself as world leader, Pope Leo commands the global Catholic population of 1.4 billion, representing 17% of the world's population, which is by far higher than the population of that man's country of 350 million people.
When will the IMF ever learn?
Oped, Timothy Kaldas, Published on 16/04/2026
» This year's International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings come at a time of heightened economic uncertainty and intense scrutiny of the institution's capabilities and approach. Critics on the left argue that the IMF imposes regressive austerity measures on borrowers, exacerbating poverty, hampering economic growth, and undermining their ability to achieve debt sustainability. On the right, US President Donald Trump's administration has accused the IMF of "mission creep," claiming that it has strayed from its core mandate of maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Rethink Asean-Pakistan relations
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/04/2026
» Pakistan became an Asean sectoral dialogue partner in 1993. Yet for more than three decades, the grouping's engagement with this nuclear-armed state has remained limited. The time has surely come to reconsider its status and elevate it to a full dialogue partner.
A toxic reversal
Postbag, Published on 13/04/2026
» Re: "Energy and environment will take centre stage" (InQuote, April 1) and "BJT pulls support for Clear Air Bill" (BP, April 7).
Abuse of trust
Postbag, Published on 12/04/2026
» Re: "Actress claims sexual assault by rescuer during medical emergency", (BP, April 1).
It can even get a bit chilly in Hell
Roger Crutchley, Published on 12/04/2026
» The pause in the Middle East conflict is very welcome although with the opposing elements both claiming a "great victory" it's all a trifle confusing. Prior to the ceasefire, we had witnessed increasingly belligerent exchanges from both sides containing sombre warnings that the opposing forces were destined to end up in "hell". In fact the word "hell" was appearing so frequently it was in danger of losing its intended impact.
A US-founded alliance worth keeping around
News, John J Metzler, Published on 11/04/2026
» Nato is again in the rhetorical crosshairs as the Trump administration has chided some European members for not allowing American aircraft to transit through America's European bases.
Suu Kyi, media bias and morality
News, Fergus Harlow, Published on 11/04/2026
» History rarely collapses in an instant; more often, it is quietly rewritten until reality itself feels negotiable. In the years leading up to Myanmar's 2021 coup, a story took shape in the international imagination -- one that cast Aung San Suu Kyi not as a constrained civilian leader navigating a military-dominated state, but as a symbol of moral failure.