OpinionAsia Commentaries Feed

Nuclear India: Ten Years after Pokhran II

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:05:56 +0800

Many reasons were attributed to former PM Vajpayee’s decision to bring India’s nuclear weapons out of the closet in May 1998. However, the primary motivation stemmed from threat perceptions: a dangerous nuclear neighbourhood with two inimical nuclear powers, China and Pakistan, colluding with each other to destabilise India through a nuclear warhead-ballistic missile nexus and a long-drawn proxy war under the nuclear shadow.

Judges and the Judiciary in Pakistan: Judgement Day round the Corner?

Fri, 9 May 2008 17:40:46 +0800

The new deadline for the restoration of the deposed judges has been extended to May 12th, 2008. One possibility is that the PPP will approach the judiciary for a “deal” which ensures its political survival. However, if the deposed judges are restored by May 12th, it will be difficult to predict the extent to which the Supreme Court will become hostage to party politics in Pakistan.

Spring Time in Sino-Japanese Relations?

Wed, 7 May 2008 15:36:46 +0800

President Hu termed his visit to Japan as a “warm spring” journey that would herald in a new era of bilateral relationship based on mutual trust and long-term strategic interests. This is a lofty goal that the two countries could and should accomplish in their mutual interests and to the benefit of East Asia and beyond. After the deep freeze of years past, spring may have finally arrived in Sino-Japanese relations.

One Cyclone after another? Myanmar's 10 May Referendum

Tue, 6 May 2008 10:14:59 +0800

Some Myanmar observers have remarked that trying to understand Burmese politics is like tealeaf reading or crystal ball gazing. But uncertainty and unpredictability concerning Myanmar politics and economy is often overstated. Whatever the Referendum results, the fundamental building blocks of politics and power, as well as larger geo-economic and strategic equations surrounding Myanmar are least likely to be affected.

Charter Change: Thailand's new battleground

Sun, 4 May 2008 06:33:45 +0800

Outside observers who are confused and astonished by Thailand’s persistent turmoil ought to be forgiven. This is a country that not long ago was viewed as having consolidated its democratic rule. Yet for almost the past three years, it has been caught in a roller-coaster of street protests and political polarisation, a military coup, a new constitution, a general election and the return of more street protests, confrontation and brinkmanship.

Ahmedinejad’s visit to India: Is the gas pipeline project on?

Thu, 1 May 2008 00:48:03 +0800

Iranian President Ahmedinejad’s brief stopover in New Delhi on 29 April for talks with Indian leaders expectedly aroused great interest throughout the world. When the Americans suggested that India should use the occasion to press Iran to stop nuclear enrichment, India tartly responded that it did not need any “guidance” on how to handle its relationship with Iran.

The Mindanao Peace Process: On a Carriage with Two Horses

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:25:22 +0800

After having been stationed in Mindanao for around four years, the monitoring contingent must have observed how the Philippine government used the peace process to simply neutralise and tame the MILF, while propping up the Philippines’ international image as a genuine peace partner. In reality, it was busier attracting economic assistance and investment to Mindanao from donor countries and international agencies.

China on Tibet: Han overlordship and territorial integrity

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:54:29 +0800

The spectre of Han domination often pokes through the idea of Chineseness. Most strikingly in the state's repeated broadcasts of Tibetans attacking Han in Lhasa and elsewhere. One interpretation is that these broadcasts were intended to project the idea that the Han were under threat and should therefore rally together and unite behind the party.

Constitutionalising social justice in India: the role of the Supreme Court

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:33:07 +0800

Despite having stirred the sensibilities of both the socially advantaged and disadvantaged sections of society, the 1990 Mandal reservation scheme has brought about radical changes in Indian polity and society. The grammar of entitlement has now become an integral part of the language of politics in contemporary India.

US FTAs: The Legislative Block heard around the World

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:06:04 +0800

Although the furious debate on trade between the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigns may seem discouraging, Asian trading partners should not despair. Either candidate, if elected, will seek to improve US global prestige, and FTAs and other trade agreements will be necessary tools to achieve that goal.