In The News

Koreas in Border Artillery Clash

John Sudworth November 23, 2010
North Korea disrupted South Korean military drills, lobbing artillery shells over the border to Yeonpyeong Island. South Koreans returned fire in a clash that raises tension to some of its highest levels since the Korean War ended in 1953 without peace treaty, reports John Sudworth of BBC News. The action, just days after the unveiling of a uranium-enrichment facility, triggers a UN Security...

Taking Harder Stance Toward China, Obama Lines Up Allies

Mark Landler, Sewell Chan November 22, 2010
Concerned that China prefers contention over cooperation, the US is organizing alliances with other nations in the region and from afar, reports the New York Times. Intended as a “united front,” the allies will attempt to counter China on a currency kept artificially low, territorial claims in the South China Sea, refusal to ship rare-earth minerals and other trade matters. A lack of trust...

Endgame for Afghanistan

Sreeram Chaulia November 17, 2010
The US and Iran have been at odds since militants overthrew the government and stormed the US embassy more than 30 years ago and, more recently, over Iran’s nuclear program and resistance to UN inspections. But the two nations still share common interests – animosity for the Taliban, Al Qaeda and Sunni extremism – particularly since the US invaded Afghanistan in 2001, points out author Sreeram...

The Long Road to Reunification

Yoav Cerralbo November 17, 2010
A goal for many Koreans since World War II has been reunification of North and South, and hopes are high with dictator Kim Jong Il designating a young successor. One-time bitter foes can unite into one nation, as demonstrated by Germany, though the possibility of Korean reunification depends on neighboring China, which supplies and controls the North, explains Hans-Gert Poettering, chairman of...

Clinton Urges Cambodia to Strike a Balance With China

John Pomfret November 16, 2010
Recent multi-stop visits to Asia by US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton demonstrate newfound US respect for the entire continent. The previous administration’s secretary of state last scheduled meetings in Asia in 2003, reports John Pomfret for the Washington Post. Clinton’s visit was her sixth. Her goal was “to reinforce a central plank of foreign policy in the Obama...

US in Asia: Seeking Partners at a Troubled Time – Part II

Bruce Stokes November 12, 2010
Asia is seen as a pivotal region for US foreign policy, as demonstrated by US President Barack Obama's travels to India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. Despite setbacks for Obama's party in mid-term elections, he continues to win high public-approval ratings in many Asian nations, notes Bruce Stokes, contributing editor for the National Journal. With US voters expressing anger over...

Israeli Settlement Plan Sparks International Outrage

Harriet Sherwood November 11, 2010
A key component of any peace deal between Palestinians and Israelis is a freeze on construction of Israeli settlements. Settlements on occupied territory are illegal under international law. Yet Israeli leaders refuse to commit to a freeze; newly disclosed plans for settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank threaten the latest US attempt at peace talks and spur widespread international...