In The News

Which Asian Century?

Richard N. Haass October 30, 2013
Asia has the population and economic potential to dominate the 21st century. Yet Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, points out that Asia confronts two paths – continuing economic growth while avoiding conflict or increasing tensions. Haass suggests that Europe during the 20th century offers a model: During the first half, the continent engaged in two world wars with...

As Asia Rises, New Challenges Emerge

Barry Desker July 11, 2013
Asia’s economic rise came amidst a period of peace and stability, explains Barry Desker, dean of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. “If Asia heads towards a period of conflict and uncertainty, with rising tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea or the threat of nuclear conflict in East Asia, resources will be diverted to strengthening defense capabilities and foreign...

China Eases Curb On Dalai Lama Images

June 27, 2013
Chinese authorities in the Sichuan province have announced that followers of the Dalai Lama can publicly display his images, and officials in the area have been ordered to cease criticism of the spiritual leader, according to a report by US-funded Radio Free Asia. China took control of Tibet in 1951 and has since demonized the Dalai Lama after he established a government in exile in India. Since...

Iran’s President-Elect May Offer New Opening

Mohammed Ayoob June 20, 2013
Iran’s voters rejected hardline conservatives in favor of Hassan Rouhani, a former chief nuclear negotiator who has served in the country’s National Security Agency, known for his conciliatory style. Mohammed Ayoob, professor and author, describes the president-elect as adept in foreign policy with the skills needed to ensure national security, control infighting and to engage with the rest of...

Analysis: Iran Moderate's Poll Triumph Is Mandate for Change

Marcus George June 17, 2013
Iranian voters selected moderate Hassan Rohani to replace Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president, thus urging a conciliatory tone in world affairs from their leaders. Iranians are “weary of years of economic isolation and tightening political restrictions,” writes Marcus George for Reuters. The election is described as appearing “free and fair,” although leading reformists were not permitted to run....

Afghans Nervous as Nawaz Sharif Returns

Hafizullah Gardesh, Mina Habib May 29, 2013
Nawaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League will take his third turn at prime minister, and Afghans are wary about relations between the two countries, considering that Sharif backed mujahedin resistance against the Soviet-backed government in the 1980s and recognized the Taliban government in 1997, report Hafizullah Gardesh and Mina Habib for the Institute for War & Peace Reporting. “Kabul...

Expanding Civil War: After Syria, Iraq?

Mohammed Ayoob May 7, 2013
Intervention and war are a way of life in the Middle East. With intervention fueling conflict, sectarian tensions reemerge and leaders restrict basic rights and freedoms and even resort to using force to restrain their own citizens. A recent example is the Iraqi government kicking out Arab television networks. Old behavior patterns are igniting unrest, civil war and new types of intervention,...