Protests Strengthen Turkish Ruling Party, Opposition Feckless
Popular unrest will likely prevent the Turkish prime minister from assuming a more powerful presidency.
Asia
China, India Vie for Myanmar’s Energy Resources
The rivalry between Asia’s two major powers in Burma is a competition for access to oil and gas.
Protests Might Not Dislodge Erdoğan But Do Pose Challenge
The Turkish prime minister still enjoys broad support but his electoral coalition is fracturing.
Saudi Arabia Takes Over Reins in Syrian Uprising from Qatar
The bigger Arab kingdom worries about its neighbor’s indiscriminate support of radical Islamists.
Battle for Qusayr, Syria Has Sectarian, Strategic Imperatives
Retaking Qusayr is essential if the Assad regime intends to carve out an Alawite state in the northwest.
Despite Loan, Economic Changes Test Pakistani-Saudi Alliance
The Saudis want both stability in Pakistan and economies ties with India.
China Seen Persuading North Korea to Resume Nuclear Talks
A senior military official says North Korea is willing to resume dialogue after a meeting in Beijing.
Despite Coalition Support, Israeli-Palestinian Peace Deal Unlikely
Centrist parties in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government lack the support to push for a compromise.
India Poised to Be China’s New Engine for Growth
Having soured relations with neighboring Japan, China cannot afford to alienate Asia’s other major economy.
Unpopular Nationwide, India’s Ruling Party Wins State Election
Voters in Karnataka punish India’s conservatives for corruption and cronyism.
Majority Arabs, Turks Opposes Arming Syria’s Rebels
A poll shows most neighboring peoples are skeptical of arming the rebels in Syria.
Seeking Deescalation, China Puts Pressure on Korean Ally
What use is a buffer state if it forces deeper American involvement in Northeast Asia?
Indo-Iranian Cooperation in Afghanistan Faces Challenges
India’s and Iran’s interests converge in Afghanistan but their alliance could be tested.
India-EU Free Trade “Early Harvest” Deal Looks Possible
Short of a full agreement, Europe and India may tentatively agree to expand trade.
Syria Threatens War After Israel Conducts Airstrikes
Assad needs all his manpower and resources to fight his internal enemies, however.