No Good Way Out China-Japan Island Dispute
There is no good way to solve the security dilemma around the Diaoyu Islands dispute.
Asia
Little Chance of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Deal
With peace negotiations at a standstill, a two-state solution seems farther away than ever.
New Japanese Government Deepens Burma Engagement
Japan plans to forgive the majority of the debt Burma owes it and invest more in the country.
Syria’s Assad Soldiers On, Blames Foreigners for Civil War
The president urges Syrians to defend their country against an alien rebellion.
Netanyahu Tries to Fend Off Right-Wing Challenge
The Israeli prime minister responds to the defection of conservative voters to the right.
Yemen Succeeds Pakistan as Ground Zero in Drone War
Drone strikes in Pakistan decrease as Al Qaeda expands its presence in Yemen.
For Successful Asia Pivot, Obama Has to Engage Russia
Russia will be the swing vote in the “cold war” of the twenty-first century.
Afghan Factions Meet in France as NATO Prepares Withdrawal
Four Afghan groups meet in France, not for negotiations but at least they’re talking.
Labor Rises in Israeli Polls, May Join Netanyahu’s Coalition
Benjamin Netanyahu could form a coalition with Labor instead of smaller orthodox parties.
Park Holds Onto Presidency for South Korea’s Conservatives
South Korea stays the course with the election of its first female president.
Iraqi President Incapacitated, Sectarian Tension Rising
Jalal Talabani is admitted to hospital just as Iraq could use a moderating force.
Violence in North Iraq Despite Agreement to Diffuse Tension
A second day of violence in territories that are disputed between Baghdad and the Kurds.
Japan’s Abe Proposes Foreign, Monetary Policy Changes
Shinzō Abe returns the Liberal Democrats to government with a resounding victory.
Pentagon: Success in Afghanistan “Mixed Bag”
The Defense Department cites success and failure in Afghanistan in the last six months.
Russia Admits Syria’s Assad May Be Losing Control
Russia doesn’t exclude a rebel victory in Syria, so it has to plan for a future without Assad.