North Korean Army Chief Relieved of “All Posts”
A guardian of the young North Korean leader is apparently purged.
Asia
Arab Emirates Ship First Oil Via Gulf of Oman Port
Alarmed by Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE open a new export terminal
United States Should Pivot on Shia-Sunni Divide
By doing a deal with Iran, the United States can maintain a balance of power in the Middle East.
China’s Catch 22: Communist Party Under Pressure
The party can lose its grip on power if growth stalls but to keep growth up, it will have to relax its grip on power.
Nationalism Looms Over South China Sea Disputes
Even if America, China and Southeast Asian countries want to mend disputes, there are major political obstacles.
Foreign Investment in Afghanistan Faces Obstacles
Lack of security and skills and corruption are major impediments to foreign investment in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
Uzbekistan Turns Into American Ally in Central Asia
Wikistrat analyzes the costs and benefits of American efforts to boost ties with Uzbekistan.
Saudis Alarm Pakistan with India Outreach
Saudi Arabia tries to steer India away from its “nonaligned” position to isolate Iran, to the alarm of its ally Pakistan.
Assad Says Turkey Responsible for Syria’s Bloodshed
Syria’s president accuses Turkey of interfering in his country’s “internal affairs.”
Clinton’s Apology Reopens NATO Supply Route
The American secretary of state says “sorry” for the accidental death of Pakistani soldiers.
Despite Defections, Noda’s Coalition Maintains Majority
Fifty lawmakers led by former ruling party president Ichirō Ozawa defected from Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s coalition.
China Plays Energy Security Card in India Relations
Energy cooperation between China and India throws up many geopolitical conundrums.
North Korea Can’t Really Turn Seoul Into a “Sea of Fire”
A North Korean artillery strike on Seoul would be a tragedy, but not a catastrophe.
Japanese Parliament Enacts Controversial Sales Tax
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda scores a victory with a consumption tax increase, despite opposition from within his own party.
Turkey Weighs Response After Jet Downed by Syria
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan vows retaliation, but NATO isn’t prepared to act.