Bo’s Purge an Opportunity for China’s Modernizers
The ouster of Chongqing party chief Bo Xilai gives Premier Wen Jiabao and his allies a chance to sideline hardliners.
Asia
Iran Denounces US-Afghan Strategic Partnership
The Iranians see America’s military presence in the region as part of an effort to encircle them.
BRICS Expansion Could Produce G20 Minus Seven
Including other rising powers in the bloc could further dilute the BRIC’s usefulness.
Why There Can’t Be Quiet in the South China Sea
Lack of clarity on borders and disagreements within China make it difficult to cool things down.
No Good Ways Out of Afghanistan
Air and land routes out of the country are either insufficient or troublesome.
North Korea Ready for Third Nuclear Test
Kim Jong-un failed to pay Beijing the reverence it has become accustomed to.
Afghanistan Partnership Leaves Many Doubts
President Obama and the American people are ready to get out of Afghanistan.
Arab Gulf States Struggle to Agree on Missile Shield
The monarchies are uneasy about sharing data and cannot decide on the location of a central command.
Vietnam Key to Japan’s Southeast Asia Policy
Relations between Japan and Vietnam are reaching the level of strategic partnership.
Early Election Could Strengthen Netanyahu’s Mandate
The prime minister could run as the defender of Israel before having to deal with the aftermath of an attack.
Remembering the Fall of Saigon: The Saddest Day
If America had honored its commitments, South Vietnam might not have fallen.
Diplomatic Crisis Between Iraq, Turkey Deepening
Turkish relations with Iraq’s Kurds and Sunnis anger the Shī’ah government in Baghdad.
Japan’s Central Bank Tries More Quantitative Easing
Cheap lending is a temporary fix. The government needs to tackle long-term impediments to growth.
Yemen’s New President Hunting Down Al Qaeda
Abd Rabbuh Mansur al-Hadi turns out to be a more dedicated partner than his predecessor.
Russia Helping United States Get Out of Afghanistan
The United States are negotiating a transit agreement to fly soldiers out of Afghanistan.