Syria’s Assad Confident His Plan Is Working
Unless and until the opposition came come together on a strategy, the Syrian strongman will stay put.
Asia
Is a Divide Opening Between Beijing’s Leaders?
Bo Xilai’s ouster is a victory for the Communist Party’s liberal reformers.
Tajikistan: Between a Rock, a Hard Place and Iran
As the United States plot their exit from Afghanistan, they’re making efforts to reenlist Central Asian support.
Clinton Cautions Saudis Against Arming Syrian Rebels
The secretary of state urges Saudi Arabia to support international diplomatic efforts against the Syrian regime.
China’s Communist Party on Its Last Legs
If the Chinese ruling party fails to open up and reform, it will lose legitimacy once the economy slows down.
Obstacles to Long-Term Presence in Afghanistan
The Afghan government, the insurgents and neighboring states are all stakeholders who could undermine the treaty.
Hope for Afghan Peace Talks After Taliban Walk Out
“Deep breaths, and not hyperventilation, are required here,” an American official said.
Iraqis Regard Arab League Summit Warily
Baghdad’s residents are less enthusiastic about the conference than their government.
Medvedev Predicts Eurasian Union by 2015
It may prove a tough sell to non-Russian peoples that they will not be junior partners in orbiting Kremlin interests.
All Quiet in the South China Sea
Beijing adopts a more conciliatory tone in its maritime border disputes with Southeast Asian countries.
Eyeing China, India Strains Relations with Sri Lanka
India’s condemnation of Sri Lankan human rights abuses must be seen as part of a regional game.
India’s Iran Policy Starting to Mirror Its Israel Policy
As with Israel, India begins to hide its engagement with Iran behind hostile rhetoric.
America Giveth, North Korea Taketh Away
Less than three weeks after America promised to supply humanitarian aid, North Korea announces a missile launch.
India Should Prefer a Republican President
Historically, Republicans in the White House have been far more beneficial to India’s interests than Democrats.
The Problem with “Zero Problem Neighborhood”
Turkey’s policy of befriending rivals and antagonizing allies seems less and less of an asset.