Visible Minorities: Life Under a Mad King
The world is living under a rogue regime—or rather, a rogue individual—who is wielding unprecedented power.
Tag Archives: Middle East
“Genocide Joe” Seeks Helping Hand from Beijing
In a tacit admission that US influence in the Islamic world is in freefall, the Biden administration is openly seeking the People’s Republic of China’s help in extricating itself from its self-inflicted fiascos in Gaza and Yemen.
Yemen Strikes Revive US War Powers Debate
The US Biden administration couldn’t resist the temptation to launch major military strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen. In doing so, it brought renewed attention to the fact that the presidential exercise of war powers has become routinely unconstitutional.
Video Game Triggers Racism Debate in Japan
A popular video game set in a fantasy world triggered an online debate among Japanese, highlighting ideas and social attitudes regarding anti-black racism.
Taiwan Extends Period of Military Conscription
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has announced the extension of the military draft to one year from the current duration of four months, citing the perceived need for increased military preparedness.
Biden Freezes US Arms Sales to Saudis
Many Democrats in the US Congress and others hailed reports that the Biden administration is imposing a temporary freeze on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, pending a review of billions of dollars worth of weapons deals with the repressive regimes approved during the presidency of Donald Trump.
A Cautious Reopening for Business
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported in the first half of June 2020.
Ghosn Unchained
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported in the first half of January 2020.
Economic and Environmental Risks in Abe’s Energy Investments in Russia
In 2019, Japan’s involvement in the Russian energy sector increased significantly, most notably with the purchase by a Japanese consortium of a 10% stake in Russia’s Arctic LNG-2 project. The Abe administration evidently hopes that these new investments will bring benefits, both in terms of energy economics, and as a means of furthering Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ambition to settle Japan’s territorial dispute with Russia. In both respects, the Japanese leadership risks disappointment.
The Aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis
A roundup of the most significant news stories from Japan reported in the last half of October 2019.
