Information on "Politics" and "Asia"
May 2013
-
10 May 2013
Greenland’s Dilemma and its ‘Reluctant’ Alliance with China
China is becoming increasingly interested in Greenland’s natural resources. And while the autonomous Danish territory once welcomed Chinese investment, Bhavna Singh believes Nuuk is now using domestic opposition to foreign workers to realign its diplomatic relations with Beijing and other states. More on «Greenland’s Dilemma and its ‘Reluctant’ Alliance with China» -
7 May 2013
Balochistan: Pakistan's Next Headache?
Balochistan has struggled for independence from Pakistan for decades. Vikas Kumar believes upcoming elections and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan will provide Baloch nationalists with opportunities to rejuvenate their cause. They will then have to contend with China’s growing presence in this restive province. More on «Balochistan: Pakistan's Next Headache? »
April 2013
-
30 Apr 2013
Uzbekistan: A 'Dress Rehearsal' for a Succession Crisis?
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov suffered a severe heart attack on March 19. Writing for the Center for Eastern Studies, Marek Matusiak considers the likelihood of follow-on power struggles and uprisings, as well as possible political instability in Central Asia. More on «Uzbekistan: A 'Dress Rehearsal' for a Succession Crisis?» -
26 Apr 2013
The Threat from Rising Extremism in the Maldives
The Maldives depends upon a healthy tourist industry for its economic survival. Yet, as the CTC’s Animesh Roul reveals, a dramatic rise in jihadist activities and the violence that accompanies them is placing the Islands’ economic wellbeing in jeopardy. More on «The Threat from Rising Extremism in the Maldives» -
17 Apr 2013
Sunni Rivalries Threaten Iraq's Local Elections
Pre-election violence in Iraq has led to the deaths of 11 local candidates and the fragmentation of the Anbar Awakening movement. Ron Synovitz blames internal Sunni power struggles for the problem and worries that they will further destabilize an already unstable country. More on «Sunni Rivalries Threaten Iraq's Local Elections» -
11 Apr 2013
River Erosion, Landlessness and Religious Militancy in Northern Bangladesh
Today, Ishak Mia outlines how climate change, landlessness and religious extremism have combined to destabilize the northern parts of Bangladesh. In particular, Islamist militants are exploiting environmental degradation to attract the support of the landless poor. More on «River Erosion, Landlessness and Religious Militancy in Northern Bangladesh»
March 2013
-
21 Mar 2013
NATO, Uzbekistan and the ISAF Withdrawal
The precarious security situation in Pakistan has prompted NATO to look to Uzbekistan as an alternative transportation route for its planned withdrawal from Afghanistan. Yet, as Sonia Rothwell reveals, many member-states remain uncomfortable working with a regime that has a poor human rights record. More on «NATO, Uzbekistan and the ISAF Withdrawal» -
14 Mar 2013
The Security Council in Yemen: Strong Commitment, Limited Leverage
According to Casey L. Coombs, the United Nations Security Council has provided considerable support for Yemen’s political transition. However, a recent upsurge in political violence has exposed the limits of its influence over events in this fractured state. More on «The Security Council in Yemen: Strong Commitment, Limited Leverage»
February 2013
-
12 Feb 2013
Qatar: A Rising Player in Middle Eastern Affairs
In this article, the Atlantic Community's Nial Mulchincock discusses the growing regional influence of Qatar – a small state which directly supported the overthrow of Libya's Muammar Ghadaffi and is now permitting the Syrian opposition to stage a series of strategy and coordination meetings in Doha. More on «Qatar: A Rising Player in Middle Eastern Affairs » -
7 Feb 2013
Georgia-Russia: Hostile Forever?
Georgia's Mikhail Saakashvili is pushing for constitutional amendments that critics believe will force all future governments to adhere to his political line on Russia. According to Sofo Bukia, the amendments will mandate closer ties with the West and rule out any recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. More on «Georgia-Russia: Hostile Forever? »
