The arrest of a minor in Pakistan throws the spotlight back on its infamous blasphemy laws, competition in Sri Lanka among the two giants of Asia and Thailand’s booming cosmetic surgery industry.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Elephant Shortage
In Sri Lanka, elephants perform an important role in a range of traditional religious ceremonies. But dwindling numbers of pachyderms in captivity have led to a surge in illegal kidnapping of baby elephants
Must-Reads from Around the World, June 12, 2012
The world news you need to know on June 12: Putin cracks down on opposition as protesters mass; the U.S. hands India, but not China, a waiver allowing it to temporarily circumvent sanctions and import Iranian oil; and the debate …
“While women have made significant advancements in health, education and employment, they continue to lag their male counterparts in reaching leadership positions.”
Asia Reacts to Earthquake and Tsunami Threat
A 8.5 magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Sumatra island prompting an Indian Ocean-wide tsunami alert.
U.N. Sri Lanka Vote Redefines India’s Regional Role
In the early months of 2009 when Sri Lanka’s war was reaching its final crescendo, frantic calls were made to Colombo by Sri Lankan diplomats at the United Nations headquarters in New York. According to a top Sri Lankan diplomat, some calls were directly to Mahinda Rajapaksa himself, warning the Sri Lankan president that the U.S., …
Must-Reads from Around the World: March 23, 2012
Non-cooperation – The Jerusalem Post reveals Israel will not cooperate with an international probe into the effects of settlements on Palestinian human rights, after a 36 to 1 U.N. Rights Council vote in favor of the fact-finding mission Thursday. The U.S. was the only country to vote against it. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu labeled …
Must-Reads from Around the World: March 22, 2012
War Crimes – The Global Mail details more damning evidence of Sri Lankan army atrocities at the 2009 end of the civil war, highlighting the murder of a Tamil Tigers colonel. “Of the mass of available evidence, the most compelling trail is that of Colonel Ramesh. His death provides a crack of light that illuminates the deaths of thousands …
Why Sri Lanka Remains Defiant Against New Allegations of War Crimes
“They didn’t believe that anyone in the international community was willing to stop them, and they were right.” That is the lucid explanation offered by John Holmes, the British diplomat and former chief of the U.N.’s …
Must-Reads from Around the World: March 12, 2012
Solo Act — Almost every major news outlet is leading with the reports that a U.S. soldier acting alone allegedly killed at least 16 Afghan civilians, including nine children, on Sunday. The shootings, taking place near a base …
Must-Reads from Around the World: February 21, 2012
Ballot for One – Yemen heads to the polls on Tuesday to replace long-time ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh. Interestingly, the only candidate on the ballot is Vice President Abd-Rabbua Mansour Hadi, who took power after Saleh stepped …
Not Just a Pakistani Problem: India’s Army Chief Challenges His Own Government
Side by side on the front page of today’s Hindu newspaper are two stories about conflict between the Army and the civilian government in two South Asian countries. One of them, of course, is Pakistan, a country whose political …
Why Israel’s Netanyahu May Prefer a Waltz With Hamas to a Tango With Abbas
Tuesday’s milestone prisoner exchange does not, repeat does not portend a new peace process between Israel and Hamas. Neither side is even seeking that goal: If the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unable to agree peace terms with the moderate President Mahmoud Abbas, it’s hardly about to seek a “grand bargain” to end …