Indian Ocean
Drone Strike May Weaken Pakistani Taliban, but Islamabad and Washington Face Dilemma
- Wednesday, 05 June 2013
While a recent drone strike against the Pakistan Taliban’s second-in-command may weaken the group, it may also hinder the ongoing peace process in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Islamabad and Washington must now decide the future limits and use of the controversial drone campaign.
Naxalite Attack Sows Discord
- Wednesday, 05 June 2013
Naxalite-Maoist insurgents have ambushed an Indian National Congress party convoy, killing some senior party leaders and leaving others injured. The aftermath has been marked by politicisation of the attack, as parties and government authorities seek to apportion blame.
India and China Pushed Together Over Afghanistan
- Wednesday, 05 June 2013
Growing two-way investment between China and India and co-operation on economic and security issues in Afghanistan, are helping to bring the two Asian giants closer together. It is, however, leaving Pakistan increasingly sidelined, potentially jeopardising incoming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s plans for enhanced ties with India.
Southern Africa to Benefit from Mozambique Transport Corridor Phase III
- Wednesday, 05 June 2013
When completed, the Nacala Development Corridor will have a potentially transformative effect on the economic development of the northern region of Southern Africa.
Indo-Japanese Ties Move Forward
- Wednesday, 05 June 2013
The visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Tokyo has engendered much empathy with the Abe government and, simultaneously, drawn attention in Beijing. Whether India can make full use of the generated bonhomie, though, is another issue.
Australia Seeks to Boost Ties with Wealthy Qatar
- Wednesday, 29 May 2013
The recent visit to Qatar by Foreign Minister Bob Carr was a useful step in Australia’s efforts to broaden Middle Eastern trade relations beyond the traditional regional markets ofSaudi Arabia and the UAE. Livestock, meat, wheat and motor vehicle exports seem to be the most promising sectors
Sudan-South Sudan Oil Conflict Brings New Role for Beijing
- Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Its growing engagement in Africa has led China to play an unprecedented mediation role in the dispute between Sudan and South Sudan over oil exports. It is contrary to China’s long-standing hands-off approach and potentially heralds a new and more complicated aspect to its relations with resource-rich countries.
EU, Australia, New Zealand Continue Anti-Piracy Efforts as Number of Incidents Falls
- Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Continued efforts, both at sea and on land, are necessary to consolidate the gains made over the last year and prevent a resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Playing it Safe
- Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s decision last week to ban Hashemi Rafsanjani and Rahim Mashaei from the election has prompted criticism. How the remarks will impact upon the Supreme Leader’s objective of stacking the government with loyalists, remains to be seen.
Rohingya Dilemma Complicates ASEAN Affairs
- Wednesday, 29 May 2013
The leadership of the Association of South-East Asian States (ASEAN) must reconsider the predicament of the Rohingya in Burma (Myanmar), as it is rapidly becoming a regional issue. ASEAN is aware that the issue endangers the group’s stability, but has not developed a joint position.