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The Debate

The Debate is our home for the best opinions from around Asia. Whether it is negotiating with Iran, responding to North Korean provocations, discussing Japan's looming demographic issues, or considering the new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, some of the region's leading thinkers offer their take.

How India Betrayed Mahatma Gandhi

How India Betrayed Mahatma Gandhi

By Safa Ahmed
The ideology of Gandhi’s assassin is now mainstream in the country, while Gandhi himself has been demonized for promoting Hindu-Muslim unity. 

Engaging With the Taliban Doesn’t Work

Engaging With the Taliban Doesn’t Work

By Lauryn Oates
Observers urging engagement with the Taliban should take direction from those on the ground, who are directly impacted by the Taliban’s discriminatory policies. 
What Voice Will We Give to Australia’s Future?

What Voice Will We Give to Australia’s Future?

By Lisa Jackson-Pulver
The wellbeing of our nation should be at the forefront of our minds right now – and we need to get the history right.

Mending Pakistan’s Ties With the West – Via the Middle East

Mending Pakistan’s Ties With the West – Via the Middle East

By Syed Abdul Ahad Waseem
Pakistan’s relevance in the Middle East theater is natural, and it is about time that Pakistan leverages that relevance to alleviate its isolation.

A First-hand Run-in With Pakistan’s Dangerous Blasphemy Obsession

A First-hand Run-in With Pakistan’s Dangerous Blasphemy Obsession

By Fizza Abbas
A public altercation over a shawl made me confront the blasphemy laws of Pakistan head-on.

Apple Must Clean up Its Polluting Supply Chain – Starting With Foxconn

Apple Must Clean up Its Polluting Supply Chain – Starting With Foxconn

By Xueying Wu
Apple likes to brand itself as a climate hero, but one of its largest suppliers is a laggard on renewable energy – despite the many green options in China.

One Woman’s Journey From South Asia to Mexico, and From Slave to Spiritual Icon

One Woman’s Journey From South Asia to Mexico, and From Slave to Spiritual Icon

By Diego Javier Luis
Catarina de San Juan’s life is a snapshot of Spain’s colonization – and the often-overlooked history of the Pacific slave trade.
It’s Time to Confront the Taliban’s Corruption

It’s Time to Confront the Taliban’s Corruption

By David J. Kramer, Natalie Gonnella-Platts, and Jessica Ludwig
Fundamental to the Taliban’s vicious pursuit of power is the strategic use of corruption and kleptocracy. 

Rip off the Blindfold: Let Taiwanese Civil Society Learn From Ukraine 

Rip off the Blindfold: Let Taiwanese Civil Society Learn From Ukraine 

By Wu Min-Hsuan
Taiwan’s new government must encourage civil society groups to visit Ukraine and learn from the country's recent experience.

Why the US Needs to Back Myanmar’s Spring Revolution

Why the US Needs to Back Myanmar’s Spring Revolution

By Peter Morris
Recent rebel offensives have the military junta reeling. A little bit of outside support could hasten its collapse.

The Baloch Protest: Why We March

The Baloch Protest: Why We March

By Mahrang Baloch
“Upon arriving in Islamabad with 300 families, we realized that the state was neither ready to listen nor interested in addressing the issue of missing persons.” 
Making China-US Ties More Resilient 

Making China-US Ties More Resilient 

By Jin Kai
Rather than wait and see what “life after Xi” looks like, it is more urgent, practical, and constructive to make Washington’s relationship with Beijing resilient (once again).

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