2008
Fergana Valley’s Violent Reputation ‘Inaccurate’ - Analysts
By John Feffer
WASHINGTON, Mar 29 (IPS) - The Fergana Valley in the centre of Central Asia has a reputation for instability, violent conflict, and Islamic fundamentalism. The three countries whose borders intersect in this densely populated mountainous region – Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan – have struggled to build modern states in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union. This process has indeed been tumultuous.
Burma’s Junta Untroubled by EU Sanctions
By David Cronin
BRUSSELS, Mar 11 (IPS) - Economic sanctions imposed by the European Union on Burma are unlikely to have any effect on its military junta, a former Singaporean diplomat has said.
After Burmese authorities used force to break up peaceful protests by Buddhist monks in the capital Rangoon in late 2007, EU governments decided to ban imports of gemstones, timber and metal from the country in October.
JAPAN/US: The Pacific and Not-So-Pacific Oceans
By John Feffer
WASHINGTON, Mar 7 (IPS) - The seas both divide and unite Japan and the United States. Caught between countering threat and promoting maritime cooperation, the two countries have worked together to build regional approaches to terrorism and piracy.
Chindia Rising
BRUSSELS, Jan 28 (IPS)- Despite their stark differences on various levels, including in political systems, China and India together are knocking on the doors of the western world -- and it could just be a matter of time before economic world powers let them in.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Search of Itself
BRUSSELS, Feb 19 (IPS Asia-Pacific) – The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has acquired some heft since its birth in 2001. But how it picks its way across the minefield of different, at times conflicting interests -- in the shadow of giants China and Russia – remains its biggest challenge in the coming years.
More Political Shifts Coming up in Japan
By John Feffer
WASHINGTON, Jan 19 (IPS Asia-Pacific) – Japan, traditionally a one-party state, has been ruled by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for all but one of the last 53 years. But the party’s unpopularity, the rise of a strong second party with a charismatic leader, and a limp economy may combine to upend Japanese politics this year.
Giants India, China Eye Burma
By John Feffer
WASHINGTON, Jan 18 (IPS Asia-Pacific) - When the world’s two most populous countries held a summit in January in Beijing, their agenda was heavy with their focus on collaboration.
