Central Asia Watches, Worries, as Conflict Threatens to Engulf the Middle East
It’s awkward to be on record calling Trump the “president of peace” as he plunges the Middle East into a likely catastrophic conflict.
Japan’s Iran Dilemma: Oil, Alliances, and Nuclear Double Standards
For Japan, the crisis is not only about energy security. It also strikes at the heart of the country’s moral and strategic identity.
Southeast Asia’s small navies face a quantum shift
Southeast Asia’s small and ‘ smaller small ’ navies operate in an increasingly complex strategic environment where busy sea lanes intersect with increasing competition over dual-use emerging technologies.
Pete Hegseth roasted for claiming ‘We didn’t start’ war on Iran
In the Trump administration’s first public remarks to reporters on the strikes the US and Israel launched in Iran over the weekend, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blamed the Middle Eastern country for the attacks that have killed at least …
Why did Kuwait shoot down 3 US F-15s?
Three US F-15E fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait on Sunday, March 1, by Kuwaiti air defense systems. No deaths were reported.
South Korean President Pledges to Respect North’s System in March 1st Address
Lee Jae-myung seeks peaceful coexistence with North Korea and shuttle diplomacy with Japan amid a shifting regional security landscape.
Post-Khamenei turmoil puts China’s energy security at risk
Beijing is now placing energy security at the top of its strategic agenda following the February 28 confirmation of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death.
China watching as US missile stocks drain over Iran
The Wall Street Journal has reported the US military is racing to neutralize Iranian strike capabilities before critical missile interceptors are exhausted, a logistical crisis fueled by a stark cost-exchange imbalance in the Middle East.
Thailand’s referendum victory keeps door to constitutional change open
Unofficial results from Thailand’s constitutional referendum on 8 February 2026 show that 60 per cent of those who voted want to see the current constitution changed.
Asia cannot just wait for Trump to chicken out
It was unsurprising when US President Donald Trump imposed widespread tariffs in 2025, given that he once described ‘tariff’ as ‘the most beautiful word in the dictionary’.