China's Inside Game

The momentous Beijing Olympic Games are a testament to the emergence of China. It still has much to prove, however, to the world.

In departure, China asks for outside help

China's move to allow outside help is welcomed. The crisis at hand should not allow politics of historical animosity impede a humanitarian imperative.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/16/asia/16china.php

Phoenix rushes to help its 'sister' Chengdu

Chengdu and the Chinese people need our help. Politics and ideology must be set aside; this is an issue of moral imperative and leadership.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0516/p02s01-usgn.html

Shame on the Junta

This is an extreme failure of the UN in not taking a more decisive stand against the junta.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/opinion/14wed2.html?ref=opinion

The Challenge From China

China remains a potential threat to the US. To counter it, the US should continue to build up its defense systems and improve its economy.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121063718854786789.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

The baton passes to Asia

Intriguing argument by Roger Cohen. Is the American eagle being replaced by China's dragon and India's tiger?

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/30/opinion/edcohen.php?page=1

Bravo, Bhutan

Bhutan sets an example for an unstable region.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120656905982366705.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Cross-Strait Opening

A new dialogue between China and Taiwan is a good step forward for each and the international community.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/opinion/26wed1.html?ref=opinion

Sarkozy leaves open possibility of boycott of Olympics ceremony

The French pressure on China is necessary to send a message before the Olympics. Other Western nations should consider a boycott.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/25/europe/boycott.php

China's envoy to Sudan defends policy on Darfur

China must revise its policy toward Sudan and carry its responsibilities in Darfur. There is no doubt that with Chinese ambivalence and ignorance the crisis has only worsened. If the US was in China's position, there would be massive outcry from the international community and human rights activists. Why not with the Chinese?

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/07/africa/darfur.php

South Korea's Sarkozy

An interesting outlook on Lee Myung-bak, the new president of South Korea.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/114681/page/1

Freedom and Islam in Turkey

Turkey searches for its modern, secular identity with a population that is predominately Muslim hoping for EU membership.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120302713611769635.html?mod=opinion_main_europe_asia

Turkey's Parliament lifts scarf ban

This is an important step for Turkey and improves its prospects of entering the European Union as well as garnering respect in the Western world. At its core, religious expression and practice is a fundamental freedom that must be protected and not a cause for concern in over-secularization of society.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/09/europe/10turkey.php

Russian proposes new U.S. dialogue

This is refreshing news from Moscow. A healthy, functioning relationship between the US and Russia is necessary to advance democracy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as well as combating extremism and corruption and promoting freedom.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/10/europe/russia.php

Europe can't agree on anti-dumping rules

The EU behemoth has proved once again that it cannot legislate on an across-the-board basis. China is certainly a growing concern for not only the U.S., but the world.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/13/business/trade.php

Grinding poverty defies China's boom

Having been to China, I can assure you there is poverty in the midst of growth and prosperity. It seems the Chinese government is simply hiding it and ignoring it.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/13/asia/poverty.php

Opposition sweeps to victory in Taiwan

This is an interesting development in Taiwan. The newly elected government will be puzzling for other nations supportive of the Taiwan nationalist movement. It is also worth considering how much of an influence mainland China had in the process.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/12/taiwan.election/index.html

A crisis of faith in the birthplace of Asian Catholicism

Exercising religion is one of the most fundamental rights. I had the privilege of visiting a Catholic church in China, and it was certainly an experience - complete with armored guards, closed circuit television and filtered Catholicism.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/23/asia/macao.php

Hollywood officials say China has started banning American movies

Not a surprise to me at all. When I was in China, I saw condensed versions of a few American films. Completely banning them is another solution, I guess.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/11/business/film.php

NY Philharmonic to perform in North Korea

Music has always been an international language.

This could be a good move on our behalf.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22181061/