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Taliban take over Afghan province
 Following
the withdrawal of United States troops from key bases, the Taliban have taken
control of Afghanistan's Nuristan province. It is now under Qari Ziaur Rahman,
a Taliban commander with strong ties to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda. With this
haven, the Taliban's first goal is to disrupt next month's runoff presidential
election, then to assist militants in Pakistan. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Oct 28, '09)
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VIDEO
Nuristan's top gun
Qari Ziaur Rahman, the Taliban commander who has assumed control of Nuristan
province, represents the new breed of anti-United States leaders. Syed Saleem
Shahzad interviewed him last year.
Britain's Afghan role in question
The British government has hinted that the Barack Obama administration's
"wavering" on the war in Afghanistan is hampering progress there. This ignores
the fact that Britain's own military contribution is undermined by its
unfavorable colonial legacy, poorly received anti-narcotics campaigns and tense
relations with a key Afghan player, Iran. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi
(Oct 28, '09)
Helicopter rumors refuse to die
The United States is battling yet another rumor in Afghanistan, that Western
forces are using helicopters to transport Taliban fighters from the volatile
south to the north of the country. Officials have dismissed the claims as
rubbish, but locals are sticking to their stories. - Ahmad Kawoosh
(Oct 28, '09)
Britain says Syria deal worth
waiting for
Syria has delayed signing a long-awaited partnership agreement with the
European Union, complaining it did not have enough time to prepare for this
week's scheduled ceremony. Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband tells
Asia Times Online that Damascus should be allowed time, given its emerging
importance. - Sakhr Al-Makhadhi (Oct 28, '09)
China hawks target US sign-off shuffle
United States President Barack Obama has delegated presidential power of
scrutinizing and approving exports of missile- and space-related technology to
the Commerce Department. But anyone who thinks that Obama has suddenly
rewritten the rulebook when it comes to exports of missile and space-related
technology to China is mistaken. - Peter J Brown
(Oct 28, '09)
US report tarnishes Sri Lanka
victory
A United States report on human-rights abuses during the Sri Lankan
government's final offensive on the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
finds that while the rebel group used child soldiers and human shields, the
government shelled civilian populations and badly neglected refugees' rights.
(Oct 28, '09)
Gates gets grumpy in Tokyo
United States Secretary of Defense Robert 
Gates expected to leave Japan with a firm agreement in place for the relocation
of the US Marine Corps base from Okinawa to Guam. But the recently elected
Democratic Party of Japan played hardball, leaving Gates empty-handed. This and
other disputes are a sign that Tokyo and Washington may be drifting apart after
decades of close alliance. - Peter J Brown (Oct
27, '09)
As ASEAN dithers, the US circles
The rhetoric used at the latest summit of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations risks generating false expectations of the 10-member grouping
developing into a nascent European Union. Certainly, progress was made on
economic integration, but such issues as dealing with Myanmar remain
unresolved, which sends a mixed message to the United States as it ponders its
engagement in the region. - Simon Roughneen (Oct
27, '09)
Kerry argues for counter-insurgency
lite
The death on Monday of 14 United States troops in two helicopter accidents -
the single-deadliest day for US forces in Afghanistan in more than four years -
adds to the urgency for the administration of President Barack Obama to settle
on its war strategy. Democratic Senator John Kerry, following an extended visit
to the country, spells out his vision for counter-insurgency operations. - Jim
Lobe (Oct 27, '09)
Welcome to 2025
An affiliate of the United States Central Intelligence Agency has predicted
that America's global pre-eminence will gradually disappear over the next 15 or
so years. Six recent developments - including reports on America's economic
rivals exploring a diminished role for the US dollar and Chinese rebuffs of the
US over strengthening sanctions on Iran - indicate we are already entering that
era. - Michael T Klare (Oct 27, '09)
Afghan fury at Koran burning claims
Allegations that American forces burned copies of the Koran during a recent
raid in central-eastern Afghanistan have led to a series of protests, including
two in the capital, Kabul. The United States military denies the charges,
saying Taliban insurgents are behind the burnings. - Abdullah Obaidi
(Oct 27, '09)
Beijing runs a diplomatic marathon
From the Americas to Europe to Asia, Chinese leaders this autumn are engaged in
wide-ranging diplomacy to play up the country's status as a near superpower
that is also a responsible stakeholder in the world community. The danger in
Beijing's no-holds-barred projection of military and diplomatic prowess is that
it may also render the "China threat" theory more credible. - Willy Lam
(Oct 27, '09)
India lost in 'love jihad'
Religious groups in India's Kerala state say young Muslim men are luring
non-Muslim girls into marriage as part of an organized campaign of forced
conversions to Islam. Dubbed "love jihad", the phenomenon has sparked police
investigations and national security fears. It has even united Hindu and
Christian groups previously at loggerheads over the sensitive issue of
religious conversions. - Sudha Ramachandran (Oct
27, '09)
THE BEAR'S LAIR
Where have the savers gone?
Numerous steps that could encourage a higher savings rate in the United States
are possible - but would prove unpopular. With the alternative a future along
the path taken by Argentina, the pain would be worth it. - Martin Hutchinson
(Oct 27, '09)
Baghdad blasts echo far and wide
The twin suicide bomb attacks in Iraq on Sunday that killed 132 people and
injured 700 others have dramatically shattered the relative calm the country
has enjoyed over the past 18 months. One of the first major consequences could
be delays to the parliamentary elections scheduled for January, while the
reverberations may yet be felt in Afghanistan. - Sami Moubayed
(Oct 26, '09)
US threats prompted Iran nuclear
facility
The United States has accused Iran of duplicity over the construction of a
second uranium enrichment facility at Qom, and says Tehran only revealed its
existence once the Iranians realized that Washington knew about it. Yet US
intelligence estimates tell a very different story, one in which Iran carefully
reacted to what appeared to be an imminent US strike against it. - Gareth Porter
(Oct 26, '09)
China's culture offensive hits a wall
Beijing is working hard to raise its cultural profile on the global stage,
including in the field of publishing, with its latest attempt taking it to the
Frankfurt Book Fair. But it wasn't all about celebrating state-sponsored books
and authors. To the Chinese officials' dismay, the event was marred with
controversy and spats over human rights and press freedoms.
(Oct 26, '09)
India's nuclear drive sparks safety
fears
Since the civilian nuclear deal last year with the United States ended India's
decades of isolation from the international atomic market, New Delhi has begun
a vast drive to significantly increase its use of nuclear energy. The promise
of clean and affordable power has strong government backing, but fears remain
over the nation's patchy nuclear safety record. - Siddharth Srivastava
(Oct 26, '09)
Estrada back on center stage
Former Philippines president Joseph 
Estrada, a 72-year-old one-time screen idol ousted in a 2001 "people's power"
movement, is back in the political limelight with a comeback bid. Hugely
popular with the masses despite his well-publicized vices and prior conviction
for graft, he has promised to revitalize pro-poor programs and wage "all-out
war" on Muslim and communist insurgencies. - Al Labita
(Oct 26, '09)
 SUN
WUKONG
Insurers denied run of property
The Chinese government's decision to allow insurance companies to invest some
of their near US$500 billion in holdings directly in real estate has property
developers keenly anticipating a new inflow of cash. Yet the red tape with
which Beijing is tying up the reform should be sufficient to ensure no quick
bucks - or sharp losses - for anyone. - Wu Zhong
(Oct 26, '09)
 CHAN
AKYA
The truth about banks and dogs
Over-aggressive, yappy and totally incapable of fending for themselves -
today's banks are similar to small breeds of dogs created by man's manipulation
of nature. Banks know full well that any misstep will lead to a government
rescue, just as Chihuahuas and Pekinese turn into furry balls of trembling fear
without their masters. (Oct 23, '09)
US zeroes in on China's clout in
Myanmar
A senior United States State Department mission is going to Myanmar to
ostensibly discuss democracy and human rights, but the subtext will clearly be
boosting ties and building influence in a country long considered to be in
China's diplomatic pocket. The competition between Washington and Beijing for
influence in Southeast Asia could hinge on how Myanmar's generals react. - Brian
McCartan (Oct 23, '09)
Hour of decision on Iran
Iran, Russia, the United States and France are considering a draft agreement
that would see low-enriched Iranian uranium further processed in Russia and
France before being returned to Iran for use at a research reactor. The deal
has the potential to significantly defuse the crisis over Iran's nuclear
program, but Tehran is wary of making any hasty decisions. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi
(Oct 23, '09)
Korean summit not such a sick idea
As Washington pledges continuous military support for South Korea and issues
cautious words for the North, South Korean media are hinting that an
inter-Korean summit might not be as absurd an idea as previously believed.
Maybe the Dear Leader will go on a medical tourism journey to Seoul. - Donald
Kirk (Oct 23, '09)
INTERVIEW
Prevention better than cure?
The British government's 
counter-terrorism policy, "Preventing Violent Extremism", has been accused of
being used to gather intelligence about people's political views and other
information related to their personal circumstances. Dr Abdul Wahid, a key
player in the British Muslim community, offers his views on the "sinister aims
and ideological agenda" of this strategy, and provides an alternative approach.
- Mahan Abedin (Oct 23, '09)
<IT WORLD>
Windows users in seventh heaven
Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, was launched with promises the
software will deliver above and beyond its much-maligned predecessors. With
Google and Apple snapping at its heels, Microsoft has finally introduced a new
version that doesn't require expensive hardware upgrades to run it.
Martin J Young surveys the week's developments in computing, science,
gaming and gizmos. (Oct 23, '09)
America, condoms and the Taliban
The United States didn't seem to care that it was unprecedented for a tribal
chief like Afghan President Hamid Karzai to be made to admit defeat in front of
his people - as he did in a press conference to announce a run-off election.
Whether Karzai was efficient or corrupt is no more the issue. The crux now is
the Afghan perception that Westerners use their friends like condoms - to be
discarded after use. - M K Bhadrakumar (Oct
22, '09)
The spy who lost his thumb drives
American space scientist, missile defense expert and leading lunar researcher,
Stewart Nozette, arrested this week in a Federal Bureau of Investigation sting,
is known to have expressed his willingness to work for Israeli intelligence.
What is not known is what he did with two thumb drives he took to "Country A",
which is speculated to be India. - Peter J Brown
(Oct 22, '09)
 SINOGRAPH
Ten years to tackle
the Taiwan equation
Instead of China and the United States sparring over Washington's next arms
sale to Taiwan, they should concentrate on the core issue: the reunification of
Taiwan with the mainland. At the rate of China's current economic growth, they
have about 10 years to prepare for this. - Francesco Sisci
(Oct 21, '09)
AN ATol EXCLUSIVE
Al-Qaeda's guerrilla chief lays out
strategy
 The
top field commander of al-Qaeda, in an exclusive interview with Asia Times
Online, proves he is alive and well after repeated drone attacks and delineates
in broad strokes al-Qaeda's strategy. The Afghanistan trap, baited on September
11, 2001, has been sprung, says formidable guerrilla leader Ilyas Kashmiri, and
events from Gaza to Mumbai should not be seen in isolation but as part of the
master plan to bloody the United States and its proxies. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Oct 14, '09)
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David P
Goldman
(Oct 26, '09)
For all our problems, the Asians trust us a lot more than they trust each
other.
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China
leads solar home revolution
Chinese homes are increasingly likely to carry a solar water heater on the
roof, with one in 10 families already getting electricity from the devices.
This is attracting overseas investment into the fragmented market, while local
companies are also boosting sales overseas. - Ryan Rutkowski
Yuan gaining currency
beyond China's borders
Beijing's apparent disinterest in developing a policy on the convertibility of
the yuan has given way since the global financial crisis to a clear
determination to increase international use of the Chinese currency,
particularly by its Asian neighbors. The launch in January of the China-ASEAN
free trade area will help to accelerate this regionalization of the currency. - Russell
Hsiao
India-China nudge
forward on climate issues
An agreement between China and India to increase their cooperation on renewable
energy and power efficiency indicates their desire to tackle climate-change
concerns, even as they continue to oppose Western demands for binding cuts to
greenhouse gas emissions.
Bring on the banking dullards
Is it fair that a banker comfortable with annual income of US$30 million should
now, under government dictat, earn only one-third of that? When the competence
hitherto rewarded helps bring about a financial crisis on the scale recently
witnessed - yes. If such lower rewards bring back banking dullards - again,
yes. - Julian Delasantellis
FROM THE BLOG
Asia must go it alone
The consequence of United States monetary policy will be to compel Asian
countries to take local measures to stabilize their currencies without regard
to Washington. - David Goldman
CREDIT BUBBLE BULLETIN
Mortgage madness
US Federal Reserve claims that prices of mortgage-backed securities are likely
to fall when it eventually begins offloading them are far-fetched. Not only
will the Fed have to live with exposure to the securities for years to come;
Washington's mortgage risk will at some point make or break the US dollar.
(Oct 26, '09)
Doug Noland looks at the previous week's events each Monday.
MARKET RAP
Asia stops to catch its breath
Aside from the significant exceptions of Shanghai, Hong Kong and India, the
region's markets remained largely neutral. By far the biggest gainer on the
week, Shanghai, may now have a clear field for a charge.
(Oct 23, '09)
R M Cutler runs his eye over the ups and downs in the week's markets.
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"... Compare the behaviour of the Western banks to those of the Asian banks
from 12 years ago. You don't see term mismatches on assets and liabilities,
pretty much no Asian bank today has loans in excess of deposits, nor a huge
amount of higher risk lending ... .The landscape is relatively clean, banks are
well managed and more importantly, very very liquid: all due to their
near-death experiences of a dozen years ago ... . This contrast ... is what
drove me to examine the behaviour [of Western banks]. About the only reasonable
comparison that seemed remotely plausible was that of small dogs ..." - Chan
Akya
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From Our Mailbox
It is said that China is expected to be a responsible stakeholder, and when it
tries to do something it is accused of "rendering the 'China threat' theory
more credible"? China just can't win.
Juchechosunmanse
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to Letters to the Editor |
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ATol Specials
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By Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Jan '09) |
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VIDEO
Taliban's new breed of leader
(May '08) |
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The
Gates
Inheritance
By
Roger Morris
(June '07) |
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Syed Saleem Shahzad reports on
the Afghan war from the Taliban side
(Dec '06)
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How
Hezbollah defeated Israel
By
Mark Perry and
Alastair Crooke
(Oct '06)
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Mark
Perry and
Alastair Crooke
talk to the 'terrorists'
(Mar '06)
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China:
The
Impossible
Revolution
By
Francesco Sisci
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The Coming
Trade War
By Henry C K Liu
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A series
by Henry C K Liu
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Sinoroving
Pepe Escobar in China
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Money, Power
and
Modern Art
A series by Henry C K Liu
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Andre Gunder Frank on Uncle Sam and his
shrinking dollar
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By Pepe Escobar with
photographs by Kevin Nortz
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Nir Rosen goes inside the Iraqi
resistance
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Nir Rosen rides with the US 3rd
Armored Cavalry in western Iraq
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