Risultati ricerca

Abstract/Sommario: The year 2003 for Afghanistan was marred by a declining security situation, as resurgent Taliban and other anti-government forces made large sections of the rural areas too dangerous for sustained reconstruction work, and powerful regional warlords continued to defy the attempts of the Kabul government to straighten state-building. Recognizing the danger to its investment there, late in the year, the US altered its military tactics, announced a major new reconstruction grant, and sent ...; [Leggi tutto...] The year 2003 for Afghanistan was marred by a declining security situation, as resurgent Taliban and other anti-government forces made large sections of the rural areas too dangerous for sustained reconstruction work, and powerful regional warlords continued to defy the attempts of the Kabul government to straighten state-building. Recognizing the danger to its investment there, late in the year, the US altered its military tactics, announced a major new reconstruction grant, and sent a new ambassador. The year ended on a high note, as Afghanistan's Constitutional Loya Jirga promulgated a new Afghan constitution, modeled on the American document, and ratified it early in the New year on Jan. 4, 2004

Abstract/Sommario: The year 2003 saw a continuation of the confrontational politics that has plagued Bangladesh for decades. Partisanship continued to affect the functioning of government and civil society organizations. Controversy emerged over judicial appointments to the higher courts, The government's successes were marred by corruption and deteriorating law and order

Abstract/Sommario: Elections in 2003, the third since the 1991 peace agreement, represent a significant step toward a multi-party democracy, but provisions of the Constitution designed to reconcile warring parties now pose problems for developing stable, democratically elected governments. Regional economic shocks to tourism have caused Cambodia to fail well below original projections for economic growth. Prospects for an international tribunal to try former Khmer Rouge leaders now appear to be moving to ...; [Leggi tutto...] Elections in 2003, the third since the 1991 peace agreement, represent a significant step toward a multi-party democracy, but provisions of the Constitution designed to reconcile warring parties now pose problems for developing stable, democratically elected governments. Regional economic shocks to tourism have caused Cambodia to fail well below original projections for economic growth. Prospects for an international tribunal to try former Khmer Rouge leaders now appear to be moving toward limbo

Abstract/Sommario: The year began ominously for China; the nation was isolated by a major public health crisis caused by the spread of SARS from Guandong to Beijing, Taiwan, Singapore, and Toronto, to name only the most heavily impacted regions. As the crisis developed, it became perhaps inevitably involved with the ongoing transition to new political leadership. But by the end of the year, China was fleshing its economic and technical muscle, as it basked in international attention from its first succes ...; [Leggi tutto...] The year began ominously for China; the nation was isolated by a major public health crisis caused by the spread of SARS from Guandong to Beijing, Taiwan, Singapore, and Toronto, to name only the most heavily impacted regions. As the crisis developed, it became perhaps inevitably involved with the ongoing transition to new political leadership. But by the end of the year, China was fleshing its economic and technical muscle, as it basked in international attention from its first successful space flight

Abstract/Sommario: This article focuses on the electoral strategies adopted by the dominant national political parties in anticipation of the 2004 general election. The success of these strategies is apt to depend on the results of various state legislative assembly elections. We conclude with observations on recent realigments in India's foreign policy, particularly with respect to China and Pakistan

Abstract/Sommario: Several bombings that targeted international capital or the Indonesian government put a chill on tourism and foreign investment, but despite high-profile investigations and trials, doubts that these were home grown acts of Islamic terrorism remain pervasive. Military action in Aceh, continuing corruption, and lack of progress on legal reform suggest to many that reforms have stalled

Abstract/Sommario: The year 2003 was a study of contrast for Japan. In the first half, news on the economic front was all bad. When Japan headed for a new period of recession, which would have been its third in the last 10 years, the already deep pessimism about the economy sank even lower. Prime minister Koizumi was besieged by crtitics from all sides, but by the endd of the year, the domestic situation had brightened. In foreign policy, Japan responded to crises on the Korean Peninsula and Iraq by cont ...; [Leggi tutto...] The year 2003 was a study of contrast for Japan. In the first half, news on the economic front was all bad. When Japan headed for a new period of recession, which would have been its third in the last 10 years, the already deep pessimism about the economy sank even lower. Prime minister Koizumi was besieged by crtitics from all sides, but by the endd of the year, the domestic situation had brightened. In foreign policy, Japan responded to crises on the Korean Peninsula and Iraq by continuing to increase its military capabilities and roles. The decision to dispatch its military forces to a still unstable Iraq represents a potential watershed event for postwar Japan

Abstract/Sommario: In 2003, Laos became embattled from within by anti-communist resistance forces that launched a "revolution" to seize state power. The government responded with force and took measures to shore up its legitimacy. Economic prospects brightened. But adverse reporting on human rights delayed a trade bill before the US Congress

Abstract/Sommario: Abdullah Badawi's replacement of Mahatir Mohamed as prime minister leaves him with many challenges. These include the anointing of a deputy, healing rifts within the United Malays National Organization and the Maly community, and preparing for a general election by 2004. While Malaysia has posted positive economic growth, there is some concern over regular deficit spending. With the country at the head of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Conference, Malaysia saw ...; [Leggi tutto...] Abdullah Badawi's replacement of Mahatir Mohamed as prime minister leaves him with many challenges. These include the anointing of a deputy, healing rifts within the United Malays National Organization and the Maly community, and preparing for a general election by 2004. While Malaysia has posted positive economic growth, there is some concern over regular deficit spending. With the country at the head of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Conference, Malaysia saw some turbulence in its relation with the United States and Australia

Abstract/Sommario: The diminished prospect for reconciliation between the government the State Peace and Development Council, and the main opposition party, the National League fro Democracy (NLD), at the year's outset led to frustration and despair for the people of Myanmar in 2003. Throughout the year, Myanmar was beset with political impasse and economic difficulties triggered by a violent clash between NLD members and government supporters, as well as by the government’s third detention of Daw Aung S ...; [Leggi tutto...] The diminished prospect for reconciliation between the government the State Peace and Development Council, and the main opposition party, the National League fro Democracy (NLD), at the year's outset led to frustration and despair for the people of Myanmar in 2003. Throughout the year, Myanmar was beset with political impasse and economic difficulties triggered by a violent clash between NLD members and government supporters, as well as by the government’s third detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and US economic sanctions. Myanmar's political future remains precarious; those anticipating democracy and prosperity were left feeling frustrated and desolate