KAZAKHSTAN: “THE REVOLUTION HAS STARTED” – A COUNTRY IN REBELLION AGAINST POVERTY AND CORRUPTION
ELLA KELLEHER WRITES — The violent protests which erupted in major cities across Kazakhstan, fueled by the people’s fury over high gas prices, has grown into a monumental anti-corruption movement with the hopes of changing the country’s direction. The Kazakh people are reportedly fed up with the country’s immense wealth, owed…
Full Article KAZAKHSTAN: “THE REVOLUTION HAS STARTED” – A COUNTRY IN REBELLION AGAINST POVERTY AND CORRUPTION
US-CHINA RELATIONS: CRUMBLING US HAS NO BUSINESS TELLING OTHERS WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR STATUES
TOM PLATE WRITES — Do dead sculptures tell no tales? Perhaps they still do. Recently the Pillar of Shame statue in Hong Kong, long displayed, was removed from the University of Hong Kong campus by the powers that be. The sculpture had shaped the famous Tiananmen Square incident in terms…
Full Article US-CHINA RELATIONS: CRUMBLING US HAS NO BUSINESS TELLING OTHERS WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR STATUES
BOOK REVIEW: THE WAITING (2021) BY KEUM SUK GENDRY-KIM
BRIANNA HIRAMI WRITES — Historians often skip over the pain that war leaves on the countless hearts of those who have lost their loved ones to senseless violence. Whether it is a soldier caught on the battlefield, a parent praying for their drafted child, or a refugee actively escaping a…
Full Article BOOK REVIEW: THE WAITING (2021) BY KEUM SUK GENDRY-KIM
BOOK REVIEW: KANAZAWA (2022) BY DAVID JOINER – A LITERARY LOVE LETTER TO THE JAPANESE COUNTRYSIDE
ELLA KELLEHER WRITES — Not every love affair has to target a person; a lucky few who travel the world get to experience falling deeply in love with a country in its entirety. Appreciating both the city life and the tranquility of the countryside requires dedication and a pleasant open-mindedness. David…
Full Article BOOK REVIEW: KANAZAWA (2022) BY DAVID JOINER – A LITERARY LOVE LETTER TO THE JAPANESE COUNTRYSIDE
US-CHINA RELATIONS: ALL HOPE IS NOT LOST DESPITE THE TENSIONS AND TEPID VIRTUAL SUMMIT
TOM PLATE WRITES — Can it be that fresh air is being permitted to enter the closed casket of American foreign affairs thinking? The other day, a critique of U.S. policy toward China flat-lined on my computer screen that raised my hopes: it amounted to a reasoned plea for exactly…
Full Article US-CHINA RELATIONS: ALL HOPE IS NOT LOST DESPITE THE TENSIONS AND TEPID VIRTUAL SUMMIT
BOOK REVIEW: LEMON – A NOVEL
BRIANNA HIRAMI WRITES — The reality of losing a loved one is one of the most devastating feelings in the world. Even if they just pass away peacefully in their sleep, it’s a difficult and heartbreaking realization that they simply cease to exist. Now, imagine your loved one being murdered,…
Full Article BOOK REVIEW: LEMON – A NOVEL
KOREAN PENINSULA: RESPONDING TO SKEPTICISM ABOUT AN END-OF-WAR DECLARATION
MOON CHUNG-IN WRITES — Since South Korean President Moon Jae-in asked the international community to support formally declaring the end of the Korean War during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Sept. 21, the issue has been at the forefront of the government’s diplomatic efforts as Moon’s presidency…
Full Article KOREAN PENINSULA: RESPONDING TO SKEPTICISM ABOUT AN END-OF-WAR DECLARATION
JAPAN: WILL GLOBAL TRAVELERS GET TO SEE THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS THIS YEAR?
BADER ZAINAL WRITES — Like many countries around the world, Japan has suffered significant negative impacts to its tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, but signs of travel restrictions easing bring hope for recovery. The beauty and mystique of Japan have long enticed visitors from international locales, with tourism soaring…
Full Article JAPAN: WILL GLOBAL TRAVELERS GET TO SEE THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS THIS YEAR?
OMICRON OBSTACLES: JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
KAMRAN ALISHOV WRITES — The latest, most mutated strain of coronavirus, known as the Omicron, now casts a shadow over Asia’s gradual reopening. According to research, this new version has a higher infection rate, posing a threat to nations around the world. Officials in South Africa first reported Omicron (B.1.1.529)…
Full Article OMICRON OBSTACLES: JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
IN MEMORY OF A JESUIT PRIEST: FR WILLIAM J FULCO
ASIA MEDIA INTERNATIONAL WRITES — William J. Fulco, SJ, died recently after a long illness – but after long and devoted service to this university. And, much like other Jesuits on this campus, he was a source of inspiration and ideas to those of us at AMI who’d need a bit of serious uplift from…
Full Article IN MEMORY OF A JESUIT PRIEST: FR WILLIAM J FULCO
THE SOLOMON ISLANDS: PROTESTS ROCK THE PEACE
DMITRY KOLESNIKOV WRITES – The Solomon Islands are going through dark times as police recover three dead bodies. On November 26, 2021, three people were found dead after a series of anti-government protests, causing Australia to send its military to help the government maintain control of the city following the…
Full Article THE SOLOMON ISLANDS: PROTESTS ROCK THE PEACE
MIDDLE EAST: THE ILLICIT POPPY TRADE IN AFGHANISTAN
TESSA MULLER WRITES — Afghanistan’s economy is hugely dependent on the illicit poppy trade. This was true throughout the 20-year war with the US, and it continues to be true in the aftermath of U.S. troop withdrawal. One hundred days after the official withdrawal date, the Taliban now controls the…
Full Article MIDDLE EAST: THE ILLICIT POPPY TRADE IN AFGHANISTAN
BOOK REVIEW: WINTER PASTURE (2021) – THE BEAUTY AND COMPLEXITY OF WALKING THE WORLD
ALEC FARMER WRITES – Nature is a brutal place with harsh conditions that can push anyone to their limits. Despite the vastness of its glory, nature can also be a place of unmatched serene beauty. This dichotomy of truths is ever-present for those who live and move alongside the Earth.…
Full Article BOOK REVIEW: WINTER PASTURE (2021) – THE BEAUTY AND COMPLEXITY OF WALKING THE WORLD
INTERVIEW WITH A UIGHUR: YES, HE SAYS, IT IS GENOCIDE
FRANCESCO FIMIANI WRITES — On November 4, 2021 I had the pleasure of interviewing Bugra Arkin, owner and founder of Dolan’s Uyghur Cuisine located in Alhambra, in East Los Angeles.. Prior to our interview, I sat down and had lunch at his restaurant. In the entrance you find a large…
Full Article INTERVIEW WITH A UIGHUR: YES, HE SAYS, IT IS GENOCIDE
SESAME STREET: THE NEW ASIAN MUPPET THAT IS NO PUPPET
ALYSSA MONTALVO WRITES — The iconic and dearly loved children’s television show, ‘Sesame Street,’ will add its first Asian American muppet, named Ji-young, on Thanksgiving Day with its ‘See Us Coming Together: A Sesame Street Special.’ According to Channel News Asia (CNA), “At only seven years old, Ji-young is making…
Full Article SESAME STREET: THE NEW ASIAN MUPPET THAT IS NO PUPPET
BOOK REVIEW: SO WE LOOK TO THE SKY BY MISUMI KUBO (2021)
ELLA KELLEHER WRITES — Is it possible that some relationships teeter on the edge of societal acceptance while others are too tame? Ranging from cosplay sex with an older, married woman to a couple that rarely touch each other, Misumi Kubo’s new novel explores five deeply intimate and intertwined stories…
Full Article BOOK REVIEW: SO WE LOOK TO THE SKY BY MISUMI KUBO (2021)