These days, Islam and the Catholic Church appear to agree on at least one thing: religious assertions on Social Media outlets should be treated with considerable skepticism—and indeed may be the source of serious religious error. For example, in his recent sermon in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdul…
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IRAN: Neighbor Worry about Further Repression
According to various media accounts, Iran’s government is going to new heights to silence the political opposition that could undermine upcoming parliamentary elections in early March. This further tightening is make the Islamic Republic’s regional neighbors increasingly nervous.
HONG KONG: The Big Media Chill Fans Hong Kong and Macau
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has released its annual detailed report uncovering new curbs in China’s press freedom last year. The respected Sydney-based says they are increasingly worrisome, and not just for mainland journalists.
At UCLA
THE UCLA BURKLE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, THE UCLA CENTER FOR CHINESE STUDIES, UCLA CONFUCIOUS INSTITUTE – are coming together, also on 23 February (but starting at 10 am, then to 4pm) on the legendary topic of “Nixon in China.” Distinguished speakers and participants include Richard Solomon, President of the…
The Pacific Century Institute
Is the think-works and do-good works of the immensely public-spirited Spencer Kim of a Thousand Oaks, Ca., is holding its annual award dinner 23 February at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Century City…this year they have produced yet another worthy honoree: James B. Steinberg, former national security advisor under President Bill Clinton, current Dean of the superb Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in New York.
HONG KONG: Shopping for Some Kind of Equitable Treatment
The well-known fashion brand Dolce and Gabbana has issued a fairly lame statement on January 18th expressing its regret for offending the people of Hong Kong. But, funnily enough, many protesters are refusing to accept this apology. Two weeks ago, Hong Kong locals were forbidden to take pictures in front…
THE GULF STATES: Oil, Boil … and a Whole Lot of Trouble!
Reliable media outlets of the region, including the Jerusalem Post, Israel’s most-read English website and the Khaleej Times Online, a leading English daily out of Dubai, report growing tension, in particular, between Iran and Gulf States. A key issue of contention is the decision of the EU to punish Iran for proceeding with development of its nuclear capability. Many countries find this alarming, especially Israel, but Iran describes its work as a harmless “nuclear technology program” to generate domestic electricity.
PACIFIC PERSPECTIVES: Two Ladies Work Together to Get One Big Policy Right
U.S. Dramatically Opens Diplomatic Door to Myanmar: Perhaps a democratic system of government will not prove the final answer for Myanmar. Just take a look at the Philippines if you’re crazy about another possible “for-sale” democracy in Asia. But considering what the good people of what used to be called…
HONG KONG: Who Will Win the Olympic ‘Media’ Medal?
As the countdown begins to the 2012 Summer Olympics, the government and its media seem to be playing their own media games. A Hong Kong’s cable TV outfit says it is desperate for government approval of its free-to-air license for the Games. Without this approval, many of the city’s sports…
TURKEY: Dubai Newspaper Raises Questions about Journalistic Freedom
Turkish journalists are incredulous, claiming that they are being treated like terrorists for simply doing their jobs. According to the Khaleej Times Online, a leading English Daily of UAE and the Gulf States, the number of journalists held in Turkish prisons pre-trial has risen from 70 to 97 in less…
PHILIPPINES: Yet Another Journalist Gunned Down in Mindanao
Two gunmen shot Michael James Licuanan, a Fillipino reporter for Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro City, after he finished his evening radio program in Mindanao.
HONG KONG: ‘Professor of Porn’ Investigates Online World of Casual Sex
Katrien Jacobs, a media professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has revealed that she has been working “undercover” as “Lizzy Kinsey- scholarly sex machine,” to investigate the inside world of the Adult Friend Finder community.
FROM DUBAI’S GULF NEWS: Getting a Line on the Man In Line for Saudi Arabia
The Persian Gulf is abuzz over what giant Saudi Arabia will be like under the rule of the new heir Crown Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, according to the Gulf News, a daily English language newspaper published from Dubai. The future of Saudi Arabia seems as enigmatic as the man who will lead it.
Kudos Corner
In our judgment, David Pilling is easily and consistently the best (non-U.S.) columnist writing about Asia, and has been honored once again for his perceptive and leading-edge commentaries on the world’s fastest rising region. This time the honor comes from the 2011 Comment Awards in London (sponsored by Barclays and…
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Book Fair finds a benefactor in Al Qasimi
Why would UNESCO’s participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair make the headlines of one of the leading English Dailies of UAE and the Gulf States- The Khaleej News? On October 31st, UNESCO, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, granted Palestine’s bid for full membership in the organization. In response, by the U.S., as expected, announced cutbacks UNESCO funding, leaving the organization short $65 million USD for the end of the year budget…