By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Refineries Challenge US Energy Strategy and Global Markets
Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted major Russian oil refineries, including the Slavneft-YANOS facility in Yaroslavl. The attacks have rep
Disputed Missile Counts Fuel US-Iran Tensions, Echoing Historical Arms Deception
Public estimates of Iran's ballistic missile arsenal vary wildly, with US and Israeli assessments differing by thousands. The opacity surrou
Pakistan's Mediation Bid Driven by Internal Pressures and Regional Instability
Pakistan is being projected as a mediator in the Middle East conflict, but its role stems from strategic necessity rather than diplomatic st
Why Washington Hesitates to Force Open the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's targeting of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy flows. A former Royal Australian Navy officer out
The Ghost of Suez Haunts Trump's War on Iran
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February 2026, just as nuclear talks neared a breakthrough. The parallels to the 1956 Suez Cri
US Ground Invasion of Iran Looms as Trump Weighs 'Final Blow' Options
The Trump administration is reportedly weighing options for a massive escalation in Iran, including invading Kharg Island and seizing enrich
Cape Route Emerges as New Normal for Global Shipping After Hormuz Closure
Armed attacks on Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have forced shipping lines to reroute around Africa. The Cape sea r
End Iran Conflict Before Trump-Xi Summit to Avert a Hedgehog World
Iran may stall negotiations until after the March 31 Trump-Xi summit, betting on Chinese support. Prolonged conflict could embolden hardline
South Korea Would Strengthen Quad but Cannot Replace India's Role
South Korea's possible inclusion in the Quad has gained attention, but it cannot replace India. Seoul's focus on North Korea, economic depen
James Murdoch Exits News Corp Board Over Editorial and Strategic Disagreements
James Murdoch has resigned from the board of News Corp, citing disagreements over editorial content and strategic decisions. The departure u