By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
When the World's Greatest Power Can't Win: The Iran Lesson for Asia
The US confrontation with Iran reveals a paradox: military supremacy without political victory. This has reshaped calculations from Beijing
Ukraine War Strains Putin's Grip as Public Complaints Mount
Russia's inability to secure a quick victory in Ukraine has sparked unusually harsh public criticism of President Vladimir Putin's leadershi
Iran Uses Petroyuan Tariffs in Strait of Hormuz to Reshape Global Energy Trade
Iran is introducing tariffs in Chinese yuan for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, potentially generating $40-50 billion annually. Thi
Drones and Ancient Revolutions: Lessons from the Chariot and Composite Bow
The drone revolution in modern warfare echoes ancient military innovations like the chariot and composite bow. These historical parallels of
Khalilur Rahman: The Architect of Bangladesh's Strategic Ambiguity
Khalilur Rahman has become Bangladesh's most durable diplomat, surviving transitions from interim to elected government. His ability to bala
US-Japan Missile Drills Turn Philippines Into Forward Base in Pacific Rivalry
US and Japanese forces fired live missiles from Philippine soil for the first time during Balikatan exercises. The drills underscore Manila'
Iran's Millennia of Resistance: A Civilization Unbowed by Foreign Threats
Iran has never been colonized, despite invasions from Greeks, Arabs, Mongols, and Western powers. This deep-rooted resilience shapes its res
Rubio's 'Economic Nuke' Warning Exposes Flaw in US Hormuz Strategy
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio correctly identified Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz as an 'economic nuclear weapon.' However, the
Trump's Leaky Hormuz Blockade Needs Malacca Control to Work
Two Iranian VLCCs carrying 3.8 million barrels of crude successfully navigated the US Navy's Hormuz blockade through Indonesia's Lombok Stra
Iran's Undersea Cable Threat: The Internet's Strait of Hormuz Problem
Iran-linked outlets published detailed maps of undersea cable routes in the Persian Gulf on April 22, 2026. Analysts warn this mirrors Houth
Trump Administration Denies Iranian Claims of Missile Strike on US Warship in Strait of Hormuz
Iranian state media claimed two missiles struck a US Navy frigate entering the Strait of Hormuz without permission. US Central Command denie
UAE-Israel Ties: Useful but No Middle East Reset
The UAE-Israel partnership has yielded economic and defense gains, but it remains a tactical alignment, not a strategic transformation. Emir