Asia

By Matthew Kahn | (The Conversation) | – – In mid-November, while Americans were preoccupied with election returns, China sent some of its clearest signals yet that it will continue to pursue an international leadership role on issues including climate. At an international climate change summit in Marrakech, the Chinese government reasserted its commitment to […]

Donald Trump

Pakistanis Baffled, Buoyant over Trump’s Fantastical Praise

Juan Cole

By Frud Bezhan | ( RFE/RL) | – – The office of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has cited a phone conversation with Donald Trump in which it says the U.S. president-elect described nuclear-armed Pakistan as a "fantastic country" and its embattled prime minister as a "terrific guy." The exchange, as described by Sharif’s side, […]

Afghanistan

Afghan Women Take Up Arms Against The Taliban

contributors

By RFE/RL’s Afghan Service The leader of a fledgling women’s militia in northern Afghanistan says dozens of volunteers have joined the fight since a handful of women recently took up arms to rebuff a Taliban attack on their community. Women in the district of Darz-Aab, in Jowzjan Province, initially fought alongside local forces to prevent […]

China

China’s Wind Co. Profits, share price soar by 60%: 2 Turbines an Hour being Installed

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – The South China Post reports some incredible figures about the profitability China’s wind energy companies. A new study by the Bank of China International (BOCI) is foreseeing profits of 25 to 64 percent for the rest of 2016. The reason for this optimism? The government is […]

Islam-hatred

Trumpists beat Muslim-American Child of frmr Fulbrighter, harass Family out of US

contributors

By TeleSur | – – After a series of violent attacks and recrimination, an esteemed Muslim academic flees the U.S. Abdul Aziz returned home from school last week, his face bruised, his body battered, after schoolmates punched him in the face, kicked him in the stomach, and twisted his arm while chanting “Muslim.” Aziz is […]

Afghanistan

What did we buy with the $5 Trillion that the Iraq & Afghanistan Wars have cost us?

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – A Boston U. political scientist estimates that as of 2016, The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have cost the American taxpayers $5 trillion. That number isn’t important when we consider the human cost– Some 7,000 US troops dead, 52,000 wounded in action; hundreds of thousands of Iraqis […]

China

Most US Networks slight coverage as US & China join Paris Climate Accord in key Turning Point

contributors

By Guy Dinmore | (Inter Press Service) | – – HONOLULU, Hawaii (IPS) – The world’s super-polluters – the United States and China – have formally joined the Paris Agreement on climate change in a symbolic show of unity. At a ceremony in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, where China is hosting a summit […]

Central Asia

The Plague of Karimov’s Rule in Uzbekistan

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – The death of Islam Karimov, the president for life of Uzbekistan who came to power in 1990 after the collapse of the Soviet empire had begun in 1989, has been confirmed. His stroke six days ago was a badly kept secret. I saw a headline from […]

Central Asia

Dragon Rising? China seeks Closer military Cooperation with Syria

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | Informed Comment | – – The Arabic press is reporting that a high Chinese official on a visit to Damascus has announced that Beijing intends to strengthen its military relationship with the current Syrian government. At the same time he affirmed that China would avoid involvement in the civil war. Reuters […]