Center for Strategic and International Studies / Georgetown University
Associate Professor of Asian Studies at Georgetown University and Senior Vice President for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; former staffer on the National Security Council (2001-2005), two of those years as Senior Specialist on Asia
Mixed Reviews for President Obama's Last Personal "Pivot" to Asia After Hawaii, the Midway Atoll and Hangzhou, China, Mr. Obama is now in Laos — the first sitting president to visit that country. He won't hold that office for long, and this trip is important in his final effort to bolster US influence in the Pacific-Asia region. Along the way, he talked Syria with Vladimir Putin, and he was called an "SOB" by the President of the Philippines. He finalized the climate-change deal with China — but the Trans Pacific Partnership may never pass Congress. We hear about successes and failures.
America's Balancing Act in Asia After creating high expectations three years ago, President Obama is finally getting around to the so-called "pivot to Asia." Troubles with Congress, the Middle East and Ukraine have distracted attention from the region that's key to the future of the global economy. In the meantime, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and other US allies are worried about the power of China, a country the US can't afford to antagonize. On this week's trip to four Asian countries, can the President clear up confusion about his military intentions and the prospect of a major trade agreement?
The Sudden Death of Kim Jong Il Bill Clinton tried to establish relations with Kim Jong Il. George W. Bush called that “appeasement,” and made North Korea part of his “axis of evil.” Kim Jong Il responded by building—and testing—nuclear weapons. Now the big question is whether his young son and heir apparent can maintain control. China has urged economic reform on a country that can’t feed its people. South Korea worries about military action and the possibility of collapse. North Koreans were shown weeping openly in the streets today at news that their “Dear Leader” has died. We look at the prospects for transferring power in a country whose instability could have dangerous consequences.
The Sudden Death of Kim Jong Il Bill Clinton tried to establish relations with Kim Jong Il. George W. Bush called that “appeasement,” and made North Korea part of his “axis of evil.” Kim Jong Il responded by building—and testing—nuclear weapons. Now the big question is whether his young son and heir apparent can maintain control. China has urged economic reform on a country that can’t feed its people. South Korea worries about military action and the possibility of collapse. North Koreans were shown weeping openly in the streets today at news that their “Dear Leader” has died. We look at the prospects for transferring power in a country whose instability could have dangerous consequences.
UN Announces That Myanmar Will Admit All Aid Workers Three weeks after the cyclone that devastated Myanmar, the ruling generals have agreed to admit aid workers from any other country. That's according to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon , who met yesterday with the junta leader, General Than Shwe. But the news is being met with skepticism in Myanmar and elsewhere. Michael Green is a former senior specialist on Asia for President Bush.
Tibet Blows Up Before Beijing Olympics China is pouring troops into Tibet, where violent protests have led to deaths, injuries and widespread property damage. The exiled Dalai Lama has threatened to step down if the violence continues and repeated his offer to speak with Chinese leaders who blame him for starting it all. Today, from his home in exile in Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi . She said the visit had long been planned, but took the opportunity to denounce what she called "China's oppression of people in Tibet." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged " restraint" and "dialogue ," but President Bush still plans to attend the Beijing Olympics . The games are providing an international forum for ethnic, religious and territorial disputes. What's at stake for China? Will Tibet see any change?
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.