Comment & Briefs

Security Council reform has proved over the years to be a stubborn and elusive goal, but it remains firmly within our reach if we muster the courage and determination to grasp it.

As the need for a modern and capable naval force grows ever more urgent, it remains to be seen if the Philippine Navy’s latest modernisation plans will become a reality or be still-born as was the case with earlier efforts.

Effective use of social media fuelled Wani’s rise to prominence. His skills in this domain radicalised youth in greater numbers than had previously been achieved using more conventional methods.

Whether the ruling would induce China to adopt a fresh look at the dispute or it would only further complicate the domestic and regional political situations will depend on the domestic, regional and international responses in the coming days and weeks.

The Hague Tribunal’s decision and China’s take on it are unlikely to compel Duterte to ignore economic interests that can be furthered through cooperation with China.

While using unexceptionable language, India has actually not supported the Chinese position in the South China Sea and has called upon China to adhere to the limits laid down in the UNCLOS.

“Brexit” has led to much concern within the Caribbean Community, as it assesses its possible impact upon its plans for greater regional integration. One cannot completely rule out the possibility of some of the member-states of CARICOM going the British way.

One cannot say that Chilcot has come up with any startling or original insight. But it is useful to have solid documentary evidence in a consolidated form for the conclusions generally accepted.

It would be befitting to dedicate the 60th Anniversary of Indo-Mongolian Diplomatic Relations this year to the great Asian hero Genghis Khan.

The sensational attack in the Dhaka café may have been intended to either cause international opinion to put pressure on the Hasina government to go for early election or incite the Army to take over political power.