Former Warlord Primed For Afghan Presidency

Published on Sep 25, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — From the jihad wilds of Africa, Central and Southeast Asia an Afghan warlord has emerged as an unlikely favorite to become his country’s next president. Abdul Rasul Sayyaf – blamed for the deaths of thousands – has declared his candidacy for polls due later this year and political insiders say his chances are better than good. Read more from Luke Hunt at The Diplomat. .

Military says closing in on Filipino rebels

Published on Sep 16, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Government troops in the Philippines say they’re closing in on separatist rebels, as they try to end a week-long stand-off in the southern port city of Zamboanga. Read more from the ABC. .

The scent of lotus

Published on Sep 8, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — To no one’s surprise, final polling results on September 8th confirmed that Hun Sen, Cambodia’s prime minister and leader of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), had won the election in July. He has been in power for 28 years. But the surprisingly close race (the CPP won 68 seats, down from 90 in the previous election) has emboldened the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). Read more from The Economist. .

Stiletto: Breaking records in the Philippines as Col Pot Returns

Published on Sep 6, 2013 by Luke Hunt

By Max Kolbe The Philippines reputation for violence against the media shows known signs of abating. Three journalists were murdered within 48 hours of each other in the start of August prompting a chorus of international outrage by media watchdogs. “Time and again, Philippine journalists are killed, circumstances remain a mystery, and the killers go unpunished,” Shawn Crispin, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) senior Southeast Asia representative, said. “Until President Benigno Aquino’s government takes serious action to address his country’s impunity problem, the killings of journalists will continue.” Killed were photographer Mario Sy, shot dead in front of his wife and daughter, at home in the city of General Santos. Bonifacio Loreto Jr, former publisher of the Aksyon Ngayon....

Turkey Threatens to Ban Australian Politicians from Gallipoli

Published on Sep 5, 2013 by Luke Hunt

MIDDLE EAST CORESPONDENT — Gallipoli, Turkey – A diplomatic row between Turkey and politicians from the Australian state of New South Wales is threatening the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, which resulted in the deaths of more than 130,000 soldiers. Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat. .