Myanmar's Purge a Blow to Reform

Published on Aug 24, 2015 by Luke Hunt

Persistent attempts by Naypyidaw to convince a skeptical world that its attitudes have changed and Myanmar stands ready to join the ranks of democratic nations has taken another self-inflicted blow with an internal purge of the ruling party.The ousting of Thura Shwe Mann as chairman of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) was widely interpreted as an assault by conservatives on its ranks of important reformists.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

The Trouble with the US Human Trafficking Report

Published on Aug 2, 2015 by Luke Hunt

In a world of statistics and records the human desire to rank anything that moves – whether it’s in sports, war, education, medicine, the weather or crime – is often overwhelming and taken to absurd and unnecessary levels. This was highlighted by the United States this week and the release of its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, which ranks all countries on one of four levels – Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2 Watchlist and the dreaded Tier 3 – on their ability to combat the scourge.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Under Fire: NGOs Face Increasing Hostility

Published on Jul 3, 2015 by Luke Hunt

In recent decades the ubiquitous NGO has taken up the banner for charities and worthy causes. From the environment and human rights to health, education and animal welfare, nongovernment organizations have championed the dispossessed, winning legions of fans. But in recent years pockets of NGO Land – as some call it – have lost their shine.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

ASEAN’s Refugee Embarrassment

Published on May 17, 2015 by Luke Hunt

The plight of thousands of Rohingya stuck on rickety boats after fleeing their homes in Myanmar is quite possibly the greatest embarrassment ASEAN has ever faced. And the reality is the 10-nation trading bloc is incapable of dealing with the tragedy.Whether it’s Montagnards fleeing Vietnam or Uighurs from China looking for sanctuary, the history of the leaders of ASEAN on this issue has always lived up to the worst of ruthless stereotypes made of “thin skins and thick skulls.”Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

It’s Time ASEAN Took a Good Look at Its Gallows

Published on May 3, 2015 by Luke Hunt

The blowback over Indonesia’s latest decision to execute foreigners – including a four Nigerians,  two Australians, and a Brazilian – will taint the presidency of Joko Widodo and cast a dim light over his factional rival Megawati Sukarnoputri, chair of the ruling PDI-P.The pair are not on good terms, with speculation of a power struggle, and Megawati is prone to reminding Widodo that she is in charge. Hardly a healthy state of affairs for a government bent on handing out execution orders for drug offenses.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..