Praying for a Pope and a Dose of Common Sense

Published on Jan 11, 2015 by Luke Hunt

When Pope Francis makes his first trip to the very Catholic Philippines later this month, long-term observers will be hoping the head of the Holy See will move away from the harsh, more traditional doctrine of the past, with a liberal dose of realism in his sermons.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Aung San Suu Kyi Concedes she will not be Myanmar's next President

Published on Jan 11, 2015 by Luke Hunt

Myanmar’s opposition leader and democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi has acknowledged she will be unable to become her country’s next president after elections later this year, a decision that will disappoint millions of her supporters.Read more from Lindsay Murdoch in The Age..

Management and Airline Tragedies

Published on Jan 11, 2015 by Luke Hunt

Pilots are a troubled lot. Too many are hand tied and frustrated by an industry that rewards those who play the game and ignores aviators whose sense of safety and old school rules might prove an obstacle to companies with an eye only for the bottom line.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Laos’ Holiday Crackdown

Published on Jan 11, 2015 by Luke Hunt

Governments have a long and dubious history of hiding behind the skirts of religious festivities once decisions are made to carry out undesirable jobs, particularly among the less savory countries where personal freedoms are considered a luxury for the politically connected.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Wrap: HIV Tragedy, a Sufi Poet and a Granny on Drugs

Published on Jan 4, 2015 by Luke Hunt

In a small village in Cambodia’s west, a tragic tale of  international significance has caught the local authorities off-guard. An unlicensed doctor has been charged with causing an outbreak of HIV and murder after lax practices resulted in at least 201 people contracting the potentially fatal disease.Read more from Luke Hunt in The DiplomatBelievers of All Faiths Celebrate Sufi PoetAs conductor of 20 of the world’s most accomplished whirling dervishes, and 30 of the greatest Sufi musicians, Fahri Ozcakil holds one of the highest spiritual positions in Turkey. But despite his high status, Mr Ozcakil remains resolutely humble.Read more from Dan Boylan in The NationalAussie Drugs Granny May Have Been Fooled By LoveAn Australian grandmother facing execution on drugs charges....