Perhaps Its Time to Call It ‘Burma,’ Again

Published on Nov 23, 2014 by Luke Hunt

Myanmar, or Burma as some people prefer to call it, has been cut much slack in recent years with its supporters urging patience and understanding as it attempts to reform itself. This was highlighted by the recent visit of U.S. President Barack Obama, who had hoped to coax further reforms out of Naypyidaw and President Thein Sein during the recent East Asia summit.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Australian Senator Slams Cambodia refugee plan

Published on Nov 23, 2014 by Luke Hunt

Australian Greens senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, says she has hardened her opposition to the Abbott government’s resettlement of refugees in Cambodia after touring slums in the riverside capital Phnom Penh, declaring the plan “madness, absolute madness”.Read more from Luke Hunt and Lindsay Murdoch in The Age..

Cambodia Brings Its Water Festival Back

Published on Nov 16, 2014 by Luke Hunt

With a terrific sense of relief, Cambodia has held its first Water Festival since 2010, the year 353 people, mainly youths, were killed in a tragic crush on Diamond Island Bridge, raising serious questions about the government, the police, and their ability to control large crowds effectively.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

UN Hopes to End Statelessness Must Focus on ASEAN

Published on Nov 9, 2014 by Luke Hunt

The United Nations has set an ambitious target, to end statelessness and the legal limbo that goes with it for at least 10 million people worldwide by 2025. It’s a decision that carries significant ramifications for Southeast Asia, home to hundreds of thousands of people without a country to call home.Read more from Luke Hunt at The Diplomat..

With Guests Arriving, Myanmar Accused of Backsliding

Published on Nov 9, 2014 by Luke Hunt

World leaders including Tony Abbott and Barack Obama travel to Myanmar this week amid concern the country is backsliding on sectarian violence, media freedom and democracy two years after Western nations started lifting economic sanctions.Read more from Lindsay Murdoch in The Age..