#Asian Development Bank

Japan’s reputation for quality infrastructure is well-known in Asia, where Tokyo is hitting back at Beijing’s efforts at economic hegemony.

With Beijing holding the majority of AIIB’s voting rights, the bank is seen by analysts as a deliberate effort to pull Asian countries closer into China’s orbit.

Despite U.S. objections and concerns, China’s $100 billion initiative seems determined in its quest for respectability and prominence.

While these institutions have made some headway in meeting the infrastructure needs of Asian countries, some critics of the World Bank and ADB argue they are slow and bureaucratic, and impose stifling environmental and social constraints which deter investment.

Two new reports – by Morgan Stanley and the Asian Development Bank – offer optimistic, albeit caveat-filled, appraisals of India’s long-term economic outlook. But whether the country can fulfill its potential is still an open question.

-Najib Razak’s  United Malays National Organization (UMNO) is fanning racial flames in an attempt to shore up power for its National Front Coalition.   Although Najib came to office promising to be more inclusive of minorities, recent electoral pressure from the opposition People’s Alliance has prompted a change in strategy.  Analyst believe the UMNO wants […]

– U.S. Senator Jim Webb (Dem. VA) recently met with the Burmese Junta and Aung San Suu Kyi and successfully secured the relief of the John Yettah, the Americans whose odd actions initiated the latest Aung San Suu Kyi trial and conviction.   If the Obama Administration really wants to take  take proactive and pragmatic steps […]