KILLING FIELDS
He evolved from peasant to Khmer Rouge commander, then Khmer Rouge opponent, then an illiberal strongman tolerated by the West. Now as a Chinese client, his tyranny looks dynastic.
Lennox Samuels is a writer and editor based in Bangkok, and a Daily Beast contributor. He is a former senior editor and foreign correspondent for Newsweek and the Dallas Morning News, has reported from numerous countries, and covered conflicts in Iraq and Somalia, among others.
FAKE NEWS?
The backlash against Suu Kyi shows how much her once ardent supporters have become disenchanted with their former ‘democracy icon.’
Cloak and Dagger
Put aside for a moment the geopolitical implications. How did the assassins evidently sent by North Korea’s Kim Jong Un to murder his half brother get the job done?
NOT SO SPECIAL FORCES
After 15 years fighting terrorists in Mindanao, at a cost of more than $400 million and 17 American lives, elite U.S. soldiers are no longer welcome.
Christians in the Crosshairs
Sometimes it’s hard to separate political cynicism from religious fanaticism—and often the two work together. So it is with Ahok’s ‘blasphemy’ trial in Indonesia.
‘The Punisher’
In his first 100 days, the firebrand Philippines president inspired the slaughter of hundreds, jailed thousands, and attacked Obama as the ‘son of a whore.’
CHINA SYNDROME
Philippine President Duterte says he’s severing ties to Washington, and ready to be dependent on Beijing—which won’t be criticizing his increasingly bloody rule.
Thai Atrocity
There is no question the bombing in the heart of the Thai capital was meant to sow fear. But there are many questions about who was behind it.
FLOATING TO NOWHERE
Thousands of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis are adrift in boats and at peril of dying, but countries in the region are less than eager to come to their aid.
Targeted
Obama confidant Mark Lippert was left bloodied after a Korean man shouting about reunification attacked him with a 10-inch blade Thursday at a breakfast meeting in Seoul.