How the diaspora community influences Bangladesh’s political landscape (April 13, 2025, The Business Standard)
Bangladeshi diaspora communities possess an inherent political consciousness. However, whether or not they will continue to hold the same level of influence as before is a question worth considering.
Syria’s Uncertain New Order (April 11, 2025, Foreign Affairs) (Subscription required)
New appointments reflect the pressure Shara is under to demonstrate to Arab and Western governments—and to the Syrian people—that he can build an inclusive government that represents the country’s religious and ethnic minorities. Can Shara’s Government Unite a Country Ready to Explode?
Growing Closeness Between Russia and the Taliban: A Paradigm Shift? (April 8, 2025, The Diplomat) (Subscription required)
If the Taliban are removed from Moscow’s terrorist list, it would further strengthen the relationship between Russia and Afghanistan.
Libya trapped in a cycle of political crisis (March 24, 2025, GIS Reports Online)
Since 2011, Libya has been in turmoil, facing a divided state, stalled elections, militia control and unsuccessful UN stabilization efforts. The country remains fragmented between rival factions. Armed groups consolidate power, fueling oil smuggling. Local elections show potential, but national governance remains flawed.
Tunisia’s Climate Crisis, Economic Downturn, and Growing Dependency on Algeria (March 18, 2025, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)
Since 2017, Tunisia has experienced intensified climate change effects, including severe drought. President Kais Saied’s governance failures have only exacerbated the country's long-standing vulnerabilities.
An Asian democracy collapse amid the new world order (March 27, 2025, The Japan Times) (Subscription required)
Over the past five to seven years, democracy and rights have been on a downward slide in nearly every country in Asia that is either a mature, long-lasting democracy or something close to it. This is part of a global trend of democratic decline.
Inside Cambodia’s Political Doomsday Sect (April 1 2025, The Diplomat) (Subscription required)
Not far from the tourist city of Siem Reap in northwestern Cambodia, roughly a thousand devotees gather around a picturesque pond. They are there to listen to the words of their guru, Khem Veasna, whom they believe has descended from the realm of Brahma in human form. His mission: to teach them the true way of Buddha and save them from the coming apocalypse.
Reading the tree leaves: Why a no-show by China’s No.2 general has speculation running wild (April 4, 2025, CNN)
Gen. He’s absence from the high-profile event has fueled ongoing speculation that the second-ranking vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) may have become the latest – and most senior – casualty in leader Xi Jinping’s purge of the military’s top ranks.
Russia and China both want influence over Central Asia. Could it rupture their friendship? (April 3, 2025, The Conversation)
With Russia preoccupied with Ukraine and constrained by Western sanctions, China has seized the opportunity to deepen its engagement in the region. With both countries pushing their own regional agendas, it’s hard to ignore the overlap – and the potential for a future clash over competing interests.
China’s Mysterious New ‘Bridge’ Barges Are Unlike Anything We’ve Ever Seen. Why Isn’t America Building Its Own? (April 4, 2025, Popular Mechanics)
At the Longxue Island shipyard in Guangzhou, China, something remarkable, even for the naval world, has materialized in a short span of time. Make no mistake: these long-legged, long-ramped ships are purpose-built for invasion.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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