Obama’s windy words, dovish appointments and lack of resolve

By on    Exclusives, Life, NE Asia, North Korea, South Korea, Stateside, Top Stories, U.S. Politics, United Nations, Washington  

Obama’s windy words, dovish appointments and lack of resolve

Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk, East-Asia-Intel.com WASHINGTON — A mood of collective celebration swept over the American capital as President Barack Obama entered his second term under clear skies in freezing temperatures. It was as though the country were taking a break from fears about the economy, the next “fiscal cliff” and debate on […]

Japan finding unlikely allies in repelling Beijing’s campaign of ‘cartographical aggression’

By on    China, Exclusives, Japan, NE Asia, Philippines, South Korea, Top Stories  

Japan finding unlikely allies in repelling Beijing’s campaign of ‘cartographical aggression’

Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk, East-Asia-Intel.com MANILA — Japan is probing the possibilities of a most improbable alliance in a corner of Southeast Asia that once lay at the heart of the “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.” The term “co-prosperity” was a euphemism for Imperial Japan’s policy of prospering off impoverished people from Burma […]

No joy in Pyongyang over Park’s win in South Korea’s presidential election

By on    Exclusives, Intel Brief, NE Asia, North Korea, South Korea, Top Stories  

No joy in Pyongyang over Park’s win in South Korea’s presidential election

Special to WorldTribune.com By Lee Jong-Heon, East-Asia-Intel.com SEOUL — Pyongyang’s favored candidate lost with the victory of conservative, anti-communist ruling party candidate Park Geun-Hye in the recent presidential election here. The destitute North openly endorsed Park’s rival, opposition contender Moon Jae-In. Moon had promised to resume massive economic aid and cross-border projects with the North […]

Daughter of a controversial leader runs for president of South Korea

By on    Exclusives, Life, NE Asia, South Korea, Top Stories  

Daughter of a controversial leader runs for president of South Korea

Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk, East-Asia-Intel.com The specter of Park Geun-Hye running for president of the Republic of Korea evokes almost as many memories for those foreigners who were here during the reign of her father as it does for millions of Koreans who share quite differing perspectives. As a journalist in pursuit of […]

Seoul food: From mad cows to madder N. Koreans who might kill for any kind of beef

By on    Exclusives, Life, NE Asia, North Korea, South Korea, Top Stories  

Seoul food: From mad cows to madder N. Koreans who might kill for any kind of beef

Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk, East-Asia-Intel.com SEOUL — The sequence is simple: One more sick American cow, and the government here is in big trouble. The government here gets into trouble, and the North Korean regime can exploit the differences and make good on its dire threats, e.g., the one about “special actions” lasting […]

U.S.-North Korea ‘food for nukes’ deal means little, generates hot air in Seoul

By on    Exclusives, NE Asia, North Korea, Recent Hits, South Korea, Stateside, Top Stories, U.S. Politics  

U.S.-North Korea ‘food for nukes’ deal means little, generates hot air in Seoul

Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk, East-Asia-Intel.com SEOUL — North Korea’s promise to give up or at least suspend its nuclear program clearly forces the end of the seemingly tough policies enunciated by South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak after he took office four years ago. No way can Lee appear as the strong leader who […]

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