The roots of a Kiwi hostage crisis in Papua

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JAKARTA – Papuan rebels and captive New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens have trekked deeper into the heart of the rugged Central Highlands as they seek to evade elite Indonesian Special Forces (Kopassus) troops who have shadowed them for the past three weeks. Sources familiar with the unfolding hostage drama believe it is nearing a crucial […]Continue Reading

Philippines, US kick off joint drills amid China concerns

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The majority of activities will take place at Fort Magsaysay, the Philippines’ largest military camp, and one of the five existing sites the US has access to under its Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with Manila. Under the agreement, the US can use the bases for joint training, pre-positioning ofContinue Reading

In SVB collapse, Asia sees 1997 all over again

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A mournful Thai holds a Thai baht note. Photo: NurPhoto via AFP Forum/Anusak Laowilas

To understand the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse spooking markets, look no further than events in Jakarta. The Indonesian rupiah’s 3.2% drop since February 1 demonstrates how quickly Asia has resigned itself to the fact that the US Federal Reserve isn’t done tightening. Another batch of too-strong-for-Fed-comfort US employment figures in February only increased the […]Continue Reading