Pacific Views

Asia & Middle East

Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai speaks out about the danger posed by opium trading, possibly leading to a state where drug lords have more power than the government. Judging by the state of things, as the article notes, this concern may come too late.

China blocked North Korea from importing supplies of nuclear refining material after intercepting a train bound towards the DPRK. The country is planning a second manned space mission in 2005, a moon landing by 2010, and a space station at a date to be determined. China's economy is displacing the US in the Japanese export market, and their largest chip maker is preparing to float its stock in both Hong Kong and New York.

India approves telecom merger rules, while the Indian business sector goes on the offensive to promote the economic benefits of outsourcing in the face of growing irritation among US workers competing with them for jobs. The Delhi High Court has recently ruled that foreigners have no permanent residency rights, and can be deported without proof of wrongdoing.

Iran confirms purchase of nuclear technology from dealers on the Asian subcontinent, they insist the intended use was energy related. Speaking of energy, a Japanese company has received a concession to develop an Iranian oil field estimated to hold 26 billion barrels of oil, after their government was warned of US displeasure. Russia plans to continue supplying nuclear reactor fuel to Iran, but if the deal is blocked, it may ultimately lead to the commencement of uranium mining and refinement in Iran, as the nation has it's own largely undeveloped stores. Iranian women are especially disappointed in the results of the recent disputed elections that saw the outright banning of many reformist candidates.

Israel removes a particularly contentious section of wall in a move that will hopefully ease tensions. Another eight people died today in a bombing in Jerusalem, and the last few weeks have seen deadly firefights in Gaza.

Japanese security alerts spur dollar purchasing, driving our currency higher. Another contingent of Japanese soldiers arrive in Iraq to join the handful already engaged in reconstruction work there while housed in a highly fortified enclave.

Saudia Arabia awards a major power plant contract to Hyundai. And after three years, the government will enforce a ban on foreign jewelry workers which is expected to displace an estimated 25-30,000 mostly Indian and Yemeni workers, opening their jobs to Saudi natives.

And finally, news of our empire abroad. An Asia Times columnist notes the cost of Walmart mentality occupations. Billmon highlights a recent finding that ex-Apartheid thugs are working security detail in Iraq, through a company connected to Ahmad Chalabi.