World News Channel Asia

After the Russian tanks rolled into Georgia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was the first world leader to visit the Kremlin. Moscow sees a good ally in Assad, a man who realizes that the Russians are back and intends on using this strong reality to advance Syria’s interests. Foremost is the peace process with Israel, which, given the events in the Caucasus, the United States might now feel compelled to support. - Sami Moubayed (Aug 22, ‘08)

Russia’s muscle-flexing in Georgia certainly has implications for the former satellite states of the old Soviet Union, but the impact is less clear for northeast Asia, especially North Korea, which the Soviet Union supported with enormous military and economic aid - but where Russia still arouses deep suspicions. - Donald Kirk

Pakistan has declared all-out war on militants. This will delight the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Washington, which for many years have complained of the country’s spotty record. Militants previously allowed to operate under the radar will now have to fight back. Thursday’s suicide attack on an ordinance factory in which scores of people died is a portent of things to come. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Aug 22, ‘08)

Massive dams in China exacerbated the fatal floods which recently struck Southeast Asia’s Mekong River region, environmental groups claim. Sitting upstream in a position of geographical strength, China has bluntly refused to release key environmental data on the dam issue, in contrast to its broader policy of soft power to forge greater integration with the region. - Brian McCartan (Aug 22, ‘08)

Apart from toting an AK-47 and telling women to learn karate, India’s 73-year-old first female president, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, has had a quiet first year. Wisely reticent amid political crises and overcoming diplomatic gaffs, Patil has generated immense public curiosity. But a potentially explosive national election may test her political expediency. - Neeta Lal (Aug 22, ‘08)

The deportation of British rock star and convicted pedophile Gary Glitter this week is seen as a victory against sex tourism that exploits minors. However, the prevailing image of sex predators as white men overlooks the disturbing truth that the majority of child abusers are from other parts of Asia. (Aug 22, ‘08)