Nakhonratchasima, Thailand — In what can be called a copycat method of civil disobedience, Thailand’s United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship has been very busy interrupting government plans. While players pay lip service to national unity, opposition members make plans to govern the nation or ensure that no party is able to.

Hong Kong, China — Lasantha Wickramatunga, chief editor of a Sri Lankan English weekly was attacked on Thursday by four persons and died of head injuries. His printing press was burned by an unidentified group. Death squads controlled by the ruling party are believed responsible for attacks on anti-government protestors.

Beijing, China — On Dec. 31 China and Vietnam completed the demarcation of their land border. This signified that China has settled its land borders with 12 of its neighbors. China has sought peaceful resolution of these issues, but its sea disputes may prove more challenging.

Seoul, South Korea — North Korea has announced it will hold parliamentary elections in March. The step is long overdue, largely due to leader Kim Jong Il's abrupt illness. Some analysts interpret the polls, which follow a major Cabinet reshuffle, as paving the way for the ailing leader to designate his successor.

Manipal, India — India is not part of the Greater Middle East, as some in the United States believe it to be. Rather, India is a prospective partner with the West, based on the values of culture and approach to human issues, including a commitment to democracy and secularism.

Colombo, Sri Lanka — The Sri Lankan government has been celebrating its capture of Kilinochchi, the stronghold of the LTTE, as a decisive victory that heralds the dawn of peace. With the LTTE concentrated in a small area, future battles could be even more costly unless the cycle of violence is broken by statesmanship.

Beijing, China — Chinese President Hu Jintao gave an upbeat speech on Taiwan last week, in which he made six proposals aimed at strengthening relations with the island. The speech has been hailed as reflecting “new thinking” toward the island and some of the knotty problems that have plagued cross-strait relations.

Kolkata, India — The thumping majority win by Sheikh Hasinaʼs Awami League party in Bangladesh’s recent general election promises much but raises the level of skepticism more as renascent fundamentalism in the name of Islam has made the small nation a focal point for terror in recent years.

Nakhonratchasima, Thailand — Thailand's constitution names its king the head of state. Yet, article 3, which gives sovereign power to the people and the king both, complicates arguments on the role of the king in government and whether the military takeover of civilian government is justified if in agreement with the king’s wishes.

Seoul, South Korea — South Korean President Lee Myung-bak vowed to stand firm against North Korea on Friday, in response to Pyongyang’s harsh verbal attacks in its New Year message, which indicates that the two rivals are on a collision course. Lee said his conservative government will not move first to improve strained ties.