"It is great that Bangladesh's emergency government has emphasized its commitment to hold elections by the end of 2008. But if you think the elections are going to be free and fair, think again. A fully free and fair election will almost certainly result in an outcome that the current regime has reason to distrust. So the engineering of elections has already begun, and it will win the approval of international observers who won't understand the subtleties."

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"In Bangladesh's lopsided healthcare market, imaginative ventures can make a big difference. Bangladeshi expatriate medical professionals can spearhead such a venture, with many socio-economic benefits. They would set up an institution in Bangladesh, and sign up on a database to donate at least two weeks of their services in a given year. Those who might not give their time in a particular year can donate a comparable amount of money."

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"Scrabulous, the Facebook phenomenon, was created by two Calcutta brothers. It uses an idea stolen from Scrabble and it has a large fan base. But has it created much economic value? Long before the Internet came, the original boardgame spread around the globe through proper licensing -- with people employed, taxes paid, and money made for fifty years. That's real economic value, and it comes from respect for intellectual property."

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"In a marked contrast to his pre-election diatribe against other political parties, monarchy and the 'imperialist forces of India and America', Prachanda gave a very reserved and conciliatory speech in his election victory rally, emphatically pleading everybody, especially the international community, to not doubt his party’s commitment to multi-party democracy. This evolution of Maoists into a more or less liberal democratic party with an anomalistic name now appears ever clearer."

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"Across the rugged terrain of Burma's frontiers, major ethnic armies have lowered their weapons and started working with the country's military leadership. At the center of this development is a political innovation known as Special Regions, where leaders of groups that were previously hostile toward each other are now making commercial profits within an uneasy ceasefire. Will their people support their business, and can profits develop into a permanent peace?" (Photo by John Hulme)

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"A powerful dynamic is playing out in China’s relations with the developing world. China is willing to deal with authoritarian regimes, and strike contracts on energy that are non-transparent. China’s distaste for making foreign aid contingent on policy indicators may worsen corruption in recipient countries. Some of its dam building projects will have devastating impact on neighboring countries. Will China be able to dam the public opinion backlash fueled by all of these?"

Comments (5)