Central Asia & Caucasus Data

In her short term as prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has shown that she has the same kind of reality distortion field that other singular political talents have. Her status as Japan’s first female prime minister, her middle-class (read: non-hereditary) background and her blunt, earnest manner have inspired a well-documented frenzy, Sanakatsu, akin to the parasocial attachment The post How will Takaichi navigate between right-wing ideals and reality? appeared first on Asia Times.

For much of Pakistan’s modern history, Balochistan has been described in terms of risk and security, political grievances and stalled development. Its immense mineral wealth, long noted in geological surveys and policy debates, has yet to translate into sustained, meaningful international investment. The result has been a persistent gap between promise and reality, shaping global The post US, China embracing risk in Pakistan’s violent mineral frontier appeared first on Asia Times.

Alarms are being raised amid reports that President Donald Trump is stacking a key regulatory committee with CEOs of online prediction markets, cryptocurrency firms and sports betting apps. As reported on Thursday by the Daily Wire, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is launching a new initiative called the Innovation Advisory Committee, which CFTC Chairman Michael Selig said would be The post Trump stacks key regulatory body panel with crypto, gambling CEOs appeared first on Asia Times.

Yuliia Didenko did not grow up planning a military career. But after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she says, the choice eventually became unavoidable. “I had no fear,” she said. “What could be more frightening than realizing that, while Russians are killing and torturing Ukrainians, I am resting at home?” Didenko, 21, who The post New-generation Ukraine woman warriors avenge losses of loved ones  appeared first on Asia Times.