Why Southeast Asia is Drifting Away from Washington

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The geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia is undergoing a tectonic shift. For decades, the United States was viewed as the indispensable powerthe security guarantor that allowed the region’s tiger economies to flourish. However, recent events, culminating in the devastating economic fallout of the Iran war, have accelerated a trend that many in Washington failed to see coming: Southeast Asia is increasingly looking toward Beijing, not out of ideological love, but out of pragmatic necessity. This shift is not merely a preference for one superpower over another; it is a profound vote of no confidence in the predictability and reliability of Western leadership. The Credibility Gap: From Trade Wars to Kinetic Wars The erosion of trust didn't happen overnight. It began with a series of inconsistent trade policies and sudden tariffs that left regional exportersfrom Malaysia to Vietnamreeling. When global leadership feels like a moving target, Southeast Asian nations, which prioritize...
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Uncovered Secrets of the Marcos Dictatorship in a Broadway Play

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In an astonishing turn of events, the controversial figures of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos have found an unexpected spotlight on Broadway's grand stage in the tragicomic rock musical "Here Lies Love." For investigative journalist Lewis M. Simons, whose career delved into exposing the dark realities of the Marcos regime, this unforeseen chapter unfolded into a complex tapestry of emotions.

Simons, openly critical of the Marcos duo for their oppressive rule, discovered himself amidst a captivated audience during a sold-out matinee, ranging from Filipinos intimately familiar with the Marcos era to younger individuals unaware of the nation's tumultuous history. "Here Lies Love," a creation by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, unfolds the gripping tale of Imelda's rise to power and the eventual downfall of the Marcos regime. For Simons, who extensively chronicled the Marcoses during their rule, witnessing their story unfold on Broadway was beyond imagination.

Despite initial reservations, Simons acknowledges being unexpectedly moved by the production. He shares insights from conversations with Filipinos in the lobby, some of whom actively participated in the People Power Revolution of 1986 that led to the ousting of the Marcos dictatorship. Tears flowed, laughter echoed, and a myriad of emotions played out in the audience. The musical, featuring actors embodying Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos, revisits pivotal moments from their political reign and personal lives. Arielle Jacobs, portraying Imelda, delivers a poignant performance questioning love, while Jose Llana, as Ferdinand, engages the audience with charismatic campaign antics.

Simons, a seasoned journalist instrumental in exposing the Marcoses' crimes, reminisces about his role in uncovering their hidden wealth and contributing to the public outcry that led to their removal in 1986. The musical, he observes, mirrors the flamboyance of Imelda and the political maneuvering of Ferdinand.

Drawing parallels between the entertainment tactics of the Marcos era and the Broadway spectacle, Simons contemplates broader implications. Today, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator, holds the presidency, a surprising encore in the Marcos saga. In a poignant reflection, Simons recognizes the enduring legacy of the Marcos regime, not only in political corridors but also on Broadway. The once unthinkable concept of a musical portraying their story now serves as a platform for revisiting a painful past and understanding its lasting impact.

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