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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India’s Oldest Operating Trams Set To Become a Dying Scene

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When the peaceful ring of a tram bell cuts through the everyday cacophony of the city, eighteen-year-old Deep Das finds the best part of his day. Das always waits for the tram, that slow-moving emblem of the rich past of the city, even among the sea of buses and cabs within his reach. He claims that "there were times when buses were frequent, but I still waited for the trams."

These electric-powered cars have been whirling around Kolkata’s streets for more than 150 years, following the city’s development from the days of British control to its modern reputation. Even with their great historical importance and the love they engender, Kolkata’s cherished tram system is today on the brink of extinction.

The tram system has been steadily collapsing for years due to neglect. There are now just two pathways in what was once a lively network with hundreds of paths. Railroads were once the lifeblood of the city, but they are now virtually artifacts from another era. However, some people believe that the fight to save historic trams is far from over.

Das is dedicated to preserving Kolkata's evocative legacy, as is the Calcutta Tram Users' Association (CTUA), a collection of other enthusiasts. The CTUA, led by retired scientist Debashish Bhattacharyya, views the trams as a solution to the growing demand for affordable, eco-friendly mobility in the city, rather than just a means of getting around.

For many, the trams reflect the very soul of the city rather than only a means of mobility. “This is the only city in India having tramways,” notes Bhattacharyya. “This glory—not only of the city but of the nation—will be lost if this is taken away.” These trams, which snake through Kolkata’s little streets, past busy markets, and even avoid the sporadic wandering cow, have become emblematic of the city with their brilliant blue and white stripes and sunshine-yellow roofs.

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