"As ASEAN Dithers, the US Circles"
Simon Roughneen, Freelance Journalist | October 28, 2009
Efforts to form an ASEAN community are increasingly “spinning in the political sands” over the strategic interests of a diverse collection of neighbours. ++ The disparity in religion, system of governance, economic performance and standard of living all serve to undermine attempts to liberalize borders and trade. ++ Since Hillary Clinton declared that the US is “back in Asia” no policy adjustment has been made. ++ “The November APEC and ASEAN meetings should [show] how the Obama administration can or will leverage its Asia policy.”
