Optimism to be had in Pakistan−India relations
Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma (L) and Pakistan's Commerce Secretary Zafar Mahmood (R) talk during a meeting in New Delhi on November 15, 2011. Mahmood is in India for two-day talks aimed at implementing a deal to double annual trade in the next three years to US$6 billion. Analysts have said the decision to ease trade barriers could open enormous opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, textiles and pharmaceuticals for the two countries. (Photo: AAP)

Authors: Rajesh Basrur and Yang Razali Kassim, RSIS

In late September, the Earth Observatory of Singapore released a study affirming that ‘a big earthquake’ could occur in the Kashmir region of South Asia ‘anytime’.

While the Observatory stated it is too early to anticipate the location and size of such an event, the effects of a ‘megaquake’ in the region could be horrendous. Read more…

Singapore’s growing role in Asian food security
People queuing for free food given out by the Singapore Buddhist Lodge in Singapore. (Photo: AAP)

Author: Yang Razali Kassim, RSIS

Singapore is seeking to ensure its food security through research and development in urban agribusiness.

Singapore’s approach to food security is set to undergo a fundamental rethink — from being a passive food-importer to a more active contributor to the regional and global food system. Read more…

Post-Mubarak Egypt: Is Indonesia the right model?
People power: Thousands of Indonesian students wearing yellow university jackets cheer during a rally for political reform at the University of Indonesia near Jakarta on 26 April 1998. (Photo: AAP)

Author: Yang Razali Kassim, RSIS

Now that the Mubarak regime has been overthrown, many views have been offered on the likely polity of the new Egypt.

Several models have been cited, but two stand out: Iran and Turkey. Increasingly, the Indonesian model is also being considered. Read more…