Given Kim Jong-un’s lack of political experience, he may, at least initially, rely on the leadership of Jang Sung Taek and Kim Jyung Hee. However, the true colours of the enigmatic leader of one of the last remaining dictatorships remains to be seen.
Politics / The World / Asia-Pacific
Crikey Says: Kim Jong-il, not so funny
It’s easy to laugh at the dearly departed Dear Leader Kim Jong-il.
Kim Jong-un’s family: alcoholics, psychos and power-mongers
With young Kim Jong-un appointed to fill his father’s shoes, is there anybody else in the family who might make a grab for power? Philip Shenon explores the family tree.
Ding dong North Korea’s Dear Leader is dead
Crikey media wrap: North Korea’s “Dear Leader” Kim Jong-il — who has led one of the world’s repressive governments for the last 17 years — died yesterday, leaving his younger son as the dictator-in-waiting.
The best Kim Jong-il impersonations
He was a ruthless dictator, but he was always ripe for parody. Over the years Kim Jong Il has been portrayed in a range of TV and films including Team America and 30 Rock. The HuffPo compiles the best Jon Il impersonations.
Kim Jong-il dies, 69
North Korea’s state media have reported the death of their ‘Dear Leader’ Kim Jong Il in a special broadcast. According to the broadcast he died of “great mental and physical strain,” reports AAP.
Walk the streets of post-tsunami Japan
Google Street View has been updated to include nearly every street from every town affected by the Japan tsunami back in March. All the images come from July- November this year.
The tale of PNG’s two governments
Crikey media wrap: Our northern neighbour Papua New Guinea remains in political crisis, with former leader Sir Michael Somare sworn in as prime minister this morning after the Supreme Court ruled yesterday that the current government was unconstitutional.
New Zealanders get what they voted for
New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key has announced his new ministry, after final results from the NZ electoral commission confirmed his re-election for a second term.
Uranium exportation argy-bargy: The Lowy Institute v This Blog Harms
Australian think tank The Lowy Institute have written a bizarre rebuttal to a This Blog Harms essay about the exportation of Australian uranium to India, writes NAJ Taylor.
Free speech and a car dealer come to grief in Thailand
Another setback yesterday for free speech, as Colorado car salesman Joe Gordon was sentenced in Bangkok to 2½ years jail for insulting the king of Thailand.
Live exports ban: drugs in cattle feed could threaten industry again
Allegations that feed additives, including drugs used to treat asthma, are being given to Australian cattle in Indonesian feedlots have the potential to again threaten the future of the live export industry.
Korea threatens nationals working here in brothel industry
The Republic of Korea has threatened massive reprisals against Korean nationals involved in pr-stitution in Australia, writes Chris Seage, tax consultant, former ATO audit manager and owner of Brothel Busters.
Carr: we need to treat China with more respect
Given Australia’s reliance on trade with China — which has shown no hints of expansionist tactics — why did we allow the announcement of a US military base to be associated with Barack Obama’s aggressive anti-China speech? asks Bob Carr.
Under attack, McKinsey dumped from rainforest role in PNG
Controversial global consultancy McKinsey & Company has been dumped from giving advice on how to reduce emissions from rainforests in Papua New Guinea, writes freelancer David Ritter.
New Zealand sticks with National
As expected, John Key’s National Party was relatively untroubled in Saturday’s New Zealand election. But a strong performance from NZ First surprised some pundits.
NZ Nats cruising to victory, but poll nerds pay attention
New Zealand prime minister John Key and his National Party are cruising towards an easy victory in tomorrow’s poll. But those who are interested in the prospects for democracy will be interested.
Diplomacy, North Korean style: expect a “sea of fire”
Following a large scale military drill in South Korea, heat has re-intensified between North and South. North Korea have threatened a “sea of fire” if provoked, reports CBS News.
Why Australia should not give Indonesian military a blank cheque
Giving a blank cheque to Indonesian military while there is continued suppression of political freedoms in West Papua is the surest way for Australia to help Indonesia lose a country, writes Jason Macleod.
Gillard adds ‘ballast’ to shore up Indon relationship
Australia’s relationship with Indonesia is continuing at its all-time high following the conclusion of the East Asia Summit in Bali.
Why the Oz US troops deal has hit a raw nerve in China
China’s rise in Asia has made the region a much more complicated place, writes Dr John Lee, from the Centre for International Security Studies at Sydney University.
Can Australia serve two masters?
China is Australia’s most significant trade partner (although we are not theirs). The USA is our most significant political partner. How do we balance the two? asks Aaron Fernandes.
Obama to China: you can’t exploit our fiscal crisis
Barack Obama used his address to Parliament to send an unambiguous message to China.
Crikey Says: China values its friendship with Austria
The thing is, a trip from the president of the United States makes us feel really, really important.
