Asian Insider: Power transition in Syria | Walls closing in on S. Korea President Yoon

Dear ST reader,

Despite having powerful allies, the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was quick and spectacular. With the future of the country up for grabs, Jonathan Eyal looks at how this has opened the door to another round of power play in the Middle East.

Zooming in on Turkey, he notes that Ankara now has an outsized influence over Syrian affairs. But at the same time, no nation stands to lose more from any Syria mayhem than Turkey.

Meanwhile, South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol may have survived the first impeachment motion over a botched martial law declaration, but his position remains precarious with another impeachment vote this weekend. Several lawmakers from his party have indicated that they will now back the motion while concurrent investigations mean Mr Yoon could be arrested soon, reports Wendy Teo.

Over in India, Rohini Mohan examines the rapidly growing health food and wellness market amid changing mindsets towards nutrition, especially among the millennials.

Finally, are you a fan of Japanese comedy acts? Walter Sim looks at their success domestically as well as their ambitions to shine on the global stage.

Syria at a crossroads

The stakes are high not just for the warring militias, but also for state actors including Russia, Iran and Turkey.

More on the aftermath of Assad’s downfall:

Turkey enjoys temporary triumph

US conducts air strikes in Syria amid fears that fall of Assad may stoke resurgence of ISIS

Syria’s future hinges on ability of new rulers to unite country: Former top US general

Walls closing in on South Korea’s president

Mr Yoon is believed to prefer the impeachment route, as he wants to argue his case in the constitutional court.

The latest on the unfolding political crisis:

Yoon vows to ‘fight to the end’ as he defends martial law bid

Who is Kim Yong-hyun, the ousted South Korean defence minister?

South Korea’s political crisis poses graver threat to its foreign policy ambitions than the economy

Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba fighting just to survive 2025

A string of unfortunate events have made him the butt of jokes and online memes.

More on Japan:

Tokyo tries to ‘Trump-proof’ security ties as Austin wraps up Asia farewell tour

Japan grants Philippines funding to boost naval capabilities

Centuries-old sake tradition recognised on Unesco cultural heritage list

Australia seeks its own cargo vessel fleet to secure future trade

Following the pandemic, the government wants to protect supply chains in areas deemed vulnerable.

Related coverage:

Interactive: How the global shipping disruption can affect you

S’pore, Australia ink MOU on green and digital shipping corridor

TikTok’s American future hangs by a thread

Proponents of the ban argue that the app can be wielded by the Chinese government to influence national opinion and elections.

More on the TikTok ban in the US:

TikTok advertisers stay put after US appeals court upholds law forcing sale

askST: How will a US TikTok ban affect users in S’pore and elsewhere?

India plans 18-storey building in its Jakarta embassy compound, but nearby residents fume

The upscale neighbourhood also features landed homes, low-rise office blocks and high-rise apartments.

Related coverage:

China’s plans for large new London embassy rejected by local officials

US opens embassy in Vanuatu, latest step in China competition

‘Explosive walking groups’ march on in China

These brisk walkers operate with military regimentation, often with their own flags and sign bearers.

More on the Zhuhai car attack that shone the spotlight on these groups:

Residents in China’s Zhuhai city reel from deadly car rampage

What’s driving some Chinese to take revenge on society?