The US Is Losing Hearts And Minds In Southeast Asia Over Gaza

WorldPolitics
19 Oct 2025 • 5:00 PM MYT
300th
300th

Where ideas spread free. Create your channel today.

image is not available

The world has overwhelmingly welcomed the fragile Middle East peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, but in Southeast Asia, home to fast-growing economies and a vital pillar of Indo-Pacific security, that relief is tinged with skepticism. Islam is the faith of about half of the region’s more than 600 million people, so solidarity with Palestinians has always meant that US support for Israel is a politically fraught issue. Now, those concerns are spreading beyond religious lines. From Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta to Bangkok, anger over the destruction in Gaza has deepened doubts about whether Washington has different standards for how it applies international law.

More, here.