From the International Herald Tribune:
The theatrical aspects of Taiwan politics can be an embarrassment for those who see the island republic as a beacon of liberal democracy. But perhaps more worrying is not what happens on the public stage but the behind-the-scene deals which inhibit good government.
Conversely, although cross-straits tensions with the mainland might seem to be exacerbated by Taiwan’s high volume domestic politics in practice, these tend to create compromises as individual and factional interests override ideology.
The theatrics will remain on display. President Chen Shui-bian is on the rack following exposure of the alleged misdeeds, including insider trading and corruption, of associates, including a son-in-law and a senior administration official. [Full text]
