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The outspoken satirist addressed the controversy surrounding the Clint Eastwood film American Sniper   on Friday’s episode of HBO’s   Real Time with Bill Maher . Another day, another  American Sniper  controversy. Yes, Clint Eastwood’s biopic of the late Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history with 160 confirmed kills over four tours of Iraq, has captured the fascination of the American public, earning a whopping $135 million-plus in less than two weeks of wide release, as well as 6 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for  Bradley Cooper’s  committed portrayal of Kyle. It’s also proved divisive, with Hollywood stars like  Seth Rogen and Michael Moore making colorful comments about the film (both have since apologized, claiming their statements were taken out of context), and critics being split on whether the film is jingoistic, anti-war, or both. Enter provocateur Bill Maher. On Friday’s episode of his HBO series  Real Time with Bill Ma

January 15, 2015 12:00 am JST Thai junta proposes direct election of cabinet TORU TAKAHASHI, Nikkei staff writer Prayuth Chan-ocha, the leader of the junta that seized power in Thailand last May, attends a regional summit Dec. 20 in Bangkok.  © Reuters BANGKOK -- One of the key questions in Asia's political scene in 2015 is how and when Thailand will restore democratic, civilian rule. A council appointed by Thailand's military government is proposing direct election of a civilian prime minister and all cabinet members as part of far-reaching political reforms.     The move is aimed at curbing the money-driven politics that characterized former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's rule, but critics warn the changes will leave the Thai parliament powerless.      The proposal was drawn up in late December by the National Reform Council, an advisory body appointed by the military in October 2014 to prepare for a return to civilian rule. It was subm

Talk of an unelected PM, permanent role for military spooks progressives Post-coup Thailand tore up its 18th Constitution and is now mulling over a new one. The document is being penned under the close watch of the military government, with martial law shielding the drafters from the most contentious of debates. The Constitution Drafting Committee plans to hold public hearings from this month. While the final version will be tabled only later this year - and elections expected only from next year -  its broad strokes are already apparent to most observers: It will crimp the power of erstwhile dominant political parties and make it easier for an unelected person to assume the helm of the country. Over the past few months, the drafters have sifted through a spectrum of proposals, considering - but dropping - the idea of a directly elected prime minister. But they have spoken in support of a proportional representation system that would let smaller parties get more seats. More contro

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