Thursday, November 9 06

Kyrgyzstan's unfolding political breakdown exposes a year's worth of tension between the government of President Bakiev and 'For Reforms!' parliamentary opposition group. Two recent Institute of War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) briefs say that a last-minute constitutional deal could avert more Bishkek streetfighting (1,2). Post-referendum Serbia asserts political identity by denying Kosovo independence aspirations. Atmosphere of 'useful political limbo' resting over Washington may benefit Iraq war planners. Child soldier cases a priority for The Hague's war crimes court (International Criminal Court (ICC)). Maj-Gen. Tommy Burns deserves some credit for 'inventing' peacekeeping back in 1955.