September 16, 2006

Saturday, September 16 06

The Genocide Intervention Network and other groups call for a Global Day for Darfur on September 17th, 2006. With a generation of young people traumatized, war is creating a lost generation in Iraq. After military offensives from both sides, Sri Lanka experiences a lull in fighting. After early success dealing with insurgents, what happened in southern Afghanistan? The (U.S.) Heritage Foundation's User's Guide to American Military Intervention is now at the centre of U.S. foreign policy.

September 14, 2006

Thursday, September 14 06

International Crisis Group (ICG) report argues that Musharref and Pakistan are responsible for worsening situation in Baluchistan. Chief judge in Hussein genocide trial challenges 'dictator' label. Here's Foreign Policy's list of political prisoners to watch. For U.N. Secretary general Annan, late summer war demonstrates need for wider middle east peace agreement. In a positive move, DR Congo presidential contenders finally meet face-to-face. Reuters stays on top of unfolding 'frozen conflicts' in former Soviet territories.

Friday, September 15 06

Threat of prosecution has brought Ugandan rebels to the table, but peace hinges on amnesty for Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) leaders. New U.N. Secretary General will be named at year's end, and in New York the race is heating up. Presidents of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria promise to democratize, protect minorities and bring peace and prosperity through their new 'Community for Democracy and Human Rights', but are virtually ignored by the international community. A solution in breakaway Abkhazia remains stalled over return of displaced ethnic Georgians.

September 13, 2006

Wednesday, September 13 06

Here's a glimpse of an unfolding U.N. initiative called the 'International Compact for Iraq'. November 12 independence referendum in South Ossetia might lead to increased tensions, despite superficial legal significance. U.N. Secretary General Annan again warns of impending disaster in The Sudan, yet international military intervention depends on authorization unlikely to come from Khartoum. Peace agreement between Uganda and northern Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) an emerging possibility, but negotiating strategies are complicated by International Criminal Court (ICC) indictments of LRA leadership.

September 12, 2006

Tuesday, September 12 06

An opening for peace talks in Sri Lanka. Former National Security Minister Giorgadze and supporters are arrested for treason and plotting government takeover in Georgia. Afghan troops recapture stronghold Taliban town in Helmand province. Pakistan holding stable after August 26 assassination of Baluch leader. U.N. calls on NATO to take on opium trade in Afghanistan.

September 11, 2006

Monday, September 11 06

Withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from southern Lebanon proceeds by way of regular talks with UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). U.N. Secretary General Annan continues hectic pace appointing major-general from Benin as head of peacekeeping in Cote D'Ivoire and helping to consolidate new accord negotiated in Dar-es-Salaam between Burundi's government and remaining rebels. Pro-western coalition apparently maintains grip on Montenegro's parliamentary assembly. Journalists in Iraq squarely in the line of fire. Former President Hussein defends campaign against Kurdish minority. Retiring U.S. army brig.-gen. Scheid relates U.S. Defense Secretary's strategic planning prior to 2003 Iraq invasion.