Saturday, September 23 06

Reports surfacing on how Moscow is using CIS referenda as foreign policy instrument. Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese militarization of southern Lebanon proceeding largely in compliance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. Signs that trouble is brewing in Kosovo after violent incidents and Friday's closed Security Council talks. In Canadian consensus-building tour, the 'major of Kabul' throws blame for recent Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan's south toward regional rival Pakistan. New book by Paul Kennedy explains how the U.N. is the world's body politic, but constantly handcuffed by static 1945 constitution and the politicization of U.N. Security Council election process. Canadian Prime Minister Harper puts forward a position of strength during initial U.N. appearance.

Friday, September 22 06

The International Crisis Group (ICG) launches new multidimensional initiative aiming for comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace plan. Why do leaders of military juntas cling to power? Because power is addictive and the military is frequently a more enduring institution than the political establishment. U.S. President Bush claims he was unaware of top-level threat to bomb Pakistani territory post-9/11, but now authorizes pact between Musharref and militant tribal groups. NATO again seeking increased dialogue with Georgia about close diplomatic and security ties. An emerging U.N. office called the 'Peacebuilding Commission' receives praise from post-conflict states in Africa.

Thursday, September 21 06

Potentially dangerous crisis erupts between Chechnya and Ingushetia after border battle near village of Ordzhonikidzevskaya. U.N. Secretary General Annan applauds extension of African Union Mission in Darfur until the end of 2006. U.N. investigator reports that torture is the strategy of choice for security forces in Iraq, and worse than during Hussein era. Aide to former Bosnian Serb commander Mladic is arrested in Belgrade. New military rulers in Thailand prohibit political activity.

Wednesday, September 20 06

Military coup in Thailand so far uncontested, as army commander-in-chief General Sondhi commits to civilian power transfer within two weeks (1,2). Questions continue to arise among senior Iraqi officials over the suitability and future of Prime Minister al-Maliki. Kyrgyzstan's President Bakiev vows to crack down on dissidents. NATO to hold strategic planning meeting tomorrow in New York in the midst of key U.N. General Assembly. In farewell speech, U.N. Secretary General Annan paints picture of worldwide injustice but puts hope in U.N.

Monday, September 18 06

'Day for Darfur' draws international attention, as U.N. human rights-warnings continue. Moldovan separatists in Dnestr resolved for independence as this weekend's independence/re-unification referendum approaches, with opinion sharply divided between Russia and the West. D.R. Congo Supreme Court ruling gives legitimacy to October 29 presidential runoff. Military field tactics in Afghanistan's guerrilla war carry enormous casualty risks.