Mission Statement

The Military Intervention News Log gives a daily review of international media coverage of situations of civil war, political repression or secession that involve or could lead to military peace operations or peacekeeping troop deployments.

Postings provide: i) a record of news coverage on daily situations by major and alternative sources, ii) a sense of how situations are covered (those 'in the spotlight' attract major media outlets, while others can be found mainly the 'alternative press'), iii) occasional non-news items such as research tools, research conferences, and new publications.

The Editor's research looks at philosophical questions about international law and ethics relating to military conflict and international peace operations.

Saturday, September 30 06

Russia puts a hold on Georgia troop pullout until 'security situation' settles down, as Moscow and U.S./U.K. lock horns over upcoming U.N. Security Council resolution. Publicity-conscious Thailand coup leaders carefully remove Thaksin allies from army chain of command, as U.S. announces sanctions until elections take place. They're calling it Thailand's 'courteous coup'. Routine U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) probe into Israel's July 25, 2006 bombing of U.N. position in southern Lebanon buffer zone fails to yield explanation for why protests from UNIFIL headquarters were unheard. Maneuvering begins as U.N. Security Council sets sights on Burma's junta, which is beginning to feel the pinch. Another wave of violence in Sri Lanka. Is anyone keeping account of U.N. troop deployments worldwide? Former Canadian P.M. Martin's intervention in Afghanistan debate is rebuffed by major players on Parliament Hill.

Friday, September 29 06

Confrontation looms between Georgia and Russia as arrested Russian officers face trial in Tbilisi. A report by International Alert (IA) on E.U. foreign policy options for peacebuilding in south Caucasus, and an International Crisis Group (ICG) policy paper on the rationale for a get-tough E.U. stance against Uzbekistan's Karimov regime post-Andijan. U.N. Secretary General Annan reports to UN Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa on progress and fragility in across central Africa. Militant groups are rising fast in Nigerian oil-rich regions. Thailand junta keeps promise to transfer power within weeks, but nevertheless appoints retired military man Surayud as interim 'caretaker prime minister'.

Thursday, September 28 06

NATO peace operation in Afghanistan is the site of constant military engagement. Musharraf tour continues, as new report validates claims about Taliban connections to Pakistani services. Uganda peace talks in jeopardy, as government forces and Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels return to aggressive maneuvering. Kyrgyzstan President Bakiev lays out long-term political program. Scottish rock star/activist Geldof weighs in on Darfur situation.

Thursday, September 28 06

NATO peace operation in Afghanistan is the site of constant military engagement. Musharraf tour continues, as new report validates claims about Taliban connections to Pakistani services. Uganda peace talks in jeopardy, with government forces and Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels returning to aggressive maneuvering. Kyrgyzstan President Bakiev lays out long-term political program. Scottish rock star/activist Geldof weighs in on Darfur situation.

Wednesday, September 27 06

Relations between Georgia and Russia not improved by Tbilisi's espionage arrest of four Russian officers. A rare glimpse of optimism in Iraq as Sunni leaders sit down with Shi'ite Prime Minister al-Maliki. In Uganda, the crucial barrier to a peace agreement is still the International Criminal Court's prosecution of Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebel leaders. The European Parliament reiterates calls for Turkey to 'come to terms with past'. It's down to the wire with UNIFIL forces preparing for this Saturday's full occupation of Lebanon's southern territories.

Tuesday, September 26 06

Public defense is made by leadership of Thai military coup, as ex-WTO chief Supachai is put forward as interim PM. Sparring between Musharraf and Karzai continues in preparation for meeting tomorrow with U.S. President Bush. Debate continues about the shape of federalism and regional autonomy in future Iraq (1, 2). The U.N. Security Council's next challenge is Burma. U.N. Darfur deployment gets going with shallow support and opaque mandate.

Monday, September 25 06

Russia closing in on Chechnyan militant Khattab. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Gutteres begins six-day tour of North Caucasus today to raise UNHCHR's profile and promote long-term solutions. Discussions on the permanent ethnic partitioning of Iraq put off until 2008, as President Talabani asks for lengthier U.S. occupation. Warnings from Chad about destabilizing effects of conflict inside rival Sudan. Singh and Musharraf return from North American engagements issuing joint statement about resumption of India-Pakistan peace talks.