Saturday, October 14 06

Today the U.N. weighs in by cautioning Georgia with suggestions of confidence-building strategies, and extending UNOMIG's peacekeeping mandate until spring 2007. Thai coup leadership offers to facilitate the return of ousted PM Thaksin. Where's the debate on the desires and political interests of the peoples of Darfur? The E.U. expresses alarm about Sri Lanka's unstable provisional peace agreement, which must hold until long-term discussions occur two weeks from today. In Afghanistan, the people's allegiance goes to whoever can preserve security, and regional cooperation depends on reform and demilitarization in next door Pakistan.

Friday, October 13 06

The European Union is preparing to challenge Russia's heavy-handed tactics against Georgia. Despite ten years of relative calm, long-term stability for Kosovo requires a political autonomy agreement that remains a long way off. Diplomat and human rights activist Robinson speaks on political repression, the 'Irish success story', and the need to protect peoples' cultural identity. Political protestors again come under police fire in Nigeria, and an aide to ex-Liberian President Taylor schemes to destabilize and assassinate leaders of the new regime. Sudan situation now clearly turns on how both U.N. multi-nation peacekeepers and International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors will be tasked to intervene.

Thursday, October 12 06

Timor Leste remains in dangerous political limbo as it awaits a UN-appointed Special Commission of Inquiry's indictments and prosecutions, and the International Crisis Group (ICG) is reporting that deep crisis lies ahead. Attacks continuing in Sri Lanka, with ceasefire-resumption talks not scheduled until October 28-29. Were Beslan attackers a criminal gang or a rebel militia? What the U.N. Security Council recommends, the General Assembly eventually endorses: South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon likely to be confirmed this week as new U.N. Secretary General, which is seen as a positive step for future North Korean tensions. It's hard to believe U.N. Human Rights Council-watchers who say the new body is worse than its predecessor.

Wednesday, October 11 06

Indications that Russia's diplomatic offensive against Georgia may be over. U.N. Chief of humanitarian operations Egeland wants into the Security Council's North Korea sanctions debate. It's worth noting that although Tajikistan's approaching presidential election is obviously democratically dysfunctional, the Rakhmonov regime responds to expressions of the popular will. Thai military coup leaders request extension and make additional promises. U.N. Secretary General Annan reflects after tumultuous year at the helm of world government, and lends support to the U.N.'s up-and-coming Peacebuilding Commission (1,2).

Tuesday, October 10 06

U.S. President Bush appeals to the U.N. for united strategy against North Korea, and the human toll of international sanctions will be high. Islamist rebels in Somalia will respond to Ethiopian invasion with 'holy war'. India's Dalit leader Ram dies at age 72. Thailand's army-backed cabinet is officially sworn in. Zambia's new President Mwanawasa threatens to arrest opponent Sata for treason. U.N. Secretary General Annan announces success in convincing Khartoum to accept U.N. support of A.U. peace operation.