October 20, 2006

Friday, October 20 06

President Uribe begins a new term in Columbia with mandate to continue 'democratic security strategy' and open negotiations with the country's two active insurrections. Shi'ite militias gain control of southern Iraqi city of Al-Amarah. New Canadian Special Operations Regiment about to deploy on multifaceted initial mission in Afghanistan. Gwynne Dyer on Iraq's civilian casualties since the 2003 invasion. Max Boot on how to entrench U.S. military superiority.

October 19, 2006

Thursday, October 19 06

After recent attacks, Sri Lanka is once again at the threshold of open war, yet it remains mostly below international press coverage. Russia straddles definition of military aggression while exercising in Georgian waters. Thailand's military coup not likely to worsen insurgency in the south. Political and economic refugees fleeing unstable Zimbabwe get caught between harsh and unforgiving international boundaries. NATO leadership appeals once again for increased troop contributions to Afghanistan peace operation from reluctant and/or overstretched members. Australian actress Kidman tries her hand at ethno-national conflict resolution as U.N. celebrity envoy in Kosovo.

October 18, 2006

Wednesday, October 18 06

U.N. Security Council forces Eritrea to remove 1500 troops from U.N.-administered Temporary Security Zone (TSZ). Belorussia's opposition leader Milinkevich discusses the 'total fear' of political repression and invites Belorussians to make themselves heard in Minsk. Liberal International (LI) is a UK-based think tank promoting liberalism, human rights, tolerance and free trade worldwide. LI's upcoming Liberal International Congress (Nov. 9-11, Marrakech, Morocco) includes a panel discussion of progress being made implementing the ICISS Responsibility to Protect principle. The U.N. reform process clearly needs to find a unified direction. Today U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) Arbour dispatched Swedish diplomat Sundh to monitor and improve human rights protection during Nepal's rebel insurgency. Hungary is looking back at a dark period and the 'bitter legacy' of a thwarted national liberation. Canada's Minister of Defense O'Connor tells us that 'the men and women of the Canadian Forces remain committed to the mission to help Afghan people establish a better future'.

October 17, 2006

Tuesday, October 17 06

Defense forces in Abkhazia scheduled to hold military exercises October 23-26. Two UNMIL military police are injured in Liberia working to contain rioting. NATO says that the U.K. will withdraw from northeastern Afghan sector after local tribal leaders agree to drive out Taliban fighters. Accession conditions continue to evolve as the E.U. demands Turkey give passage to Cypriot planes and sea vessels. Suicide attack by suspected Tamil Tiger militants kills 92 Sri Lankan sailors in the lead-up to peace talks. Nepal's government and rebels' peace talks end with 'no result', except a commitment to meet again down the road.

October 16, 2006

Monday, October 16 06

Signals of alarm in Tbilisi even though the odds are remote that Russia will recognize the legitimacy of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Eritrean forces seize a U.N. checkpoint in UNMEE's Temporary Security Zone (TSZ). Human security in central Africa could be greatly improved by D.R. Congo's October 29 Presidential election, which the international community needs to monitor carefully and follow with firm commitments. For Turkey, progress on E.U. membership is explicitly tied to liberalization, and for Serbia it's turning over fugitive war criminals. On Monday the U.N. Security Council elected all but one of its non-permanent seats, by procedures virtually designed to minimize powersharing with the third world. Steadfast Iraq war supporter Makiya lays out his current view and draws a picture of post-invasion Iraq.