Thursday, November 2 06

Much confusion about Darfur conflict stems from failure to appreciate the complexity and number of different belligerent factions. Why is Ethiopia involved in the war to control Somalia? Thailand's army-backed regime is unveiling plans for dealings with southern insurgents. Iraq President Talabani throws out three years as his preferred timeline for the earliest U.S. troop withdrawal. November 2006 elections might be masking American society's nearly universal commitment to militarism. NATO leadership in Afghanistan supports foreign investment in Kandahar, but widespread crime and corruption in local governments stand in the way.

Wednesday, November 1 06

Thaw in Russia-Georgia standoff after timely Moscow talks and U.N. investigation of Abkhaz cross-border rocket attacks. U.S. Military leadership comes clean about the degree of political instability now plaguing Iraq. Did Pearson 'invent' peacekeeping? The International Crisis Group (ICG)'s CrisisWatch No. 39 (November 1, 2006) shows how actual and potential military conflict situations are typically regional. As diplomatic attempts to prevent escalation between Somalia's government and Islamist rebels fail, its appears certain that both sides aim to end the conflict by military force. U.N. Security Council extends Western Sahara peace operation (MINURSO) until April 30 07, in order to build on 15 years of success implementing self-determination referendum and maintaining safety zone between two military sides.

Tuesday, October 31 06

Failure of government talks with opposition group 'For Reform' likely to bring unrest in Kyrghyzstan (1,2). Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace condemned by U.N. Latin America/Caribbean seat in U.N. Security Council still undecided. Taliban elusiveness creates difficulties on every level of Afghanistan peace operation. Civilian-military conflict in Fiji a product of six-year-old coup.

Monday, October 30 06 (2)

Security is the fundamental challenge facing the U.N. peace operation in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Low turnout demonstrates public uncertainty in Serbian constitutional referendum, but the referendum succeeds. The winter will be decisive in the Afghan intervention as Taliban forces dig in for the battle of Kabul. NATO confirms noncombatant deaths from military strikes. Sandinista leader Ortega never disappeared from Nicaraguan politics, but has returned as a prime mover in the initial round of Nicaragua's presidential elections. U.N. Secretary-General Annan shifts the terms of Darfur debate from human rights to regional instability.

Monday, October 30 06 (1)

Pakistan's attack on suspected militants in semiautonomous tribal district of Bajur spurs dissent at high levels of government. Philippines recruits for 'force multiplying' local civilian militias to fight against terrorist and communist insurrection. In Iraq, the trial and likely execution of former Iraqi President Hussein raise troubling human rights questions, as occupying coalition forces continue to disregard 'women's human rights'. The most vulnerable in U.N. Darfur refugee camps still receive the least actual protection. Four opposition candidates for Tajikistan's November 6 presidential vote overcome electoral disadvantages by campaigning together.