Sunday, November 25 07

Return of Sharif to Lahore is followed by Musharraf vow to rule Pakistan as a civilian(1,2) Withdrawal of U.S. troops set to begin as Iraq 'surge' is declared a virtual success. Annapolis negotiations showing how extremism can't be ignored after success at the polls. For many this is little more than "posing for peace". U.S. military now recognizes the link between peace enforcement, nation-building and "local knowledge". Dayton architect Holbrooke remains pessimistic about averting war following Kosovo's upcoming UDI from Serbia. Security Council rubberstamps ostensibly permanent E.U. peace operation (EUFOR) in Bosnia. New riot police crackdowns and political arrests raise fears among pro-democracy activists--in St. Petersburg.