November 08, 2007

Thursday, November 8 07

Darfur negotiations are failing to overcome the immediate obstacles. Pakistan crisis deepens with election delay. Previously a democratic saviour Georgian President Saakashvili cracks down hard before moving ahead general election date. Could this be a beginning of dialogue in Myanmar? A solution in Transdniester/Moldova may soon unfold. U.N. mission in Timor-Leste optimistic after human rights report. Secretary General Moon remains engaged on Ethiopia/Eritrea border dispute calling attention to troop buildup and military exercises.

November 07, 2007

Wednesday, November 7 07

Addis Ababa has closed down relief efforts in Ethiopia's insurgent Ogaden region weeks ago, so the U.N. will establish a local humanitarian presence. Secretary General Moon's philosophy begins to come into view: i) with a challenge to Burmese military leaders for intransigence and the sidestepping of U.N. official visits; ii) then with announcement to re-vamp U.N. Department of Political Affairs (DPA) for rapid and proactive "crisis diplomacy"; iii) then finally with commitment to regional organizations as a key to resolving conflict in the long term. Command responsibility is once again the legal issue as former Serbian nationalist leader Vojislav Seselj faces life in prison at Hague criminal trial. Demise of Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) deputy Otti is the likely outcome of International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant and strong local support for Ugandan justice. Stability in West Africa requires "regional collaboration". U.N. Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) continues to monitor last year's agreement, as former Maoist rebels and central regime wait for violence to re-ignite. Bhutto issues her ultimatum (1,2).

November 05, 2007

Monday, November 5 07

Pakistani President Musharraf's gambles to re-shape his state in advance of January election. Here's the BBC's roster of major factions and the text of Musharraf's "emergency proclamation". Kosovo problem has forced U.S./Rus/E.U. quartet to push for new sovereignty framework(s). Will international recognition inevitably turn over into greater separatist demands? Surging public discontent re-appears in Georgia, threatening to unseat President Saakashvili. Afghanistan's north is awash with weaponry and informal factional networks.