Saturday, September 23 06

Reports surfacing on how Moscow is using CIS referenda as foreign policy instrument. Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese militarization of southern Lebanon proceeding largely in compliance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. Signs that trouble is brewing in Kosovo after violent incidents and Friday's closed Security Council talks. In Canadian consensus-building tour, the 'major of Kabul' throws blame for recent Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan's south toward regional rival Pakistan. New book by Paul Kennedy explains how the U.N. is the world's body politic, but constantly handcuffed by static 1945 constitution and the politicization of U.N. Security Council election process. Canadian Prime Minister Harper puts forward a position of strength during initial U.N. appearance.

Friday, September 22 06

The International Crisis Group (ICG) launches new multidimensional initiative aiming for comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace plan. Why do leaders of military juntas cling to power? Because power is addictive and the military is frequently a more enduring institution than the political establishment. U.S. President Bush claims he was unaware of top-level threat to bomb Pakistani territory post-9/11, but now authorizes pact between Musharref and militant tribal groups. NATO again seeking increased dialogue with Georgia about close diplomatic and security ties. An emerging U.N. office called the 'Peacebuilding Commission' receives praise from post-conflict states in Africa.

Thursday, September 21 06

Potentially dangerous crisis erupts between Chechnya and Ingushetia after border battle near village of Ordzhonikidzevskaya. U.N. Secretary General Annan applauds extension of African Union Mission in Darfur until the end of 2006. U.N. investigator reports that torture is the strategy of choice for security forces in Iraq, and worse than during Hussein era. Aide to former Bosnian Serb commander Mladic is arrested in Belgrade. New military rulers in Thailand prohibit political activity.

Wednesday, September 20 06

Military coup in Thailand so far uncontested, as army commander-in-chief General Sondhi commits to civilian power transfer within two weeks (1,2). Questions continue to arise among senior Iraqi officials over the suitability and future of Prime Minister al-Maliki. Kyrgyzstan's President Bakiev vows to crack down on dissidents. NATO to hold strategic planning meeting tomorrow in New York in the midst of key U.N. General Assembly. In farewell speech, U.N. Secretary General Annan paints picture of worldwide injustice but puts hope in U.N.

Monday, September 18 06

'Day for Darfur' draws international attention, as U.N. human rights-warnings continue. Moldovan separatists in Dnestr resolved for independence as this weekend's independence/re-unification referendum approaches, with opinion sharply divided between Russia and the West. D.R. Congo Supreme Court ruling gives legitimacy to October 29 presidential runoff. Military field tactics in Afghanistan's guerrilla war carry enormous casualty risks.

Saturday, September 16 06

The Genocide Intervention Network and other groups call for a Global Day for Darfur on September 17th, 2006. With a generation of young people traumatized, war is creating a lost generation in Iraq. After military offensives from both sides, Sri Lanka experiences a lull in fighting. After early success dealing with insurgents, what happened in southern Afghanistan? The (U.S.) Heritage Foundation's User's Guide to American Military Intervention is now at the centre of U.S. foreign policy.

Thursday, September 14 06

International Crisis Group (ICG) report argues that Musharref and Pakistan are responsible for worsening situation in Baluchistan. Chief judge in Hussein genocide trial challenges 'dictator' label. Here's Foreign Policy's list of political prisoners to watch. For U.N. Secretary general Annan, late summer war demonstrates need for wider middle east peace agreement. In a positive move, DR Congo presidential contenders finally meet face-to-face. Reuters stays on top of unfolding 'frozen conflicts' in former Soviet territories.

Friday, September 15 06

Threat of prosecution has brought Ugandan rebels to the table, but peace hinges on amnesty for Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) leaders. New U.N. Secretary General will be named at year's end, and in New York the race is heating up. Presidents of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria promise to democratize, protect minorities and bring peace and prosperity through their new 'Community for Democracy and Human Rights', but are virtually ignored by the international community. A solution in breakaway Abkhazia remains stalled over return of displaced ethnic Georgians.

Wednesday, September 13 06

Here's a glimpse of an unfolding U.N. initiative called the 'International Compact for Iraq'. November 12 independence referendum in South Ossetia might lead to increased tensions, despite superficial legal significance. U.N. Secretary General Annan again warns of impending disaster in The Sudan, yet international military intervention depends on authorization unlikely to come from Khartoum. Peace agreement between Uganda and northern Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) an emerging possibility, but negotiating strategies are complicated by International Criminal Court (ICC) indictments of LRA leadership.

Tuesday, September 12 06

An opening for peace talks in Sri Lanka. Former National Security Minister Giorgadze and supporters are arrested for treason and plotting government takeover in Georgia. Afghan troops recapture stronghold Taliban town in Helmand province. Pakistan holding stable after August 26 assassination of Baluch leader. U.N. calls on NATO to take on opium trade in Afghanistan.

Monday, September 11 06

Withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from southern Lebanon proceeds by way of regular talks with UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). U.N. Secretary General Annan continues hectic pace appointing major-general from Benin as head of peacekeeping in Cote D'Ivoire and helping to consolidate new accord negotiated in Dar-es-Salaam between Burundi's government and remaining rebels. Pro-western coalition apparently maintains grip on Montenegro's parliamentary assembly. Journalists in Iraq squarely in the line of fire. Former President Hussein defends campaign against Kurdish minority. Retiring U.S. army brig.-gen. Scheid relates U.S. Defense Secretary's strategic planning prior to 2003 Iraq invasion.