Monday, November 20 06

Washington is caught in a 'fake options debate': can't increase, can't stay, can't go home. The odds are not good for constitutional democracy in Iraq. 'Rumsfeld doctrine' of 20th century warfare taking shape on schedule. Nepal's constitution forbids prosecution of King Gyanendra for harsh repression during 15-month direct rule. Ambiguity embedded in last week's high-profile U.N.-Sudan agreement is spawning debates about complex peace operations and chains of command. Soon-to-be-replaced British Prime Minister Blair pledges his country's commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan however long that takes. U.N. High Commissioner for Human rights Arbour warns of 'massive' human rights abuse Arbour warns of 'massive human rights violations of Gaza noncombatants (1,2). New reports about Serbian President Milosovic's Kosovo activities illustrate how security services and paramilitaries can be centrally coordinated in breakaway regions. Tongo peacekeeping expedition a reminder that south pacific security is becoming expensive for New Zealand and Australia. China's Deputy Procurator General Wang speaks openly of systematic policy of torture. Unresolved factional conflict continues to re-surface in the Ukraine. Canadian Prime Minister Harper firm but mindful rejecting U.S. North Korea request.