Saturday, September 9 06

President Karzai denies claims that Afghanistan is experiencing a security crisis. After inaugural meetings, U.N.'s new Human Rights Council disappoints its own strong advocates. International mobilization surrounding Sudan's Darfur crisis is funded and well-organized. The U.N. deploys an all-female brigade of police/peacekeepers from India in Liberia, on grounds that most of the victims of civil strife are women.

Friday, September 8 06

Consensus emerges among NATO leadership that additional troops and support will be required to deal with scenario in Afghanistan. U.N. General Assembly opens a debate on prevention of military conflict. Living conditions in eastern Burma should be shocking the world, with repression by the junta clearly the culprit. Apparently sectarian violence comes to small town in western Indian state of Marahashtra. Next year's elections in Pakistan will balance influential Islamic political parties and powerful military and security establishments. U.S. Air Force Major Jill Metzger still missing in Kyrgystan.

Thursday, September 7 06

Sudanese government on the verge of disintegration (1/2). Taliban militia surprises NATO forces, prompting a call for reinforcements. A U.S. Air Force Officer stationed in Kyrgystan goes missing in market near Bishkek. Iraq's new legislators fearful that draft law on federalism will break up the country. In Zimbabwe, maneuvering to become Mugabe's successor out in the open. With Cote D'Ivoire likely to miss Security Council-mandated presidential election deadline of October 2006, the possibility of open conflict between government and ex-rebel forces remains high.

Wednesday, September 6 06

The tense middle east atmosphere is beginning to recede. In Bangladesh, Dhaka is erupting in violence. Who is in control in Papua? With public opinion in Canada beginning to swing, conflict in Afghanistan continues to take its toll. But a crucial meeting of Pakistan's and Afghanistan's leaders gives reason for optimism. Eritrea adopts a hostile stance to international involvement in border dispute with Ethiopia.

Tuesday, September 5 06

Both the African Union and the international community want U.N. peacekeeping troops to deploy in The Sudan, but Khartoum's consent is the decisive factor. Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Darfur conflict is deteriorating. The U.N. appoints Police Advisor Lopes as new police commissioner for Timor Leste (East Timor). How difficult is to establish military dominance of a population schooled in guerilla tactics? A month after NATO assumed control in Afghanistan, the Taliban regains key regions. Central Baghdad still under control by U.S. coalition, but militants hold effective power nearly everywhere else. Visit the September 2006 edition of the OSCE's LegislationOnLine resource to test the recently redesigned user-friendly interface.

Monday, September 4 06

Another deadly bombing in Turkey, with Kurdish rebels 'suspected'. Should Bosnian newspapers publish the names of all those involved in July 1995's mass killing in Srebernica? Provocation continues as shots are purportedly fired by South Ossetian troops under supervision by Russian peacekeepers at a chopper carrying Georgian Defense Minister Okruashvili. U.N. Secretary General Annan continues whirlwind legitimacy-building tour by gaining some assurance from Tehran about nuclear plans. Haiti continues to struggle, as France continues to ignore a massive 'independence debt'. Russian President Putin reflects on second anniversary of Beslan school massacre.