Monday, October 23 06

Open warfare is the likely consequence of militarism in Darfur. Next door the failed state of Somalia is a battleground for pro-Islamist militias and Ethiopia's armed forces. The U.K. has officially lost its nerve for Iraq operations. Uzbek President Karimov softens his account, but doesn't yield to foreign investigation of events in 2005 at Andijon. Restricted political autonomy for Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along Afghan border is an idea receiving powerful support in Pakistan.

Friday, October 20 06

President Uribe begins a new term in Columbia with mandate to continue 'democratic security strategy' and open negotiations with the country's two active insurrections. Shi'ite militias gain control of southern Iraqi city of Al-Amarah. New Canadian Special Operations Regiment about to deploy on multifaceted initial mission in Afghanistan. Gwynne Dyer on Iraq's civilian casualties since the 2003 invasion. Max Boot on how to entrench U.S. military superiority.

Thursday, October 19 06

After recent attacks, Sri Lanka is once again at the threshold of open war, yet it remains mostly below international press coverage. Russia straddles definition of military aggression while exercising in Georgian waters. Thailand's military coup not likely to worsen insurgency in the south. Political and economic refugees fleeing unstable Zimbabwe get caught between harsh and unforgiving international boundaries. NATO leadership appeals once again for increased troop contributions to Afghanistan peace operation from reluctant and/or overstretched members. Australian actress Kidman tries her hand at ethno-national conflict resolution as U.N. celebrity envoy in Kosovo.

Wednesday, October 18 06

U.N. Security Council forces Eritrea to remove 1500 troops from U.N.-administered Temporary Security Zone (TSZ). Belorussia's opposition leader Milinkevich discusses the 'total fear' of political repression and invites Belorussians to make themselves heard in Minsk. Liberal International (LI) is a UK-based think tank promoting liberalism, human rights, tolerance and free trade worldwide. LI's upcoming Liberal International Congress (Nov. 9-11, Marrakech, Morocco) includes a panel discussion of progress being made implementing the ICISS Responsibility to Protect principle. The U.N. reform process clearly needs to find a unified direction. Today U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) Arbour dispatched Swedish diplomat Sundh to monitor and improve human rights protection during Nepal's rebel insurgency. Hungary is looking back at a dark period and the 'bitter legacy' of a thwarted national liberation. Canada's Minister of Defense O'Connor tells us that 'the men and women of the Canadian Forces remain committed to the mission to help Afghan people establish a better future'.

Tuesday, October 17 06

Defense forces in Abkhazia scheduled to hold military exercises October 23-26. Two UNMIL military police are injured in Liberia working to contain rioting. NATO says that the U.K. will withdraw from northeastern Afghan sector after local tribal leaders agree to drive out Taliban fighters. Accession conditions continue to evolve as the E.U. demands Turkey give passage to Cypriot planes and sea vessels. Suicide attack by suspected Tamil Tiger militants kills 92 Sri Lankan sailors in the lead-up to peace talks. Nepal's government and rebels' peace talks end with 'no result', except a commitment to meet again down the road.

Monday, October 16 06

Signals of alarm in Tbilisi even though the odds are remote that Russia will recognize the legitimacy of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Eritrean forces seize a U.N. checkpoint in UNMEE's Temporary Security Zone (TSZ). Human security in central Africa could be greatly improved by D.R. Congo's October 29 Presidential election, which the international community needs to monitor carefully and follow with firm commitments. For Turkey, progress on E.U. membership is explicitly tied to liberalization, and for Serbia it's turning over fugitive war criminals. On Monday the U.N. Security Council elected all but one of its non-permanent seats, by procedures virtually designed to minimize powersharing with the third world. Steadfast Iraq war supporter Makiya lays out his current view and draws a picture of post-invasion Iraq.

Saturday, October 14 06

Today the U.N. weighs in by cautioning Georgia with suggestions of confidence-building strategies, and extending UNOMIG's peacekeeping mandate until spring 2007. Thai coup leadership offers to facilitate the return of ousted PM Thaksin. Where's the debate on the desires and political interests of the peoples of Darfur? The E.U. expresses alarm about Sri Lanka's unstable provisional peace agreement, which must hold until long-term discussions occur two weeks from today. In Afghanistan, the people's allegiance goes to whoever can preserve security, and regional cooperation depends on reform and demilitarization in next door Pakistan.

Friday, October 13 06

The European Union is preparing to challenge Russia's heavy-handed tactics against Georgia. Despite ten years of relative calm, long-term stability for Kosovo requires a political autonomy agreement that remains a long way off. Diplomat and human rights activist Robinson speaks on political repression, the 'Irish success story', and the need to protect peoples' cultural identity. Political protestors again come under police fire in Nigeria, and an aide to ex-Liberian President Taylor schemes to destabilize and assassinate leaders of the new regime. Sudan situation now clearly turns on how both U.N. multi-nation peacekeepers and International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors will be tasked to intervene.

Thursday, October 12 06

Timor Leste remains in dangerous political limbo as it awaits a UN-appointed Special Commission of Inquiry's indictments and prosecutions, and the International Crisis Group (ICG) is reporting that deep crisis lies ahead. Attacks continuing in Sri Lanka, with ceasefire-resumption talks not scheduled until October 28-29. Were Beslan attackers a criminal gang or a rebel militia? What the U.N. Security Council recommends, the General Assembly eventually endorses: South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon likely to be confirmed this week as new U.N. Secretary General, which is seen as a positive step for future North Korean tensions. It's hard to believe U.N. Human Rights Council-watchers who say the new body is worse than its predecessor.

Wednesday, October 11 06

Indications that Russia's diplomatic offensive against Georgia may be over. U.N. Chief of humanitarian operations Egeland wants into the Security Council's North Korea sanctions debate. It's worth noting that although Tajikistan's approaching presidential election is obviously democratically dysfunctional, the Rakhmonov regime responds to expressions of the popular will. Thai military coup leaders request extension and make additional promises. U.N. Secretary General Annan reflects after tumultuous year at the helm of world government, and lends support to the U.N.'s up-and-coming Peacebuilding Commission (1,2).

Tuesday, October 10 06

U.S. President Bush appeals to the U.N. for united strategy against North Korea, and the human toll of international sanctions will be high. Islamist rebels in Somalia will respond to Ethiopian invasion with 'holy war'. India's Dalit leader Ram dies at age 72. Thailand's army-backed cabinet is officially sworn in. Zambia's new President Mwanawasa threatens to arrest opponent Sata for treason. U.N. Secretary General Annan announces success in convincing Khartoum to accept U.N. support of A.U. peace operation.