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PEACE & SECURITY REPORT
IPSI's Peace & Security Report (PSR) is a concise weekly e-publication intended to keep busy students, academics, advocates, and practitioners in the conflict management community briefed on pertinent global news, events, and trends. Meticulously researched and written by IPSI, the PSR empowers us all to take a step back from our immediate deadlines each Friday and gain a greater understanding of the week's global events. |
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Featured Article
Measuring Peace in the Media
 The Institute for Economics and Peace and Media Tenor have released "Measuring Peace in the Media", the first study that takes a fact-based approach into understanding the accuracy of international television networks' coverage of peace, violence and conflict.
The results show broad inconsistencies across geographies and networks, with US broadcasters much more focused on violence and conflict than their European and Middle Eastern counterparts. Al Jazeera was found to be the network providing the most balanced coverage on Afghanistan. BBC World led the way when it came to breadth of coverage. It regularly reported on 67 countries across six continents which is nearly twice as many countries as the average level of coverage. READ MORE >>
Originally published on 10/26/2010 |
Africa
GUINEA: Run-off election postponed a third timeThe run-off presidential election in Guinea has been postponed for a third time. Initially scheduled for July, then September, and finally October 24, the elections were delayed after the appointment of a new head to the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). The CENI proposed holding the election on October 31, but interim President Sékouba Konaté issued a decree declaring November 7th as the "final" election date. Comment: Both candidates for president agreed to the delay, but unrest in the country is increasing with each successive postponement. If successful, November 7 will mark the first-ever Presidential election in Guinea's history. (DailyNation, RFI, CNN, Reuters)IGAD: Meeting postponed due to Bashir's attendance
The International Criminal Court (ICC) asked the Kenyan government to arrest Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir if he attended the October 30 Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit in Nairobi. International grassroots pressure also arose, including a letter to Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki by a coalition of 23 groups from around the continent. In response, the meeting was initially moved to Ethiopia, which does not recognize the ICC, to allow Bashir to attend; although it was announced today that the meeting had been postponed indefinitely. The summit was intended to discuss the January 9 referendum on South Sudan. Comment: Kenya refused to arrest Bashir during a visit in August 2010 and received sharp condemnation. Initially moving the location allowed for Bashir's attendance and avoided a potentially untenable political situation for Kenya. The move and subsequent postponement raises questions about regional leaders' will or ability to bring Bashir to justice and about Kenya's willingness to hand over suspects indicted by the ICC for the post-election violence of 2007-2008. (CanadianPress, CapitalNews, SudanTribune, VOA)NIGERIA: Arms shipment interdictedA shipment of 13 crates of weapons was seized at a port in Lagos on October 26. The crates had been waiting for inspection for over three weeks as the importer tried to skirt security checks, but were discovered through a discrepancy in the paperwork. No conclusions have yet been drawn about where the arms were coming from or intended to go. Comment: The shipment arrives as violence is increasing following the bombing of the independence celebrations earlier this month. Ongoing violence over oil-rich land flared up over the weekend, killing over a dozen people and resulting in a curfew. (Vanguard, DailyTrust, ThisDay, Leadership)UGANDA: Eight on the ballot for electionsUgandan President Yoweri Museveni and seven other candidates were nominated to run in the February 18, 2011 Presidential election. Museveni, in power since 1986, could see his rule extend to over 30 years. Kizza Besigye, Museveni's former ally and long-time rival, and Olara Otuno, a former UN Undersecretary for Children in Conflict, are the two primary challengers to Museveni's rule. Comment: Museveni was recently named one of the 40 worst dictators in the world. His highly successful anti-HIV/AIDS campaign and development through the South receive widespread praise, but the long-running war with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has left the northern part of the country devastated and disconnected from the relative prosperity of the south. Previous elections have been wrought with charges of fraud. (DailyNation, DailyMonitor, EastAfrican) |
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Americas
Cuba: EU to seek dialogue with Cuba
Foreign ministers of the EU commissioned Catherine Ashton, the EU's top foreign affairs chief, on October 25 to contact the Cuban government in an effort to improve bilateral relations. The ministers' decision to propose high level talks comes during a time when the Cuban government has pledged to release 52 political prisoners. Aston hopes to establish contact with the Cuban government between now and December, and provide a report of the mission. Comment: The EU's "common position", adopted in 1996, demands political liberalization and progress on human rights by Cuba before normalizing any ties. Spain requested to remove the 1996 condition and has argued for positive dialogue with Cuba. However, several former communist countries in the EU have petitioned against softening the EU position on Cuba. (BBC, Latin American Herald Tribune, UPI)
MEXICO/COLOMBIA: Agreement to cooperate on drug war
During the Tuxtla Mechanism for Dialogue Agreement Summit on October 26, Mexican President Calderon and Colombian President Santos agreed to strengthen regional and bilateral cooperation in the fight against the drug war and transnational organized crime. Both Presidents, along with other Latin American leaders, voiced concerns over California's November 2 vote on Proposition 19 (ballot measure to legalize marijuana), stating that passage of Prop. 19 would send a contradictory message from the United States. President Santos also claimed that if Proposition 19 passes, the principles that have long reinforced efforts to combat drugs will have to be reviewed. Comment: More than 28,000 people have died in Mexico due to drug related violence since 2006. Likewise, Costa Rica and other Central American countries have seen an increase in crime due to drug activities. (BBC, Colombia Reports, AP)
UNITED STATES: UN probes abuse in WikiLeaks Iraq papers
The whistleblower website WikiLeaks released nearly 400,000 classified U.S. documents on October 22 triggering worldwide concern and condemnation of the U.S. and Iraqi militaries' purported role in civilian deaths and abuse in Iraq. Top U.S. military officials on October 25 denied the accusations and mentioned that the U.S. military trained Iraqi security forces in human rights. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other human rights group have called upon the U.S. and Iraq to investigate the allegations and prosecute all those responsible for torture. Comment: Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Maliki has come under renewed pressure since the release of the documents as he seeks for a second term following March elections. (AP, Al Jazeera, AFP, AFP)
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East Asia
INDONESIA: Indonesia confirms authenticity of torture videoOn October 22, the Indonesian government confirmed the authenticity of a graphic video which shows Indonesian soldiers torturing native Papuans. The 10-minute footage, apparently shot on a cell phone, shows soldiers torturing two tribal Papuan men from the Puncak Jaya region. The video was uploaded on the website of the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission. The Government initially claimed the video was a fake. Comment: Mistrust against Indonesian rule in Papua is high. Despite almost 10 years of special autonomy, large financial handouts from Jakarta and its vast natural resources, Papua remains the most poverty stricken region in Indonesia. The events come to light ahead of U.S. President Obama's visit to Indonesia in November and the recent move by his administration to lift a 10-year ban on military assistance to the Indonesian Special Forces, the Kopassus. (BBC, Sydney Morning Herald, Guardian) INDONESIA: Indonesia hit by twin natural disastersA 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Monday of the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia triggered a tsunami which claimed over 300 lives and displaced approximately 16,000 people. Indonesian officials state that the death toll is expected exceed 500. On Tuesday, a volcanic eruption at Mount Merapi on the island of Java killed 34 people and destroyed villages; 40,000 villagers are now in temporary shelters. On Thursday, there were renewed eruptions at the Mount. Indonesian President Yudhoyono returned to his country after cutting short his visit to Vietnam where he was set to attend the ongoing ASEAN Summit. Comment: In December 2004, a 9.1-magnitude quake off the coast of Aceh, Indonesia triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean that killed a quarter of a million people in 13 countries with Indonesia being the hardest hit. (Bernama, BBC, AFP, NY Times)VIETNAM: ASEAN Summit underway in HanoiThe 17th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit began on October 28 in Hanoi with leaders from the 10 member nations in attendance. Agreements on economic issues and cross-border travel are expected to dominate summit proceedings. Foreign Ministers from member countries met earlier this week to discuss the major issues that will be debated at the meeting. Comment: The Summit begins under the shadow of the imminent Burmese national elections, which have been criticized for a lack of transparency. In addition, China is embroiled in territorial spats with its neighbors, which have been detrimental to regional stability. (AFP, Canadian Press, RTT News)
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Europe & Central Asia
BELGIUM: Serbian EU membership could move forwardSerbia may move one step closer next week in their bid to join the European Union, as EU diplomats are expected to request an opinion from the European Commission regarding the country's membership application. Talks cannot continue until a favorable opinion is reached. Comment: EU membership could act as a stabilizing forcein the Balkans, and while ascension is generally favored by member states, The Netherlands and Ireland have made clear their displeasure with Belgrade's assistance in apprehending remaining war criminals. On a positive note, Belgrade is soon to begin talks with Pristina about recognizing Kosovo independence. (Irish Times, Deutche Presse-Agentur, EU Observer)FRANCE: New Bin Laden tape surfaces; takes aim at FranceA new audio tape allegedly from Osama bin Laden was aired on Al-Jazeera on October 27, the first of its kind to specifically target France. On the tape, bin Laden decries the French ban on burqas and alliance with the United States, using both to justify attacks on French interests. The message comes at a time where Europe, specifically France, has been warning of possible terror attacks on their soil. Comment: In recent months, the messages from bin Laden have been published via Al-Jazeera rather than independent militant websites. This coincides with a notion that al-Qaeda is recruiting disgruntled nationals to carry out their attacks, rather than radicals who have spent extensive time in training camps. (AP, France24, Al Jazeera)FRANCE: Strikes wind down; reform passedAfter weeks of protests and strikes amongst the general public, the French National Assembly passed a bill which would raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. While seven out of twelve of France's oil refineries are operating again, strikes from transportation unions threaten to cripple the country's transportation systems. Neither side has shown willingness to compromise, and another day of strikes and protest marches is scheduled for November 9. Comment: The impending airline strike has the potential to cancel 50 percent of flights from Orly and 30 percent from all other airports. (Bloomberg, Sydney Morning Herald, Financial Times)RUSSIA: Moscow asks for limit to NATO troop deployments in ex-bloc countriesRussia has requested a limit on NATO troops deployed in former Soviet bloc and Warsaw Pact countries in exchange for increased assistance in Afghanistan. While NATO argues there is no chance of conflict between the two groups, Russia states there is no need for the troops to be stationed near them. Comment: The Russian assistance would entail additional helicopters and training of Afghan troops, as well as an alternate route into the country. (AFP, AP, The Independent)
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Middle East & North Africa
IRAN: Fueling power plantOn October 26, Iran loaded the initial three of 163 fuel rods into the reactor core of its first nuclear power plant in the southern port city of Bushehr, marking the beginning of a process that will take two months. U.S. Secretary of State Clinton reiterated that Washington has no problem with the Bushehr plant since Iran is "entitled to peaceful civilian nuclear power." However, the international community sees the startup as an "act of defiance" amid sanctions. The EU has proposed a new round of negotiations with Iran for mid-November with the participation of the U.S., UK, China, France, Russia, and Germany. Comment: The Bushehr plant was built with the help of Russia and is supervised by the UN's nuclear monitoring agency. Under a deal signed in 2005, Russia is set to provide Iran with fuel, and then take back the spent fuel as a safeguard to ensure it will not be diverted into a weapons program. (Al Jazeera, AP, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Reuters)IRAQ: Court orders parliament to conveneIn an effort to break the seven-month political stalemate in Iraq, the Supreme Court ordered parliament back to work on October 24. The court called the 325 lawmakers' absence unconstitutional considering they have met only once since they were elected on March 7 for a 20 minute session. Without a parliament in session, the country cannot move forward with any major decisions on business-friendly reforms such as clarifying rules for foreign investment. Comment: Under the constitution, parliament was required to meet 15 days after election results. The appointments have been part of negotiations between major political blocs over the new leadership, which include a prime minister and top Cabinet officials. Though pressure from foreign allies and Iraqi public is mounting, the impasse could continue for months. (BBC, Al Jazeera, AP)ISRAEL: Violence erupts at an Israeli marchIsraeli police, Arabs, and Israeli right-wing activists clashed in the northern town of Umm al-Fahm on October 27. Dozens of people were wounded when police fired stun grenades and gas in attempts to disperse Arabs who were protesting against the rally by the activists. About 200 Arabs were charged by Israeli police for throwing stones at the demonstrators. Comment: The Israeli activists, part of a far-right movement called Kach, want Israeli authorities to outlaw the Islamic Movement - a movement whose aim is to advocate Islam among Arab Israelis and promote a Palestinian nationalistic stance. They accuse the Islamic Movement of having links with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. (BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters)
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South Asia
AFGHANISTAN: Karzai acknowledges Iranian cash paymentsAfghan President Karzai on October 25 confirmed that his office received cash payments from Iran. Karzai was reacting to media reports which stated that his aide had received "bags of cash" on an official visit to Iran this year. However, he claims that the money was used to run the President's office and that the cash transfers were carried out in a transparent process. On Tuesday, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman acknowledged that his government was providing "assistance" to Afghanistan. Comment: The Karzai government has been accused of wide-spread corruption. Analysts also state that the U.S. and its allies are concerned about Tehran's growing influence in the country. Iran, in the past decade, has developed an asymmetrical capability to disrupt U.S. operations inside Afghanistan. (BBC, NY Times, NY Times, AFP)INDIA: India-China visa row surfaces on eve of ASEAN meetA visa row has reportedly surfaced between Indian Prime Minister Singh and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of the ASEAN meet. The two countries are engaged in a war of words over China issuing visas to Kashmiris from the Indian Administered Kashmir (IAK) in loose sheets rather than in passports. China started the policy two years ago, and the row resurfaced after the Chinese foreign office spokesman announced on Tuesday that its visa policy remains unchanged. India reacted strongly to the statement with the External Affairs Minister stating China "should be sensitive to India's core concerns." A top Chinese official is also slated to visit India and address the "misgivings" among the Indian political elite over China's policies. Comment: There is concern in India over China's growing assertiveness and a hardened stand on IAK. Tensions have also risen in recent months between China and its neighbors over its territorial claims in the East China Sea; an issue which is expected to dominate the ASEAN meeting. (Hindustan Times, Xinhua, PTI)PAKISTAN: US announces plans for USD 2 billion military aid package for PakistanU.S. Secretary of State Clinton announced plans for a five-year USD 2 billion military aid package for Pakistan. The aid will allow Pakistan to purchase U.S.-made arms, ammunition and accessories from 2012 to 2016 for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The aid package is subject to U.S. Congressional approval and will complement the $7.5 billion in civilian aid that the U.S. has already committed to Pakistan over five years. The new package will replace a similar but less valuable package that began in 2005 and expired on October 1 of this year. Comment: Analysts suggest that the U.S. is increasingly frustrated with Pakistan's inaction in mounting a campaign in the North Waziristan and Baluchistan region. Both regions are bases for al Qaeda-linked militants. The U.S. hopes that strengthening Pakistan's military capabilities will translate into concerted action on the ground. (Associated Press, Dawn, Wall Street Journal)
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IPSI Alumni News
Jasmine-Kim Westendorf Op-Ed: "More than lip service needed to protect women during war."
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