International Peace & Security Institute
PSR Banner
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.

Special Announcement

 

 

Applications open November 18th

 

In cooperation with Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), IPSI's 2011 Bologna Symposium will bring together the globe's brightest young minds from top graduate institutions, international organizations, grassroots peace movements, and the armed services. Over a four-week period, participants will undergo intensive training by the field's premier political leaders, academic experts, practitioners, and advocates in the practical skills necessary to foster peace and security in their communities and the world. In addition, participants may apply to earn graduate-level course credit from SAIS, one of the world's top graduate schools for international affairs. Learn More >>

 
Africa
COTE D'IVOIRE: Elections go smoothly, headed to runoff
Cote d'Ivoire held its first Presidential election in a decade on October 31. The vote, delayed six times over the last five years, went smoothly and peacefully, winning praise from the UN and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Current President Laurent Gbagbo and former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara will face each other in a runoff election scheduled for November 28. Comment: Fears of violence were widespread leading up to the elections, with the UN deploying an additional 500 troops. A peaceful turnout of nearly 80 percent shows the desire and will to end the conflict dividing the country. A successful conclusion to the runoff will mark a tremendous step forward. (UNNewsService, RFI, IRIN, APA)

NIGERIA: Seized weapons originated in Iran
The weapons shipment seized in Nigeria last week was reportedly loaded in Iran, according to the company shipping it. Israeli intelligence reported that the arms were shipped by Iran and headed for Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, Iran said that there was no clear connection linking it to the shipment. The find resulted in heightened security in air and sea ports and along Nigeria's borders. Comment: The fact that the arms were headed for Hamas -- not a rebel group in Nigeria -- should provide some measure of comfort, at least to the Nigerians. In light of the recent increase in violence in Nigeria, the heightened security measures are much needed and should help the country prepare for the upcoming elections. (Leadership, ThisDay, Vanguard, Vanguard, Champion)

SOMALIA: Regional actors increasingly involved
Pirate activity off the Somali coast has been increasing despite an enlarged international naval presence. The attacks are also more successful than ever, according to the UN, and are having a significant negative impact on the economies of East Africa. Kenya and Djibouti, both neighbors of Somalia, announced they will train 800 and 600 Somali police officers, respectively. Uganda, the largest contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), will be training 1,000 Somali soldiers. These announcements come on the heels of a declaration of renewed war against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia by militant group Hizbul Islam. Comment: Somalia's unstable government is continuing to make slow progress with the appointment of the new Prime Minister, Mohammed Abdullahi Farmajo, this week. Farmajo pledged to continue developing security in the country and focus on the protection of children, who are increasingly targeted for recruitment by militant groups and pirates. (UNNewsService, Bloomberg, IRIN, IRIN, DailyMonitor, EastAfrican, GaroweOnline)

TANZANIA: Election marred by violence, irregularities; results pending
Tanzania's Presidential election took place as planned on October 31, but not without its fair share of problems. Two days of "chaos" and violence preceded the election in the Lakes region, while 18 ballot boxes were burned in protest in the Msalala district. Initial returns showed the incumbent President Jakaya Kikwete far in the lead, but opposition candidate Willibrod Slaa was demanding a recount, alleging fraud. Comment: The violence seems to be isolated and not indicative of widespread conflict. Despite the problems, the election was not without some encouraging results. Voters in one district elected the first albino lawmaker, which is a noteworthy change for country that sees an average of ten albinos murdered a year. (DailyNews, DailyMonitor, TheCitizen, TheCitizen, RFI)

Researched/Written
by Matthew Hughes
Americas
BRAZIL: Country's first female elected president
With 56 percent of the vote, Dilma Rousseff became Brazil's first female president on October 31. Rousseff will take office on January 1. Rousseff promises to fight for gender equality and lift 20 million Brazilians out of poverty. She also pledges to have a close relationship with the United States and President Obama.  Comment: Rousseff was a former Marxist guerrilla who was tortured and imprisoned during Brazil's dictatorship in the 1970s. She will lead a nation that is on the rise economically and internationally, and promises to continue similar policies to the widely popular President Luis Lula da Silva. Brazil is expected to be the world's fifth largest economy by 2016 and has recently discovered huge oil reserves off its coast. (Miami Herald, BBC, AFP)

COLOMBIA/VENEZUELA: Improving bilateral relations
Venezuelan President Chavez and Colombian President Santos met in Caracas on November 2 to discuss energy projects intended to strengthen bilateral relations. Both agreed on plans to stretch a natural gas pipeline from Venezuela to Central America and revive a proposal to build an oil pipeline from Venezuela's oil fields to Colombia's Pacific coast. After years of distrust and accusations, the energy projects are meant to restore full diplomatic relations severed during Colombian President Uribe's tenure. Both leaders signed agreements on textile, agriculture, housing, and infrastructural cooperation in an effort to boost bilateral trade. Comment: This was President Santos' first visit to Venezuela since taking office on August 7 this year. In 2008, Chavez denounced Colombia's cross-border bombing raid in Ecuador that killed a top leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In July, Chavez severed diplomatic ties with Colombia in response to Colombia's allegations that Venezuela provided a safe haven to leftist rebels. (BBC, El Tiempo, AP, El Universal)

COSTA RICA/NICARAGUA: Costa Rica seeks OAS support over alleged invasion
The Costa Rican government sought support on November 3 from the Organization of American States (OAS) in regards to a border dispute with Nicaragua over the San Juan River which divides the countries. Costa Rica denounced an October incursion of Nicaraguan troops into Costa Rican territory and the dredging of the river that has, Costa Rica claims, caused environmental damage. Nicaraguan President Ortega denied both allegations and claimed that the UN's highest court should decide on the matter instead of the OAS. The United States, during an OAS meeting that took place on November 3, asked both countries to engage first in constructive dialogue. Comment: The San Juan River issue has been a source of dispute for almost two centuries. Costa Rica does not have a standing army; instead, it sent police forces to the border due to Nicaragua's presence. (El Nuevo Herald, Latin American Herald Tribune, El Nuevo Diario, El Nuevo Diario, NPR)

Researched/Written by Carla Avendano
East Asia
INDONESIA: President announces torture video soldiers to be tried
Indonesian President Yudhoyono, on November 2, announced that there was "no immunity" to members of the country's armed forces. He stated, "That (torture) is not this country's policy. If there's a violation, we will pass sanctions. There's no immunity."  A ten minute video released last month by a human rights group showed Indonesian soldiers torturing two Papuan men.  The President announced ahead of a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that there would be a trial soon. Comment: Very few Indonesian military officers have stood trial over human rights violations. The announcement came ahead of Australian Prime Minister Gillard's visit to the country this week. There was international outcry after the release of the video, and human rights groups have called for a thorough investigation. (AFP, ABC, Jakarta Globe)

JAPAN: Japan recalls envoy to Moscow
On November 2, Japan announced that it was temporarily recalling its ambassador to Russia after Russian President Medvedev visited a disputed island. Medvedev made a brief visit on Monday to the Kuril Islands, the first such visit by a Russian President. The islands, known as the Northern Islands in Japan, were captured by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II. The territorial dispute prevented both countries from signing a peace treaty at the end of the war. The row casts doubt on the scheduled meet between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) on November 13-14. Comment: Over the past two months, Japan was embroiled in a row with China over the disputed islands in the South China Sea. The row with Russia erupts at a time when the Japanese Prime Minister Kan is facing domestic criticism for his handling of the diplomatic row with China and is under pressure to handle this situation more firmly. (Reuters, RFI, Mainichi Shimbun, RIA Novosti)

MYANMAR: Election Commission cancels voting in more areas ahead of next week's polls
On November 2, Myanmar's Union Election Commission cancelled balloting in 12 more village tracts in the Kayah state ahead of the November 7 elections. Each tract consists of several villages. The official explanation for cancellation was, "...conditions are not conducive to holding a free and fair election." Exiled Myanmar media reported clashes between the Karenni troops and Government forces in Kayah. In September, the Commission announced cancellation of polls in 300 village tracts; 1.5 million people in over 3,400 villages are now excluded. Comment: The areas which are barred from polls have been in an uneasy cease-fire with the ruling junta since 1989. Ethnic groups from these areas refuse to align their semi-autonomous troops with the Government troops to form a border guard force. The ballot cancellation further delegitimizes the elections. Western countries and human rights groups have called the elections unfair and undemocratic. (AP, ABC, Washington Post)

Researched/Written by Megha Swamy
Europe & Central Asia
GERMANY: Neo-Nazi radio stations shut down
Over 250 police officers raided 22 locations on Wednesday in an effort to clamp down on Neo-Nazi internet radio stations.  Twenty-three people were arrested in total, all German citizens, and prosecutors are investigating an option to try the group as a criminal organization.  Comment:  German officials stated that the number of people with the ability to commit hate crimes has doubled since the 1990s.  Neo-Nazis have evolved their recruiting tools recently, now using music and websites to gain a younger following.  (Deutche Welle, Reuters, BBC)

GREAT BRITAIN: Britain and France sign defense cooperation pacts
On November 2, British PM David Cameron and French President Sarkozy signed two treaties aimed at increasing defense cooperation and nuclear research between their respective countries.  The defense treaty calls for creating a joint expeditionary force and sharing of deployed aircraft carriers for training and possibly military operations, while the nuclear treaty is aimed at mutual development and storage of technologies.  Cameron stated the agreement should be able to save millions of pounds since the vast majority of British operations undertaken in the last half century have been with allies.  Comment: Both countries have been forced to cut military spending recently, but it appears as though neither are willing to give up much power.  The two leaders stressed that this is not a breach of sovereignty, rather a case of interdependence.  Both countries will maintain control over their respective warheads and in the event of one country entering a war without the other, a political agreement will have to be reached.  (BBC, The Independent, France24)

GREECE: Airmail system shut down after bombs found across Europe
At least fourteen bombs were found in mail addressed to European officials this week, all originating from the Greek anarchist organization Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire.  Bombs were sent to two embassies in Athens and to several high ranking politicians in Europe, including Nicholas Sarkozy and Andrea Merkel.  Two of the packages detonated on Tuesday, injuring one at the Mexican embassy in Athens, while the other exploded without injuries in the Swiss embassy.  The assailants were apprehended by police shortly after the explosions.  Comment:  The bombs were elementary, made of gunpowder and batteries.  Greek officials asserted there was no link to any international terrorist organizations, coming after a foiled al-Qaeda plot to detonate explosives on passenger jets this week.   (Kathimerini, Athens News Agency, CNN International, AFP)

SERBIA: Search intensifies for fugitive war criminal
On November 2, Serbian police forces conducted raids in three locations throughout the country in an effort to capture one of the final two remaining war criminals wanted by the ICTY, Ratko Mladic.  Last week, Serbia increased the bounty on Mladic to 10 million euros, up from 1 million euros.  Officials say the raid was borne out of official intelligence rather than a reward-related tip. Comment:  Capturing Mladic would be a monumental step in the reconciliation between Serbia and Croatia, and is a point of contention for EU integration.  The raids also come ahead of a visit from an ICTY prosecutor investigating the Serbian efforts to capture remaining war criminals. (RTT News, SE Times, BBC)

Researched/Written by Daniel Pechtol
Middle East & North Africa
IRAQ: Baghdad blasts kills at least 63 and wound hundreds
On November 2, a series of explosions across ten Baghdad neighborhoods, directed mostly at the Shia population, killed at least 63 and wounded around 280. Most of the bombings occurred near markets, banks, and crowded areas. The series of attacks comes two days after militants in Baghdad held a Christian congregation hostage, killing at least 58 people. Comment: Iraq has experienced an uptick in violence in recent weeks. Analysts and journalists say the attacks are likely in response to frustration over Iraqi politicians' failure to agree on the formation of government. On October 31, the National Alliance, Iraq's main Shia bloc, declined a Saudi offer to host all-party talks in light of the political deadlock. (Al Jazeera, BBC, AP, Al Jazeera)

LEBANON: Hizbollah boycotts UN investigation
On October 27, two international investigators were forced by a crowd of women to leave a clinic where they had an appointment to review files for the 2005 assassination of statesman Rafiq al-Hariri. On the same day, the leader of Hizbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, issued a boycott call against the UN tribunal investigation in response to the incident. The tribunal president and judge, Antonio Cassese, issued a letter of concern to the UN Secretary General and the Lebanese Prime Minister, and denounced that Hizbollah is "attempting to obstruct justice." Comment: Hizbollah stated that it is opposed to any cooperation with the tribunal and decried it as "an aggression against the resistance." Lebanese Future Movement Secretary General Hariri said on November 1 that Hizbollah's intimidation will not force any compromise on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. (Al Jazeera, AFP, Now Lebanon, The Daily Star Network)

UN/NORTH AFRICA: Western Sahara Talks to reconvene in NY
The UN announced on November 2 that representatives from Morocco, Western Sahara's independence movement Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania will meet on November 8-9 in New York to discuss breaking off an impasse over Western Sahara. UN special envoy to Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, visited the region to discuss a potential peaceful resolution to one of Africa's longest running territorial disputes. UN spokesman Martin Nesirky stated that efforts to break the deadlock between the Moroccan government and Polisario in the Western Sahara are a UN priority. Comment: Western Sahara was a former Spanish colony but was annexed by Morocco in 1975.  It has a population of approximately half a million and is very rich in minerals, and potentially has offshore oil and gas deposits. Morocco has offered to grant Western Sahara autonomy, while Polisario seeks independence in a referendum. (Reuters, All Africa, BBC)

YEMEN: Massive manhunt for cargo bomb plot suspect
On November 2, Yemeni authorities launched a major intelligence and military operation to track down the alleged Saudi bomb-maker, 28 year-old Ibrahim al-Asiri, in the provinces of Maarib and Shabwa. Asiri is a key suspect in the thwarted air cargo bomb plot over the weekend and is believed to be hiding and moving with senior al-Qaeda fighters. Two parcels containing the lethal explosive PETN were en route to the U.S. when they were discovered on October 28 in Britain and Dubai. Comment: Yemen is under pressure to find those responsible for the two explosive devices, and governments around the world have tightened their security in light of the bomb plot. (Al Jazeera, AFP, BBC)

Researched/Written by Carla Avendano 
South Asia
AFGHANISTAN: Attorney General Investigates Fraud Allegations
On the November 3, the Afghan Attorney General stated his office was investigating fraud allegations by candidates against the country's Independent Election Commission (IEC). The IEC disqualified close to a quarter of the votes in last month's election citing fraud. Preliminary results of the September elections were announced last month, but final results are yet to be announced. Several hundred people took to the streets of Kabul on Tuesday to protest against problems with the parliamentary poll. Lawmakers, candidates, and protestors called the election illegal and undemocratic and appealed for a re-election next year. Comment: The IEC was also accused of fraud in last year's presidential poll; however, it was given more powers this year, including the ability to disqualify votes on its own. (Washington Post, Reuters, UKPA)

INDIA: Human rights activist completes 10 years on hunger strike
A human rights activist in north-east India completed 10 years on hunger strike this week. Irom Sharmila is protesting against alleged human rights violations by Indian security forces in the state of Manipur. Sharmila launched an indefinite hunger strike on November 2, 2000, after she witnessed the killing of 10 civilians by Indian paramilitary soldiers near her home on the outskirts of the capital Imphal. Sharmila is campaigning for a repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that provides unlimited powers to Indian armed forces in the state to shoot-on-sight and arrest suspects without a warrant. She is alive because Manipur state authorities force-feed her through her nose. Comment: The state of Manipur has 17 active separatist groups demanding independence. An estimated 10,000 people have been killed during the past two decades of violence. Protests against the AFSPA are also common in the Indian Administered Kashmir. (AP, Mizoram Express, AFP)

PAKISTAN: UN expresses alarm over sluggish funds, winter emergency in flood-hit Pakistan
The United Nations, on November 3, expressed increasing alarm over sluggish funds for Pakistan's 21 million flood victims. It appealed to donors to act quickly in order to stave off a winter emergency. One million people are living in camps in the Sindh province due to large tracts of land still underwater. The UN spokesperson stated, "We are looking at another emergency in the north with winter coming. We do not want the people to be left out in the cold. We want to provide them with the housing and with the materials they need to rebuild their homes." A total of 7 million people are without adequate shelter. Comment: Catastrophic floods ravaged Pakistan in July and August this year affecting millions in the poverty-stricken country. It was Pakistan's worst natural disaster on record; however, less than half of the UN's USD 460 million appeal has materialized. (AFP, Radio Australia, Dawn)

Researched/Written by Megha Swamy
November 5, 2010
Go to IPSI's Homepage
In This Issue
Special Announcement
Africa
Americas
East Asia
Europe & Central Asia
Middle East & N. Africa
South Asia
.
 
IPSI News
IPSI 2010 Staff
IPSI featured in Rotary International's monthly publication "Reconnections."
 
____________________
IPSI Speaker Update 
Luis Moreno Ocampo, IPSI Faculty
Suspended Kenyan Minister Ruto Will Hold Talks With ICC's Chief Prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo
Read Article >> 
____________________


          Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter

 Forward this email
Join Our Mailing List 
Copyright � 2009-2010 IPSI