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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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FAQs: What happens on a typical day at the 2011 Bologna Symposium?
One of the most enjoyable aspects for IPSI of developing and running a program like the 2011 Bologna, Italy Symposium is hearing from devoted peacemakers from across the globe interested in pragmatically fostering a better tomorrow for their families, communities, countries, and the world. We receive dozens of emails and phone calls a day from applicants and universities with questions and requests about IPSI's programs. One of the most common of these requests is "Describe a typical day at the Bologna Symposium." We can do that! Although each day will be unique, we selected the Wednesday in the second week of the program to imagine through the eyes of a participant. IPSI will release a full calendar of speakers and events in the coming weeks, but until then, here is a typical day at the 2011 Bologna, Italy Symposium:
7:30am You and your roommate (a journalist from Nepal) wake up.
8:00am You eat an Italian-style breakfast of pastries, yogurt, and espresso while listening to a friend's story about her experiences working with displaced persons in Darfur.
8:45am You take the five-minute walk to the SAIS Bologna Center, and on the way, discuss the legality of U.S. drone strikes in Northern Pakistan with an IPSI summer staff member who teaches conflict resolution at the National Defense University in Islamabad.
9:00am The morning session begins; it is the third, and final, day of intensive training in mediation techniques led by John and Susan Collin Marks from Search for Common Ground. Over the last two days, you have quickly honed your skills, and have been praised more than once by SFCG staff aiding John and Susan in the training. This morning, the class breaks up into groups of six to role-play multiple increasingly complex scenarios.
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Africa
IVORY COAST: Violence escalates in AbidjanViolence sharply escalated in Ivory Coast over the last week as clashes continued between forces loyal to the incumbent leader Gbabago, who refuses to step down, and supporters of Ouattara, the UN certified winner of the presidential elections. The violence increased after the four African heads of states, mandated by the AU to find a "binding solution" to the crisis, left Abidjan. In addition to the fighting, supporters of both sides launched attacks on the media and civilians. Last weekend pro-Ouattara youth attacked broadcast antennae for the state news agency, destroying equipment and killing three guards. Eight newspapers shut down operations this week due to threats and fines imposed by pro-Gbagbo officials. Also this week, young supporters of Gabago attacked UN staff and pillaged shops owned by foreigners; armed forces also blockaded 60 families in a church without food or water. Comment: The post-election violence has led to at least 250 deaths and more than 70,000 refugees and displaced persons. The deteriorating situation raises concerns that civil war could return to Ivory Coast. (CNN, Aljazeera, UN News)
SOMALIA: Pirates capture a Danish family with childrenOn February 24, pirates seized a yacht in the Indian Ocean carrying two crew members and a Danish family consisting of two parents and three children between the ages of 12 to 16. After the yacht reached Somalia's coastline, the family was taken on land and moved to a larger ship. The Danish government has established contact with the pirates and stated it will do "everything in its power" to assist the captives. Comment: The family has not been harmed, but the pirates have warned they will kill the hostages if any rescue attempts are made, citing last week's murder of four kidnapped Americans. (AP, BBC, CNN)
SUDAN: At least 70 killed in AbyeiAt least 70 people have died in oil producing Abyei after clashes broke out on Sunday between northern-supporting Misseriya and southern-supporting Dinka Ngok. Both sides accused each other of starting the clashes and using their armies to back the attacks. A spokesperson for the Dinka Ngok stated the Misseriya attacked a settlement with the Sudan Armed Forces, and a senior Misseriya official instead said the southern army attacked a nomadic camp. Comment: This incident is the first significant ethnic clash since both sides agreed to a peace deal last month. The Joint Defense Council which has an integrated military force between north and south Sudan announced it will form an investigation committee to probe the recent incidents of violence in Abyei. (AFP, Sudan Tribune, Reuters)
Researched/Written by Haja Kakay
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Americas
COLOMBIA: Rebels rob bank helicopterTuesday, robbers attacked a bank helicopter in southwest Colombia killing 6, including 4 police officers. The robbers hid nearby a local soccer field in Caloto typically used as a landing pad. After the helicopter unloaded its cargo, rebels opened fire on the police officers and bank employees who received the money shipment belonging to the state's social welfare agency, Acción Social. Comment: No arrests have been made, and the authorities have not released the amount stolen. The police assume this attack was committed by FARC, even though they have yet to claim responsibility. FARC, as well as criminal gangs, are known to operate in the area, making it unclear who is responsible for the attack. (BBC, AP, El Mundo)
CUBA: Planned layoffs behind schedulePresident Castro announced Monday that plans to lay off 500,000 state workers is behind schedule. As part of his plan to revitalize the Cuban economy, Castro planned for these layoffs to take place by March. By cutting 500,000 "nonproductive" state workers, Castro hopes to decrease government spending. An additional 500,000 will be laid off over the next two-to-three years. Higher unemployment will not result as these workers will be offered jobs in sectors that are short on labor. Comment: Castro's economic reforms are designed to decrease the government's involvement in the economy in order to facilitate the survival of communism in Cuba. Cuba's economy is hampered by the effects of the U.S. embargo, huge debt, and expensive social programs. (Miami Herald, BBC, Reuters Canada)
VENEZUELA: Union leader jailedRuben Gonzalez was sentenced Monday to seven years in prison for crimes related to a 2009 strike. The prominent union leader led protests over unpaid wages at Ferrominera Orinoco, a state owned iron ore company. The protests were severe enough to halt production for two weeks. Gonzalez maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the decision. Comment: Gonzalez was charged with unlawful assembly, public incitement to commit crimes, and violation of a government security zone. The ruling draws criticism from human rights groups who believe Chavez is using the courts to restrain the power of unions. (BBC, AP, El Nacional)
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East Asia
AUSTRALIA: Government seeks to expand detention center for asylum seekers in DarwinAustralian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen announced Thursday that the government will expand detention capacity for asylum seekers in Darwin by 1,900 beds in an effort to alleviate overcrowding at the Christmas Island detention facility. The expansion will include a new $9.2 million compound in the northern Australian city with 1,500 beds and an expansion of the airport center by 400 beds. The facilities have yet to be approved, but Bowen said that the first 500 new beds are expected to be ready by the middle of this year. Comment: Australia experienced a significant influx in asylum-seekers in recent years, and immigration has become a volatile political issue in the country. The expansion comes only a few months after roughly 50 asylum seekers were killed when their boat crashed into Christmas Island's rocky coastline. (The Sydney Morning Herald, Herald Sun, BBC)
JAPAN: Air defense forces scramble planes to disputed islands as two Chinese aircraft fly nearbyTwo Chinese fighter jets flew within 34 miles (55 km) of a group of disputed islands in the East China Sea Thursday, but the Japanese Air Defense Force quickly intercepted them. The Japanese Defense minister said, however, that the Chinese jets never entered Japanese airspace and did not violate international law. The Japanese government reported it will continue to monitor Chinese activity in the area. Comment: The islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, are controlled by Japan but are claimed by China. The area is a frequent flashpoint in relations between the two countries and was the site of a high profile incident last November when a Chinese fishing boat collided with a Japanese naval vessel, prompting a tense diplomatic row that froze bi-lateral relations for weeks. (AFP, BBC, ABC)
NEW ZEALAND: Earthquake death toll reaches 161 in Christchurch as rescue efforts turn to recoveryCivil Defense Chief John Hamilton declared the end of rescue efforts Thursday, stating there is no longer a chance anyone buried in the rubble is still alive. Rescuers pulled nearly 90 people from the rubble in the aftermath, but the last survivor was rescued one day after the February 22 earthquake. Tens of thousands of people in Christchurch are still without power or functioning sewage systems. Comment: At least one third of the city's buildings were, or will be, demolished due to structural damage, and the city port is operating at only 40 percent capacity. Rebuilding costs are expected to reach billions of dollars. (New Zealand Herald, VOA, BBC)
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Europe & Central Asia
GERMANY: Gunman opens fire on U.S. servicemen, killing twoOn Wednesday, two U.S. Airmen were killed and two more seriously injured when a man opened fire on a bus carrying American servicemen at the Frankfurt airport. The man was apprehended by German police and is identified as a 21-year-old from Kosovo, who was a devout Muslim and worked at the airport. It is unknown if the suspect was acting alone; however, he was found to be carrying large amounts of ammunition. Comment: The incident appears to be isolated and has been condemned by international leaders. (BBC, Businessweek, Reuters)
RUSSIA: Chechen rebel leader declares all-out war against RussiaIn a statement released on March 3, Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov said that children do not need the permission of their parents, and wives do not need the permission of their husbands, to start Jihad. Umarov called on all Muslims in the Caucasus to take up arms and fight Russians wherever and however they can. Umarov claimed responsibility for the Domodedovo attack in January and declared 2011 to be a year of "blood and tears" for Russians. Comment: Umarov has eluded Russian security forces in the Caucasus for nearly a decade; however, his insurgent movement is largely decentralized. Umarov has declared himself the Emir of the Caucasus and aims to impose Islamic rule throughout the region. (AFP, Global Post, Jerusalem Post)
UNITED KINGDOM: UK to cut aid to sixteen countriesThe United Kingdom announced they will no longer provide development aid to sixteen countries, an official announced on March 2. Countries affected include Niger and Burundi, two of the poorest in the world. Officials claim the money will be reallocated to countries such as Afghanistan and Somalia to create stability in the regions, thus advancing international security. Comment: While the decision is controversial, a lot of the money will be pulled from countries such as Russia and China. Somalia, by contrast, will receive a 200 percent increase in funding, and Pakistan will see the largest monetary increase at £1.4 billion. (Independent, Guardian, Guardian)
Researched/Written by Daniel Pechtol |
Middle East & North Africa
IRAN: Opposition leaders moved to Iranian prison
Anti-government supporters rallied on March 1 for the release of former presidential candidates, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi. In response, Iranian security forces reportedly fired tear gas on the demonstrators. According to family members and opposition activists, the two leaders were moved from house arrest to a Tehran prison along with their wives. Iranian authorities denied the reports and claimed the matter to be a "completely domestic affair." Comment: The Iranian government said it will not respond to any international questions regarding the whereabouts of the two leaders. According to the foreign ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, Mousavi and Karroubi's arrests will be dealt within the framework of law by judicial authorities. (BBC, Al Jazeera, AFP) LIBYA: Gaddafi accepts Venezuelan mediation bid as situation worsens
Libyan rebels held the crucial eastern oil port of Brega against air and ground attacks by pro-Gaddafi forces on March 3. The rebels, armed with AK-47s, shotguns, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, were jubilant when the well-armed Gaddafi forces retreated. The UN is contemplating a no-fly zone, but Russia is vehemently against the proposal, predicating no-fly zones on air raids on civilians by Gaddafi forces. As of Thursday, Gaddafi accepted Venezuelan President Chavez's offer to mediate Libya's political crisis. Chavez's plan recommends the establishment of a commission from Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East to negotiate a settlement between the opposition leaders and Gaddafi. However, the National Libyan Council rejected the possibility of talks. Comment: Gaddafi continues to lose control of large parts of Libya. A major humanitarian crisis is mounting on the Tunisian border as tens of thousands of foreigners are stranded and cannot return home. According to the UN, roughly 75,000 people fled to Tunisia since the unrest began, and 40,000 ore are waiting to cross. The World Food Programme announced a $38.7m aid package in response to the Libyan crisis. (Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, BBC, The Christian Science Monitor)
YEMEN: Opposition presents proposal for transition
On March 3, thousands of demonstrators turned out in Sanaa for what are now daily rallies against President Saleh. Religious organizations, southern separatists, tribal groups, and the opposition coalition joined the protests led by students and activists. Recent clashes between the protesters and security forces left at least 30 people injured and one dead. Later in the day, Yemen's opposition presented Saleh with a proposal for a smooth transition of power, offering an exit as pressure continues to mount against him. The initiative calls for an investigation into the attacks on protesters and a guaranteed freedom of assembly. Comment: On Tuesday, President Saleh accused the U.S. and Israel of instigating the protests against him. The following day, however, Saleh expressed his regret for his public remarks by calling White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan. Analysts warned that the current political turmoil and probable collapse of Saleh's regime could deepen the current vacuum of power in Yemen. (Al Jazeera, AP, BBC, Reuters)
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South Asia
BANGLADESH: Expats flown home from LibyaOn March 1, nearly 600 Bangladeshi workers fleeing Libya were flown home by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and China State Construction and Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). The IOM said additional returns are expected in the upcoming days with repatriation continuing by air and sea over the next few weeks. IOM officers are also providing documentation and humanitarian assistance to between five and six thousand Bangladeshis who crossed Libyan borders into Egypt, Tunisia, and Niger. Bangladeshi Foreign minister, Dipu Moni, addressed the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday, calling upon the international community to fulfill its obligations for the protection and promotion of the rights of the 60,000 Bangladeshi migrant workers "at peril" in Libya. The minister and the IOM are concerned about the repatriation of migrant workers who may not be able to reach the IOM due to language constraints. Comment: Bangladeshis are among the highest number of foreign nationals in Libya apart from Egyptians. Although the Bangladeshi embassy in Tripoli is reportedly housing 250-300 Bangladeshis inside, the government said it has no plan to evacuate its diplomats and embassy staff, reporting that the compound remains safe. (News Today, The Daily Star, BD News 24)
NEPAL: Youth aggression threatens national securityOn February 28, The Carter Center (TCC) released a report identifying political youth forces as a serious security threat to Nepal. According to the report, the negative activities of youth wings interfere with tender political processes and undermine political space, development, and public security. The report pointed to an increasing aggressiveness of the youth wings through the establishment of youth forces. According to TCC researchers, there is a growing tendency for Nepal's political parties to believe in the 'muscle power' of their youth wings, advocating for the creation of stronger youth forces. Specifically, The Carter Center identified the Young Communist league (YCL) of the Maoist Party and Youth Force (YF) of the currently in power CPN-UML as the more serious security threats. In the media, critics accuse youth factions of focusing on financial gain and maintaining paramilitary activity. Although some youth groups do live communally, TCC researchers document that no apparent military hierarchies are present. In an interview, youth force leadership disagreed with the findings of the report, indicating that strict actions against negative, paramilitary activities are taken; emphasizing their policy of development and peace. Comment: The report raised concerns about whether youth forces are blurring the lines between political activism and paramilitary activities; however, The Carter Center indicated that there is no shared definition of the term 'paramilitary', making it difficult to evaluate compliance. (eKantipur, Nepal News, South Asian Media)
PAKISTAN: Federal minister for minorities affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, assassinatedOn March 2, Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, was assassinated just after leaving his mother's home in a suburb of Islamabad. Bhatti's vehicle, unaccompanied by bodyguards, was intercepted by gunmen who surrounded the car and opened fire. Bhatti's driver, who was spared in the shooting, drove the minister to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. According to media sources, assassins left al-Qaeda and Tehrik-i-Taliban pamphlets at the scene of the crime. Ahsanullah Ahsan, a spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, told a news outlet that Bhatti was killed because he was a "known blasphemer of the Prophet" and that the group will continue to target those who speak out against the blasphemy law. Bhatti, a leader of the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the only Christian minister, received death threats after urging for reformation of the law. Although Zardari condemned the attack, the federal government said it will not support proposed reforms to the blasphemy laws in the face of such strident opposition. Comment: While the state has not executed anyone convicted under the blasphemy law, more than 30 accused were killed by lynch mobs. Critics say the laws are used to persecute minority faiths, and there is international concern that extremism is gaining political control in Pakistan. (Washington Times, BBC, Pakistan Times)
Researched/Written by Jennifer Clemens |
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IPSI News
Gareth Evans, IPSI Board of Advisors, and author of The Responsibility to Protect, pens the following op-ed, "No-fly zone will help stop Gaddafi's carnage."
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IPSI News
ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, IPSI Lecturer, "Begins Libya Inquiry." __________________ |
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IPSI Symposiums
The Regular Decision deadline for the 2011 Bologna, Italy Symposium at the Johns Hopkins SAIS Bologna Center is only TEN DAYS away!
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