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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
Voice of America
Hours before the release of a U.N. report about suspected war crimes committed by Sri Lanka's government, top officials in Colombo are pleading to keep the report secret, arguing it would derail the country's reconciliation process.
Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris said Thursday publication of the report "will cause irreparable damage to the reconciliation efforts of Sri Lanka." Peiris says the United Nations should "reach out to Sri Lanka" as it emerges from"one of its darkest periods."
The report was compiled by three prominent international law experts appointed by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. It accuses both Sri Lanka's Sinhalese-dominated government and insurgent "Tamil Tigers" of atrocities.
However, it says the government systematically attacked hospitals and other civilian targets, and may be responsible for tens of thousands of civilian deaths in the war's final offensive in early 2009. It recommends the U.N. establish a special body to investigate further. READ FULL ARTICLE >> READ EXCERPTS OF LEAKED REPORT >>
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Africa
BURKINA FASO: Burkina Faso army mutiny spreads
The army mutiny against President Blaise Compaore, which began last Thursday, has spread to a fourth city. The mutiny started when soldiers and presidential guards in the capital Ouagadougou protested unpaid housing allowances, following a demonstration by tens of thousands of people protesting high food prices. Comment: In an effort to subdue the unrest, Compaore sacked his government on Friday and appointed a new head of the armed forces and Prime Minster. The new military chief has promised to hold talks with the mutinous soldiers. (BBC, Aljazeera, CNN)
Post-election riots broke out Monday in the north of Nigeria after Goodluck Jonathon was declared winner of the presidential polls. The protestors, mainly from Muslim states, claim the vote was rigged in favor of Jonathon, a Christian from the south. According to the Red Cross and a civil rights group, the unrest has left 200 dead, led to hundreds of arrests, and forced 17,000, largely from the north, to flee. Comment: Nigeria is divided between the predominantly Muslim north and Christian south; in an attempt to keep the peace, there is an unwritten agreement within the ruling People's Democratic Party to alternate the presidency between north and south. Jonathon was appointed to the presidency last year upon the death of incumbent Umaru Yar'Adua, a northern Muslim whom he had served as vice-president. International observers have said the election was reasonably free and fair. (BBC, CNN, AFP)
UGANDA: Ugandan opposition leader arrested
Dr. Kizza Besigye, the leader of Uganda's main opposition party, was arrested Monday at a protest against rising living costs. He was charged with inciting violence and causing rioting, and will remain in custody until April 27. Besigye has been arrested twice in the last week and was shot in the hand last Thursday by military forces during another protest. Following his arrest, demonstrators and police clashed in the Kampala suburbs. Comment: Besigye has led three marches over the last 10 days to protest higher food and fuel prices, including a "walk to work" protest on Mondays and Thursdays. Police are using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, and the government threatened to block social media if protests continue. (BBC, Reuters, VOA)
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Americas
BRAZIL: Authorities hunt drug lord
200 police searched Rio de Janeiro's largest favela Tuesday with the mission of capturing the ruling drug lord of the slum. The search for Antonio Lopes led to the arrest of 11 people and the seizure of three tons of marijuana, 60 stolen cars, and 17,000 pieces of stolen merchandise. Lopes' gang is believed to run an extensive money-laundering operation to hide their drug proceeds. Comment: The search met no resistance from gang members, causing speculation that the police's plans were leaked. Authorities are trying to clean up the area ahead of high profile international events like the 2014 Football World Cup and 2016 Olympics. (BBC, AP, AFP)
CUBA: Sixth Party Congress addresses Cuban leadership
Tuesday marked the end of Cuba's first party congress meeting in 14 years. Raul Castro, the party's first secretary, spoke about the need to reform and limit senior government officials to two five-year terms. Officials also decided to allow Cuban citizens to buy and sell property for the first time since the communist revolution in 1959. Comment: While there were new faces in old positions, there was little generational change, causing many to speculate that the suggested reforms are unlikely to happen soon. Term limits will be addressed at a party meeting in January, and it is believed that the recent events in the Arab world have led to these concerns. Former president Fidel Castro made an appearance at the party congress in a show of support. (Miami Herald, Reuters, BBC)
UNITED STATES: Death Penalty sought for USS Cole perpetrator
Military prosecutors on Wednesday re-filed charges against Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, who is believed to be behind the USS Cole bombing in 2000. The charges facing Al-Nashiri are terrorism, attacking civilians, attacking civilian objects, and murder in violation of law of war; prosecutors will seek the death penalty. This will be the first case heard since Obama ordered trials to resume at Guantanamo Bay. Comment: 17 sailors were killed and 40 more were injured in the USS Cole attack; al-Nashiri is also believed to be responsible for the attack on a French oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden in 2002. (AFP, Reuters, DoD)
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East Asia
AUSTRALIA: Detainees riot, burn down Sydney detention center
Approximately 100 detainees at the Villawood detention center in Sydney rioted this week after they staged a roof-top protest over facility conditions and extended detention periods. Rioters burned down nine of the center's buildings and threw roof tiles and other objects at arriving firefighters, preventing them from putting out the fire. After police and firefighters regained control of the facility, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said many of the detainees involved in the riot were recently rejected for asylum. Comment: Conditions at detention facilities in Australia are facing increased criticism from detainees in the midst of a surge in immigration levels to the country, most prominently from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. (Sydney Morning Herald, Herald Sun, BBC)CHINA: Human rights lawyer released after two months in detention A government critic jailed two months ago amid Chinese concerns over a Middle East-style uprising was released Thursday, according to his wife. The human rights lawyer, Jiang Tianyong, disappeared on February 19 during a visit to his brother's home in a Beijing suburb in what the U.S. and other international critics called an "extralegal" abduction by the Chinese government. The present status of Mr. Jiang is not yet clear, and his wife declined to comment on whether he will face charges or is under house arrest. Comment: International pressure on China is intensifying over its clamp down on dissidents. Most famously, the internationally-acclaimed dissident artist Ai Wei Wei was recently detained by police over government allegations of "economic crimes." (AFP, NY Times, The Canadian Press)
TAIWAN: Coast Guard strengthens presence near contested Spratly Islands
For the first time since 2000, Taiwan's military presence in the South China Sea will be combat-ready, the Taiwanese government announced Tuesday. Taiwan is one of six countries around the South China Sea that lay claim to some, if not all, of the Spratly Islands and the surrounding waters. Taiwan has not had combat troops stationed in the area since the Taiwanese Coast Guard replaced Marine forces in 2000 in an effort to alleviate regional tensions over the dispute. The upgrade will take place in May or June of this year according to a government spokesman; the statement came soon after the Philippines announced an upgrade in its military presence in the disputed waters. Comment: Sudden military build-up in the South China Sea threatens to stoke tensions between the various claimants and lead to an overall naval build-up in the area. (Mysinchew, Radio Taiwan International, BBC)
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| Europe & Central Asia
ITALY/FRANCE: France stops Italian train from entering country with refugees; Italy deports former Guantanamo inmate
On Sunday, France temporarily blocked a train carrying North African refugees from Italy amidst the continent-wide debate whether refugees should be able to freely move across Europe with their Italian visas. According to Italy, France is not honoring the Schengen agreement; many North African refugees are fleeing to France where they have families. According to the European Commission, France was within its rights to hold trains at the border. Comment: In addition, Italy deported a Tunisian on Wednesday who was a former inmate in Guantanamo, accusing him of being part of an extremist cell. Italian intelligence broke up the group after foiling a number of its plans, including a plot in 2009 to bomb a cathedral in Milan. (CNN, BBC, European Voice)
SPAIN: Police find record number of explosives from ETA cells
In two raids this week, Spanish police seized a total of 1,600kg of bomb-making materials from suspected ETA cells; the largest seizure ever recorded. Two ETA members were arrested in northern Spain on Tuesday with 850kg of bomb making materials, while on Thursday, another 750kg were discovered and a third suspect was arrested. Comment: ETA declared a unilateral ceasefire against the Spanish government in January; however, the Spanish government refuses to engage ETA without a full surrender. On Sunday, thousands took to the streets in Madrid to protest anyone running for office as an ETA party member. (Deutche-Welle Presse, AP, Canadian Press)
RUSSIA: Militant leader killed in the North Caucasus
On Monday, Russian security forces killed an Islamist militant leader who masterminded attacks in the North Caucasus. Russian news agencies quoted the National Anti-terror Committee (NAK) saying security forces killed Israpil Validzhanov and three other militants. The militants opened fire on members of the security forces who tried to stop their car. Comment: Moscow has increased counter-terror activity in the North Caucasus since the Domodedovo airport attack in January. The region is also prepping for the 2014 Olympic games in Sochi and the 2020 FIFA World Cup. (Reuters, AP, RIA)
Researched/Written by Daniel Pechtol |
Middle East & North Africa
LIBYA: UN aid chief warns of mixing military and aid operations
On Wednesday, UN Aid Chief Valerie Amos warned against mixing military operations and relief work in Libya. According to Amos, the EU's offer of military escorts to protect aid deliveries is not necessary unless security measures for aid workers become precarious. Britain, France, and Italy all claimed they would send small teams of military advisers to rebels, but Amos warned that international aid should be offered on an impartial basis. Military escorts could put aid workers at risk and hamper the delivery of aid. Comment: Rebels continue to hold much of the east while Gaddafi forces control Tripoli and most of the west. Humanitarian relief is reaching both sides of the conflict. Libyan authorities agreed to secure aid workers and allow them to pass through government roadblocks without harassment. (BBC, RTT News, Guardian)SYRIA: Protesters vow bigger rallies against government Thousands of students continued to hold demonstrations throughout Syria this week. Protesters vowed to stage the biggest rallies to date on Friday despite President Assad's declarations of reforms. In response to the growing protest movement, Syria lifted its 50 year-old emergency rule on Tuesday, but protesters claimed it was not enough. According to the new government decrees, state security courts are abolished and citizens are now allowed to protest peacefully. Since the start of the protests on March 15, the government crackdown on demonstrators has claimed at least 200 lives. Comment: The escalating instability in Syria could lead to severe repercussions in the region because of Syria's alliances with Hizbollah and Iran. (BBC, Al Jazeera, AP) YEMEN: UN Security Council meets to discuss Yemen for the first time UN Security Council members met on Wednesday to discuss for the first time Yemen's continuing crisis. Arranged by Germany, the Security Council called for restraint and dialogue between protesters and security forces in Yemen; however, the talks ended without an agreed public statement and with Russia's objection. On Thursday, Gulf Arab mediators pushed for a three month transition plan to end Yemen's unrest. The plan calls for a unity government led by the opposition and presidential elections within two months of Saleh's resignation. Comment: Although details of Russia's objection remain vague, Russian Foreign Minister Sergie Lavrov warned that the Yemini opposition will not receive the same help that was offered to rebels in Libya. Both Russia and China argue the Arab revolts are internal matters of sovereign states. (BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters)
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South Asia
AFGHANISTAN: Afghanistan and Pakistan form joint commission for peace
On April 16, Afghan President Karzai, Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani, Chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council Professor Rabbani, and members of the High Peace Council agreed to form a two-tier "Joint Reconciliation and Peace Commission." The commission will focus on stabilizing trade, regional defense, development, and the promotion of peace, prosperity, and stability in Afghanistan. During the meeting, leaders also discussed the U.S. troops' pullout plan, the war against terrorism, border crossing, Afghan-Taliban reconciliation, repatriation of Afghan refugees and Pakistan-Afghanistan transit trade agreement, as well as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. Comment: While some media sources indicate that Pakistan appears eager to use its leverage over sections of the Taliban and other militant groups to push them towards considering the offers of peace, other sources question Pakistan's underlying motives. (Xinhuanet, APP, Outlook Afghanistan, Pakistan First)NEPAL: Indian external minister Krishna to visit Nepal Indian external minister Krishna and foreign secretary Rao arrived in Nepal on April 20 for a three-day visit to discuss the ongoing peace process. Krishna is expected to meet with the Nepali President and Prime Minister as well as UCPN (Maoist) chairman Dahal. The meeting comes amidst increased anti-India activities of Maoists, and will address the growing number of attacks on Indian companies. Comment: The Nepali coalition is politically deadlocked over the issue of cabinet expansion, which is not only stalling the peace process, but threatens to delay the drafting of a new constitution by next month's deadline. (IBN Live, The Hindu, OneIndia, Nepal News)
PAKISTAN: Pakistan test-fires nuclear-capable missile in response to Indian tests On April 19, Pakistan test-fired a newly developed short range, surface-to-surface missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The Pakistani military reported that the Haft-9 missile was developed to add "deterrence value to Pakistan's strategic weapons development program." According to reports, the military stated the technology is part of a quick response system to address the need to deter evolving threats. Media sources speculate that Pakistan's test is in response to India's current nuclear exercise, which is expected to enter its "peak phase" in early May. India's exercise is part of its Cold Start Doctrine intended to train the most crucial "strike" formations tasked with dividing Pakistan during a hypothetical full-scale war. Comment: Some media sources indicate a possible diplomatic re-engagement following both countries' nuclear tests. India last test-fired a missile in March 2011; a long-range ballistic missile test is also scheduled for September of 2011. (The Hindu, Times of India, BBC) Researched/Written by Jennifer Clemens
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IPSI Symposiums
Meet IPSI's Faculty:
Jerry White, Nobel Peace Prize recipient for his leadership of the
International Campaign to Ban Landmines, will offer his extensive social entrepreneurship and advocacy expertise in an intensive workshop at the 2011 Bologna Symposium >>
Watch an interview with Jerry on YouTube >>
See the full list of invited faculty >>
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IPSI Symposiums
THREE DAYS LEFT
TO APPLY!!!
The application deadline for the 2011 Bologna, Italy Symposium on Conflict Prevention, Resolution, & Reconciliation at the Johns Hopkins SAIS Bologna Center is APRIL 25th!
LEARN MORE &
APPLY ONLINE >>
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IPSI News
IPSI Program Officer and 2011 Atlas Corps Fellow from Colombia, Andrés Martinez-Garcia, blogs about his first weeks working at the International Peace & Security Institute. Read it here >>
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