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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
Hello from the Johns Hopkins University SAIS Center in Bologna, Italy!
 The 2011 Bologna Symposium will offer an unprecedented line-up of the world's top academics, practitioners, and advocates, and we want to make sure those not present at the program can experience the month along with the 65 participants from over 40 countries fortunate enough to be here. IPSI will ask the attendees to write about their experiences, both positive and challenging, in this blog. It is our hope that this page captures personal snapshots of the lectures, workshops, training, and out-of-class experiences that shape the class of 2011. In addition, IPSI staff in collaboration with the 2011 Symposium participants will live tweet the entire event using the hash tag #ipsibologna. You can expect to see interesting quotes and notable experiences all spelled out in 147 characters or less! You can choose to follow IPSI on Twitter @IPSInstitute. We will also begin to populate our new YouTube channel with brief videos from the Symposium so the entire conflict management community can join us virtually in Italy! Stay tuned for details. Again, we hope you find this blog space interesting and educational.
As always, please feel free to contact us with any of your comments.
Warmly,
Cameron M. Chisholm
President
International Peace & Security Institute
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Africa
KENYA/SOMALIA: 55,000 Somali refugees fled to Kenya this year
According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, 55,000 Somali refugees have arrived at the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya so far this year; 2.5 million people are estimated to be affected by this year's exceptional drought conditions in Somalia. The situation is exacerbated by the conflict between the Islamist group Al-Shabab and the UN-backed Somali Transitional Federal Government. Approximately 1,200 refugees have been arriving daily at the camp for the past 2 weeks. The camp received 6,000 to 8,000 refugees on average per month in 2010. In 2011, the monthly average increased to 10,000. Comment: The camp, originally built to host 90,000 people, now hosts 360,000 and is severely overcrowded. Somalia's protracted conflict has led to over 750,000 refugees spread across the region and 1.46 million Internally Displaced Persons. (AFP, BBC, Reuters AlertNews/UNHCR)
NIGERIA: Bomb blasts rock northeast Nigeria; capital under limited curfews
Three bomb blasts rocked the city of Maiduguri, capital of the northeastern Borno state, on June 26 leaving 25 dead; the Islamist group Boko Haram is being held responsible for the attacks. The blasts hit makeshift beer parlors in the city. Beer parlors are popular evening socializing venues for many Nigerians. The nation's capital Abuja was put under limited curfew following the attacks. Pubs, beer gardens, and cinemas were directed to close at 22:00. Parks and gardens admitting children must close by 20:00. Comment: The Nigerian police headquarters in Abuja was also attacked two weeks ago, leaving several dead. Boko Haram has intensified attacks in the past nine months and has been responsible for several killings and attacks on government buildings. (BBC, NY Times, Reuters Africa)
RWANDA: Former Rwandan minister first ever woman to be convicted of genocide
On June 24, the UN-backed International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda found Pauline Nyiramasuhuko to be guilty of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Nyiramasuhuko, formerly Rwanda's Minister for Family and Women Affairs, becomes the first woman ever to be convicted of genocide. She, along with her son, was found guilty of helping in the kidnap, rape, and torture of hundreds of Tutsis in the prefecture of Butare. They were sentenced to life in prison. Comment: An estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis were killed in the 100-day 1994 Rwandan genocide. Butare, which consisted of a large Tutsi population, was one of the last strongholds to fall to the killings. (AllAfrica, Associated Press, Telegraph)
SUDAN: President Bashir visits China
On June 30, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, ended his three-day visit to China. Bashir was in China on an invitation from Chinese President Hu-Jintao. Chinese officials stated that the visit was aimed at boosting Sino-Sudanese relations. Human rights groups criticized China for hosting Bashir and for not arresting him. An International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant was issued against Bashir in 2010 for alleged atrocities in the Sudanese civil war. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council on June 27 approved a resolution establishing the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei, a peace-keeping force consisting of 4,200 Ethiopian troops. Fighting between northern and southern troops escalated in the disputed region of Abyei last month. Comment: China is not party to the ICC Rome statute and therefore is not legally bound to arrest Bashir. Bashir's visit is reflective of China's strategic interests. Sudan is China's third largest African trading partner. China also purchases 60 percent of Sudanese oil output; however, China is also credited with pressuring the Sudanese government to accept the UN peace-keeping force in Abyei ahead of South Sudan's independence slated for July 9. (China Daily, CNN, Reuters)
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Americas
MEXICO: 80 migrants allegedly kidnapped aboard train
At least 80 Central American migrants aboard a freight train have been kidnapped by masked gunmen in the state of Veracruz. According to a priest who operates a migrant shelter in nearby Oaxaca state, approximately 250 migrants, mostly from Honduras and Guatemala, were traveling on the Veracruz-bound train on Friday, which was abruptly stopped by three trucks with armed men who were blocking the tracks. The gunmen apparently targeted women and children, kidnapping them first and forcing them into waiting trucks. Comment: Thousands of Central American migrants enter Mexico each year, many bound for the United States. Mexico's National Human rights Commission released a February report claiming at least 11,333 migrants were abducted between April and September 2010. Migrants are often kidnapped by organized crime groups in an effort to extort money or force membership. (Global Post, Herald Sun, Latin American Herald Tribune, LA Times, Guardian)
PERU: Amid deaths, protests see results
On Friday, five protesters were killed and 30 were injured in clashes with police in the southern state of Juliaca. Thousands of civilians, including indigenous populations, opposed to mining projects in the region attempted to take over a commercial airport, which caused the suspension of all operations and activities of the air terminal. The riot was a part of a two day demonstration over fears of water contamination due to a recent a silver-mining contract given to the Canadian owned, Bear Creek Mining Corporation. As negotiations were already underway, the government revoked the mining contract in an attempt to calm the protests that have dragged on for over a month; a move for which Bear Creek claimed they would file suit. Comment: The Puno region, which shares a border with Bolivia, has been the center of generalized protests against all mining activity for over a month. Aymara and Quechua leaders in negotiations with the authorities of the Ministry of Energy and Mines released a set of rules Saturday that will require prior consultation with indigenous groups before mining concessions in the region are granted. (BBC, El Comercio, Latin American Herald Tribune, El Comercio)
URUGUAY: President allows for investigation of human rights abuses
President Jose Mujica declared this week that he will reopen some 80 investigations of human rights abuses during a military dictatorship from 1973-1985. Until 2005, past administrations rejected requests for investigations believing the cases were protected under an amnesty law passed in 1985. In 2000, a presidential peace commission found that 38 people were kidnapped and killed by the security forces along with hundreds detained and executed in surrounding countries during the military rule. Earlier this year, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights demanded that Uruguay guarantee the 1985 amnesty law was not an obstacle in one such human rights investigation. Comment: Presidential secretary Alberto Breccia, stated the government aims to complete a genetic database to confront the truth about forced disappearances and the practice of kidnapping infants from dissidents and placing them up for adoption. During the dictatorship, the military frequently worked with neighboring nations to eliminate leftist political opponents in a secret plan called "Operation Candor." (AFP, El Pais, Washington Post, BBC)
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East Asia
CAMBODIA/THAILAND: Thailand's withdrawal from WHC raises border tensions
On Saturday, Thailand's National Resource and Environment Minister, Suwit Khunkitti, withdrew Thailand from UNESCO's World Heritage Convention in Paris. Minister Khunkitti noted that Thailand was withdrawing because the committee's consideration of Cambodia's plan (for the contested Preah Vihear temple) could threaten Thai sovereignty and territory. Two days later, Colonel Prawit Hookaew, Thailand's Army Region 2 spokesman, reported redeployment and reinforcement activities along the Cambodian side of the contested border area in response to Thailand's withdrawal from the convention. Cambodia's Defense Ministry responded to these claims and others of arms training on Tuesday, denouncing them as a "bad-willed fabrication by Thai troops." Comment: UNESCO's Director-General Irina Bokova expressed her "deep regret" following Thailand's withdrawal from the convention in a statement issued by UNESCO. The Associated Press notes that with the upcoming Thai national elections set for July 2, the seemingly rash actions may be an effort to improve the political positioning of the Democrat Party[sic] by stirring nationalist fervor. (Bernama, UNESCO, Bangkok Post, AP, Phnom Penh Post)
MALAYSIA: Police disrupt activists ahead of proposed rally
On Wednesday, Malaysian police raided the canvassing offices of Bersih supporters ahead of a rally to reform the Malaysian electoral process, scheduled for July 9. The raid was part of a recent string of government actions to impede the movement's campaign that also included nearly 100 arrests since last Friday. Government leaders argue that the planned rally is illegal because it lacks police sanction and suggest that the movement's true intentions are to revive Communism in the country. Bersih Chief Ambiga Sreenevasan rejected these claims and said the recent arrests of Bersih supporters were "ridiculous." Comment: The Bersih movement, named after the Malay word for "clean", began in 2007 when a group of opposition political parties formed a coalition demanding reform of the electoral process. Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that he would not rule out arresting activists at the July 9 rally under the International Security Act, which has been used against Communists in the past. (Asia One, Today Online, Guardian)
NORTH KOREA: Government closes universities, sends students to work
On Monday, Pyongyang announced the closure of its universities for the next 10 months, in order to prepare the nation for becoming a "strong and prosperous nation" ahead of the 2012 centennial birthday of the nation's founder, Kim Il-sung. South Korean reports suggest that students will go to work assisting with construction projects and repairing North Korea's infrastructure in regions affected by the monsoon season. Foreign students, and those who will be graduating soon, were exempted from the proclamation. Comment: Waseda University Professor Toshimitsu Shigemura, speculates that, "One reason [the North closed its universities] is that there is a possibility of demonstrations at university campuses." He also noted that in past month, the North Korean government was reported to have purchased anti-riot gear from the China; interpreting the two events as an indication that Pyongyang is increasingly concerned with internal stability. (Telegraph, International Business Times, University World News)
PHILIPPINES: Peace talks with Moro Islamic Liberation Front postponed
On Monday, formal negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur were cut short after both parties reached a mutual agreement to resume talks in August. The Philippine government also deferred submitting its counter-proposal to the initial draft of a peace agreement proposed by the MILF last April. It is expected that the counter-proposal will be submitted when the peace talks resume. Marvic Leonen, the panel chairman and representative of the Philippine government said, "The [Government of the Republic of the Philippines] and the MILF were able to level off on important points to facilitate the talks." Comment: The talks have been shadowed by two bombings in Mindanao and rumors of a government scheme to "supplant" the negotiations, sparking concerns from both parties. The MILF have been in conflict with the Philippine government since 1978 when they initiated a rebellion to form an independent Islamic State; negotiations resumed last February after a period of stagnation following a 2003 truce agreement. (GMA News, Channel News Asia, Phil Star, Inquirer, Bangkok Post)
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| Europe & Central Asia
ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN: Karabakh talks fail; Azerbaijan vows to boost military power
After a meeting in the Russian city of Kazan on Friday, Armenia and Azerbaijan failed to reach an agreement on a framework document that would have outlined an end to the dispute over Nagorno Karabakh, the breakaway region of Azerbaijan with a predominantly ethnic Armenian population. The Kremlin issued a short statement saying Armenian President Sarkisian and Azerbaijani President Aliyev had reached only "mutual understanding on a number of issues whose resolution would help to create conditions for the approval of the basic principles." The two sides exchanged blame for failing to reach an agreement, and Azerbaijan held its largest military parade ever on Sunday, promising to boost military spending to $3.3 billion this year, up from $2.15 billion a year ago. Comment: The two-decade stalemate over Nagorno-Karabakh has fueled anger in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, forcing their leaders to act cautiously around domestic opinion and avoid being seen as conceding. The agreement in Kazan would have set guidelines on how to determine the final status of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, which has run its own affairs with Armenia's support since the war. Russia, France and the U.S. applied concerted pressure on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to approve the basic principles. (RIA Novosti, Moscow Times, RFE/RL, NYT)
REGIONAL: U.S. adds new countries to human trafficking watch list; reprimands Russia
On Monday, the U.S. State Department released its 2011 Global Trafficking in Persons Report, adding Belarus, Estonia, and Turkmenistan to the watch list for failing in the last year to step up efforts to fight prostitution and forced labor. The report stated both men and women from Estonia are sold into forced labor and prostitution throughout Europe, and it charged Belarus with "decreased law enforcement efforts" to protect women forced into prostitution in Minsk. Turkmenistan was put in Tier 3, the worst ranking among all former Soviet republics, citing the first ever documented presence of Turkmen trafficking victims in Russia and the UK. The report also reprimanded Russia, in Tier 2, for the eighth consecutive year for making "minimal progress," saying around one million people in Russia are exploited by business leaders who withhold their documents, fail to pay for services, physically abuse them, and deny them proper living conditions. Macedonia and the Slovak Republic, who recorded progress in trafficking-related convictions, were elevated from Tier 2 to Tier 1. Comment: Trafficking in persons is a major human security issue not only in Europe and the former Soviet Union, but throughout the world. The 2011 report identifies 23 countries as failing to combat human trafficking, up from 13 in 2010, and claims some 27 million men, women, and children as victims. (U.S. State Department, RFE/RL, Bloomberg, AFP)
UKRAINE: Former PM on trial for power abuse; claims charges politically motivated
Prosecutors have confiscated the property of Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko after she went on trial on Wednesday on charges of abuse of power. Tymoshenko, who lost an election battle for the presidency against Viktor Yanukovych in February 2010 and then the premiership a month later, says the court action is politically motivated revenge from her former rival. She is charged with signing a disadvantageous gas deal with Russia in 2009 that was harmful for the Ukrainian economy in addition to misusing $425 million the government received from selling its carbon emission rights under the Kyoto Protocol. Tymoshenko denies the allegations, but could face a jail term of seven to ten years, though some expect her to be given a suspended sentence that limits her ability to be politically active in the opposition. The case has been adjourned until Monday, and Tymoshenko has filed a complaint at the European Court of Human Rights. Comment: Since Yanukovych came to power, several associates of Tymoshenko, a former heroine of the 2004 Orange Revolution, have been prosecuted on charges of offenses in office and at least one has fled the country. The case raises Western concerns over President Yanukovych's commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Western governments have not come out publicly on her side, but EU officials expressed concern over the possible use of selective justice. (RIA Novosti, Moscow Times, RFE/RL, Kyiv Post)
Researched/Written by Mark Simeone |
Middle East & North Africa
EGYPT: Protesters clash with authorities
On Tuesday and Wednesday, thousands of protesters clashed with security forces near Tahrir Square, Cairo. The Ministry of Health declared more than 1,000 protesters and a few dozen soldiers were injured in the aftermath of Egypt's most violent protest in the last several weeks. The protesters, armed with stones and Molotov cocktails, demanded an immediate trial of the suspects accused of killing 850 protesters during February's peaceful uprising. Comment: Egypt's rage continues, as some members of the previous regime remain politically/militarily active, and lack accountability regarding the victims of government crackdowns. The public dissatisfaction with military-led interim government is due to a "slow paced" and hard-hitting strategy, which fails to meet the youth's need for rapid and civil change. On Wednesday, 40 protesters were arrested including an American and a British citizen. (Aljazeera, CNN, BBC, VOA, WSJ)
IRAN: Tehran welcomes talks with Saudi Arabia
The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced it is ready to conduct negotiations with neighboring Saudi Arabia last Tuesday. The talks between the two Islamic capitals to "find proper ways to correct certain countries' wrong behaviors," will have "preconditions," according to Iran's official news agency, Fars. Iranian officials are currently examining the conditions and they will take action once "they recognize the time is appropriate." The two nations' diplomatic relations worsened this year with Iran's suspected role in backing the Shia uprising in Bahrain. Comment: Tensions between the two oil-producing giants continue to increase as Iran expands its naval capacity and nuclear program. On Wednesday, a senior Saudi prince announced the kingdom would be compelled to acquire nuclear weapons if Iran "comes close to developing a nuclear weapon." Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear-energy agreement with Argentina the day before the announcement. (Aljazeera, Kuna, Fars, Alarabiya, Guardian)
OMAN: Prison sentences for protesters seeking jobs
On Tuesday, a criminal court sentenced 55 protesters to prison terms ranging from one month to one-year in the eastern town of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. The protesters were accused of "robbery, unlawful gathering, and vandalizing government departments." Last April, over 300 protesters demanded opportunities for employment, wage increases, and reform against government corruption. Comment: In response to the protesters, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has been ruling Oman for 40 years, pledged $2.6 billion to meet the demands of the protesting Omani youth. The government's concession was rejected by many of the protesters, explaining that the changes promised are "partial, and too slow to be implemented." Although two have died and over 200 wounded since the uprising, Oman remains one of the least affected Arab countries by the rise of youth revolutions. (Aljazeera, National, Jpost, KhaleejTimes)
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South Asia
AFGHANISTAN: Suicide attack kills, injures at Kabul hotel
On Wednesday evening, nine suicide bombers attacked the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul; the attacks left all nine bombers, two policemen, and 11 civilians dead. ISAF forces were called in to aid Afghan troops and police forces and the coalition was able to regain control of the hotel. President Karzai condemned the attacks and noted that such displays of violence would not hinder the process of transitioning out foreign troops. Comment: The attack comes in the wake of the U.S., German, French, and British armed forces announcing their timelines for the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. The ability of Afghan troops and police forces to quell most of the attack may be of reassurance to many and a sign the country will be able to stabilize on its own. However, since the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, concerns still remain as to whether such cells will gain power once foreign troops begin to withdraw from Afghanistan. (Bakhtar News Agency, BBC, Pajhwok)
INDIA: PM defends self and vows to hold position
India's Prime Minister Singh came under fire this week as Indian news reports began calling him a "lame duck" leader. On Wednesday, PM Singh dismissed the claims and calls for his ouster, as he sat down with media editors to reiterate that perceptions of him were misinformed. Singh has been under pressure for the vast corruption in the country and the numerous scandals which have taken place under his leadership. Many in Singh's Congress party have called for Rahul Gandhi to take the PM's seat, but for now the Prime Minister is staying put. Comment: The 2G scandal and the Commonwealth Games scandal under Singh's watch have also caused the PM to come under fire. India's government has long faced corruption scandals; however, recent reports note that nearly a third of Parliament members are facing criminal charges - half of which are for violent crimes. This astounding statistic is further exacerbated by the rise of vote-buying and lack of financial disclosure within electoral campaigns. (BBC, BBC, Hindustan Times, Times of India)
PAKISTAN: Shamsi Air Base now off-limits to U.S.
On Wednesday, Defense Minister Mukhtar announced Pakistan's request for U.S. troops to vacate Shamsi Air Base in Balochistan. The base, which has been used by the U.S. for drone strikes and support for International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), is strategically located just south of Waziristan, a Taliban stronghold on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. As drone strikes in the region have intensified in recent months, particularly since the killing of Osama bin Laden in May, the announcement may hinder U.S. tactics in the region. Comment: Pakistan's announcement further exhibits the growing strain in Pakistan-U.S. relations. Minister Mukhtar noted the motives behind the move come from growing mistrust between the two countries and the lack of clarity regarding continued U.S. aid to Pakistan. The U.S. has yet to make an official statement regarding the ousting but some officials in Pakistan are calling the move an act of "diplomacy by headline." (Dawn, The Guardian, The Nation, Reuters) Researched/Written by Kamila A. Badat
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IPSI Symposiums
The 2011 Bologna Symposium on Conflict Prevention, Resolution, & Reconciliation at the Johns Hopkins University SAIS Bologna Center is underway!
Read the 2011 Participant Blog updated daily throughout the Symposium.
 IPSI staff and the Symposium participants will Live Tweet the entire event: #IPSIBologna
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IPSI Leadership
Cameron M. Chisholm Dr. I. William Zartman
Dr. P. Terrence Hopmann
Alexander Little
Nadim Salti
Pamela Aall
Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah
Betty Bigombe
Jan Eliasson
Gareth Evans
Dr. Ted Robert Gurr
Amb. Jacques Paul Klein
Peter Kyle
Dr. Jean Paul Lederach
Jeffrey Mapendere
John Marks
Susan Collin Marks
Dr. Joyce Neu Dr. Valerie Rosoux
William Stuebner
Dr. Ruth Wedgwood Dr. Craig Zelizer About Us >> ___________________ |
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