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PEACE & SECURITY REPORT
IPSI's Peace & Security Report (PSR) is a concise weekly e-publication intended to brief busy students, academics, advocates, and practitioners in the conflict management community 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
Keeping Haiti Safe: Justice Reform
ICG
 Haiti's justice system remains dysfunctional and continues to pose significant obstacles to its democratic process, security, reconstruction and development. While some steps have begun with regard to the police, institutional reform in the sector has lagged, allowing further impunity and persistent criminal threats to citizen safety. Despite five years of pledges, the majority of Haitians still have limited access to justice, and mistrust of the formal judicial system is widespread. President Michel Martelly and parliament must work in a non-partisan manner to at last produce reform, including by modernising the 174 year-old criminal code and procedures and setting standards for judges, giving the judiciary adequate resources and creating efficient mechanisms that guarantee proper access to justice.
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Africa
KENYA: One killed, dozens wounded in Nairobi bomb attacks
Hand grenades detonated in two separate locations in Nairobi this week, killing one person and injuring at least two dozen. The first attack occurred on Monday night, when an unidentified man tossed a hand grenade into a night club. The next day, a similar incident took place at a bus stop; a grenade thrown at a minibus taxi reportedly bounced back into a group of commuters before exploding. Comment: Days before the blasts, the U.S. embassy in Nairobi warned of a possible terrorist attack by Somali militants; however, Kenyan authorities currently have no evidence linking the bombings to al-Shebab, the Islamist organization active in southern Somalia. Al-Shebab has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, although its members had earlier threatened to bomb Nairobi in response to Kenya's recent military incursion into Somalia. (The Standard, All Africa, BBC, The Telegraph)
SOUTH AFRICA: President Zuma fires two ministers, suspends police chief
On Monday, President Zuma announced a cabinet reshuffle and fired South Africa's Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Public Works. He also suspended the National Police Chief Commissioner, who will remain on full salary pending an investigation. The three were accused of abuse by the nation's anti-corruption body; one minister is suspected of spending 600,000 rand (USD 74,000) on personal travel, while the other two are accused of illegal conduct in property rental deals. Comment: The government's Special Investigating Unit estimates that 20-25 percent of state procurement spending is wasted through overpayment and corruption, which costs taxpayers around 30 billion rand (USD38 billion) a year. President Zuma faces a tough challenge in next year's African National Congress election; this week's announcement may signal a response to criticism of his record on corruption. (Daily Maverick, All Africa, Reuters, BBC, The Economist)
UGANDA: U.S. troops to assist in capturing LRA leaders
The Obama administration announced Tuesday that 100 U.S. troops will be dispatched to Uganda to advise regional forces in the fight against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). U.S. officials noted that the deployment will be short-term and that soldiers will assist mainly with intelligence gathering and dissemination. Their official mission is the removal of the LRA leader, Joseph Kony, and his commanders from the battlefield. Comment: The LRA has terrorized the region for more than two decades and is characterized by particularly brutal attacks on civilians. Experts estimate that the group consists of only about 200 core fighters, with a total of around 800 followers. Analysts speculate that the LRA will dissolve if deprived of Kony's leadership. (Daily Monitor, All Africa, AP, BBC, CNN)
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Americas
ARGENTINA: Incumbent president retains leadership
Incumbent President Cristina Fernandez was declared the electoral winner on Sunday garnering 54 percent of the vote; under Argentinean election law, candidates are guaranteed a first-round victory if they receive more than 45 percent of votes. In addition, Fernandez's Front for Victory party will regain majority status in Congress. No Argentine leader has received such a large majority of the vote since General Peron was elected for the third time in 1973. This year's election marks the seventh general election and only the second time a head of state has sought re-election for a new term in office since the return to democracy in 1983. Comment: Analysts believe a splintered opposition and voter confidence with Fernandez's handling of the economy helped her secure the win. (La Razon, Reuters, Buenos Aires Herald)
BOLIVIA: President negotiates with protesters
On Friday, President Morales announced he would terminate the construction of a highway through the Isiboro Secure National Park and Indigenous Territory (TIPNIS), fulfilling one request of indigenous protesters who completed a two-month long protest last week. The following day Morales met with leaders of the movement to discuss their 16-point list of demands. It was agreed that general consultation laws would be developed and all illegal settlements found in Indian Territory would be expelled. Comment: Analysts attribute Morales's concession to "enormous pressure from the indigenous protesters." After dialogue with the government, Fernando Vargas, representative of the sub central region of TIPNIS, announced the resolution of all demands with deadlines for implementation of agreed policies to be met in the future. (Guardian, La Razon, Latin American Herald Tribune)
GUATEMALA: March for end to violence
On Saturday, the Catholic Church organized a march that converged in Guatemala City's Plaza of the Constitution against daily violence and rising crime. The "Walk for Life and Peace" attracted an estimated 20,000 citizens concerned with the daily violent death rate, now averaging 17 people per day country-wide. The Archbishop of the city held a Eucharist for peace in the Plaza, which was attended by the Guatemalan Vice President and President of Congress. Comment: Violent crime rates have risen steadily in recent years across the country, a trend that is commonly attributed to the growing presence of Mexican drug cartels. (Hispanicially Speaking News, Siglo 21, La Hora)
URUGUAY: Amnesty law repealed
Uruguayan deputies voted Thursday morning to revoke a law providing amnesty for crimes committed during the 1973-1985 military dictatorship. The new law will remove the statute of limitations on prosecuting crimes, which will expire on November 1 of this year. President Mujiea indicates he will sign the bill, despite previous statements against it. Comment: During Uruguay's dictatorship an estimated 7,000 prisoners were detained and tortured. The Supreme Court had previously ruled the amnesty law unconstitutional, but two referendums in previous years prevented its repeal. Thursday's vote is a step towards compliance with a ruling earlier this year by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to investigate alleged crimes from the era of military rule. (BBC, Presna Latina, Associated Press)
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East Asia
CHINA: Proposal of new terrorism law
On Tuesday, a draft of a new terrorism law was submitted to China's top legislature, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. The law is intended to fill a gap in China's current terrorism legislation, which establishes punishments for terrorism but does not provide an exact definition of terrorism or terrorist acts. The law would also allow the government to publish a list of the suspected terrorists' names and freeze their assets. Comment: China argues that the new law will strengthen the government's efforts against international as well as domestic terrorist threats, including the separatist Muslim Uighur movement in the western region of Xinjiang. (Washington Post, Zee News, Xinhua Net, BBC)
PHILIPPINES: Violence escalates between MILF and military
The military launched air strikes against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the Zambouanga Sibugay province in Midanao on Monday, as armed conflict with the insurgent group escalates. More than 20 soldiers were killed in the fighting this past week; over 10,000 people have fled their homes to escape the violence. Comment: Peace talks in August were stalled when MILF indicated their desire to establish a Muslim sub-state within the predominantly Roman Catholic country. Despite this, both sides continue to express their desire for eventual peace. (Xinhua Net, Xinhua Net, BBC, Reuters)
THAILAND: Flood waters threaten Bangkok
The Thai government declared October 28, 29, and 31 national holidays in order to allow government officials to stay home or leave the Bangkok area in expectation of further flooding. Flooding also forced the closure of Don Muang airport, which has halted flights until November 1. There is concern that the flooding could reach Bangkok next week if the Chao Phraya river rises past the capacity of the flood prevention dykes; current water levels are estimated to be at 2.35m and the dykes have a maximum capacity of 2.5m. Comment: The flooding, which has killed 366 people in the last three months, has been a significant test to Prime Minister Yingluck's nascent administration. The central bank has reportedly closed 283 branches due to flooding; however, officials have indicated that the overall banking system is operating normally. (Guardian, Bangkok Post, Bangkok Post, Washington Post)
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HUNGARY: Protesters rally against government
On Sunday, about 25,000 Hungarians, including civic groups and trade unions, demonstrated against government policies. The motto "I don't like the regime" united protesters in opposing the policies of Prime Minister Orban, including restrictive media policies and changes to the tax system. Protesters demanded government transparency and protection for the free-market democracy. Comment: Originating from the One Million for the Freedom of Press group on Facebook, support for the movement has grown over the last several months, which lost the ruling party more than a million voters because of a deep discontent with PM Orban's policies. The rally was timed to coincide with the 55th anniversary of Hungary's 1956 revolt against Soviet rule. (AHMG, Reuters, AP)
TURKEY: 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits eastern region
The death toll continues to rise after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Van in eastern Turkey on Sunday. Over 534 people are confirmed dead; 1,650 were injured and hundreds are still missing. Survivors and opposition parties are criticizing the government for failing to provide food and shelter to the region. Turkey's government declined initial offers of international aid from over 50 countries, saying it was not needed. As tens of thousands remain homeless, Turkey requested assistance for reconstruction and temporary housing. Comment: Approximately 3,000 buildings collapsed, causing many of the deaths. The government admitted to poor construction standards throughout the country and lax enforcement of safety codes created 10 years ago. Turkey is located at the intersection of four fault lines and thus has a critical need for improved building structures. In Istanbul alone, geologists predicted some 40,000 buildings would collapse in a major earthquake. (Al Jazeera, BBC, Hurriyet, AP)
UNITED KINGDOM: Real IRA admits to bombings
In a statement to The Guardian, the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the bombing of two banks over the last year and the October 12 bombing of the City of Culture Office in Northern Ireland. The paramilitary organization also threatened to execute attacks on economic institutions. The attacks are part of a strategy to undermine the "financial infrastructure that supports the British government's capitalist colonial system in Ireland." Comment: The attacks by the Real IRA usually focus on police targets in Northern Ireland, but over the last year the focus has shifted to bankers. The economic crash and bank bailouts are used as justifications for the violence. Most nationalists in Northern Ireland support a peaceful strategy to Irish reunification and oppose the violence used by the Real IRA. (The Guardian, UPI, Belfast Telegraph)
Researched/Written by Erin Bobst
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Middle East & North Africa
EGYPT: Court verdict angers protesters
An Egyptian court sentenced two policemen to seven years in prison last Wednesday; they were found guilty of manslaughter after beating to death an Egyptian blogger who helped spark the revolution last January. Thousands of Egyptians who were already disappointed by the military's increasing repression found the sentence to be too lenient and vowed to protest against the decision in the coming days. Comment: Many activists in Egypt reportedly still believe that the brutality and impunity associated with the Mubarak regime are being practiced by the current military rulers. In recent weeks, videos of military vehicles running over Christian protesters surfaced on the Internet and in top news agencies. This complicates an emerging debate in Cairo on whether the head of the military council, Mohammad Hussain Tantawi, should run for office in the upcoming elections in November. (Egyptian Gazette, CS Monitor, Ahram, Gulf News, BBC)
LIBYA: NTC requests NATO to stay; UN lifts no-fly zone
On Wednesday, the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) asked NATO forces to stay in Libya until the end of the year. NTC leader, Mustafa Abuljalil, explained that the extension is necessary to help Libya control the surplus of weapons and counter Gadhafi loyalists. Chairman Abduljalil stressed that Libya needs technical support and training for their troops, as well as communications equipment and aerial intelligence to monitor the borders. The NTC believes that Gadhafi supporters in neighboring countries could infiltrate the borders to launch attacks in Libya. Comment: NATO ministers were set to finalize the termination date on Friday, in order to consider the Libyan request; however, on Thursday, the UN Security Council voted to lift the no-fly zone over Libya and to end NATO's military operations. (Reuters, BBC, RT, NY Times)
YEMEN: Women protesters burn veils
On Wednesday, several hundred women gathered to protest in Sana'a and symbolically burned their veils. In Yemeni tribal traditions, women in distress burn clothing garments to signal need of protection and help. In recent days, several women have died in the protests amid the crossfire between government and rebel security forces. Angry protesters are accusing regime forces of deliberately killing the women and claim that some have died by sniper bullets. Comment: The violent conflict in Yemen continues as pro- and anti- government forces fail to sustain a number of ceasefire agreements, leading to fears in the international community that Yemen may devolve into civil war. Last week, UN resolution 2014 urged President Saleh to follow through with his promise to transfer power through the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative. President Saleh welcomed the resolution and called on the opposition party to continue talks over the "executive mechanism" of transferring power. (Yemen Post, Reuters, BBC, CNN)
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South Asia
BANGLADESH: Government plans to repatriate workers back to Libya
On Sunday, the Bangladeshi government announced plans to send tens of thousands of workers back to Libya, anticipating the return to normalcy following the death of Muammar Gaddafi. Labor and Employment Minister Khandaker Hossain stated, "Through our mission in Tripoli, our first task will be to send them (repatriated workers), back to their companies where they had earlier been employed. They had returned home poor, without getting their salaries." 36,000 to 40,000 Bangladeshis, mainly construction workers, fled Libya when the unrest began eight months ago. Comment: 70,000 Bangladeshis were working in Libya at the start of this year. The impoverished economy depends heavily on wages sent home by seven million expatriates working abroad. (AFP, Financial Express Bangladesh, Tripoli Post)
INDIA: Minister states India close to eradicating polio
On World Polio Day, October 24, Indian Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced that the country was close to its goal of eradicating polio. Only one case has been reported so far this year, as opposed to 39 over the same period last year; however, the Minister warned against complacency, stating, "Efforts have been intensified to stop residual polio virus circulation and also prevent importation from other countries." Neighboring Pakistan and China have seen an increase in cases this year. Comment: Polio is a highly infectious virus that affects children through contaminated water and causes irreversible paralysis. According to the World Health Organization, a country is declared polio-free if no cases are reported for 3 years. In 2009, India accounted for 46 percent of the global polio infections. Its current success is attributed to persistent vaccination programs in high-risk areas for vulnerable populations. (BBC, Hindustan Times, SANA)
PAKISTAN: Pakistan elected to the UN Security Council
Last Friday, Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term beginning in January 2012. Pakistan's candidature was backed by 129 of the 193 UN member nations. This is Pakistan's seventh time at the UNSC, and it will be replacing Lebanon at the Asia-Pacific seat. Morocco, Guatemala, and Togo were also elected to the Council. Comment: Pakistan is a leading contributor to the UN peacekeeping force with 9,000 troops currently deployed. Analysts state that the Council could be a testing ground for Pakistan's increasingly strained relations with the United States. India will also be serving at the Council through 2012. (AFP, APP, CNN)
Researched/Written by Megha Swamy
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