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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
Week Three of The Bologna Symposium: "We must always remember that small actions from small communities can change society for the better." *click on the photo above for a complete slideshow of Symposium photos. This week, the participants learned social entrepreneurship for SFCG's John and Susan Collin Marks, design/evaluation and theories of change from CARE's Heidi Ober, memory and reconciliation from Valerie Rosoux, public policy from Enough's John Prendegast, and strategic nonviolent action from ICNC's Jack DuVall, Mary King, and Maciej Bartkowski. Catch-up on this week's events:
As always, you can read all about the Bologna Symposium by visiting the event webpage. |
Africa
KENYA: Muslims offer Christians protection from Sunday attacks
On Tuesday, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya announced the solidarity of Muslims and Christians in response to Sunday's deadly attacks in the border town of Garissa near the Somali border. Kenyan authorities say gunmen attacked two churches, killing 17 people and wounding 40. Muslim leaders in Kenya have agreed the church attacks were acts of "terrorists and terrorism," and have pledged to form a self-defense protection group. Garissa's population is primarily comprised of ethnic Somalis and Muslims. Comment: Since Monday, police have arrested 36 suspects in a crackdown conducted in the border town, although 15 of those suspects do not have national identification cards. Condemnations of the attacks continue to mount with UN and Islamic leaders both declaring the attacks as unacceptable and criminal. A string of grenade and bomb attacks in Kenya have been widely attributed to al-Shabab insurgents, who oppose Kenyan intervention in Somalia. (BBC News, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Voice of America)
MALI: Malians in south protest rebel takeover of north
On Wednesday, over 2,000 protestors organized a sit-in at Bamako's Independence Square monument, calling for military intervention in the north where the Islamist Ansar Dine rebel group have enforced strict Sharia law, destroyed ancient shrines, and trapped residents with landmines. The West African regional bloc ECOWAS is set to hold a mini-summit this Saturday to discuss the formation of a unity government that could request military intervention from its neighbors. ECOWAS itself has stated that it has 3,300 troops ready to deploy to Mali. Comment: The power grab by Ansar Dine, which is openly allied with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, has sparked fears that the region may become a safe-haven for terrorists. Mali's interim president Dioncounda Traore, hospitalized due to an attack by protestors in May, is set to travel from France to attend the summit. In addition, on Monday the International Criminal Court threatened the Islamist fighters with legal action if they do not halt their destruction of ancient Islamic monuments. (Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, AFP, Business Ghana, News24)
SUDAN: Planned protest against increased media censorship
On Wednesday, more than 100 Sudanese journalists demonstrated in Khartoum against censorship and other media restrictions amid government crackdowns on unprecedented anti-regime demonstrations over the last three weeks. Human rights activists reported the detainment of two journalists and "small clashes" throughout the day with security forces. A written memo was submitted to Sudan's Human Rights Commission complaining about media censorship and continued harassment of journalists. Comment: Even before the outbreak of demonstrations beginning on June 16, journalists and press freedom advocates reported worsening government attacks on the media. Congruently, student demonstrations continued on Tuesday around the University of Khartoum, calling for an end to the Bashir regime. (Al Jazeera, All Africa, Al Arabiya)
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Americas
MEXICO: Nieto elected president, IFE recounting votes
On Sunday, the Institutional Revolutionary Party's (PRI) candidate Enrique Pena Nieto was elected president of Mexico in the national election with 38.15 percent of the vote. The runner-up candidate from the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, refuses to concede the election and is calling on the Federal Elections Institute (IFE) to recount the votes. Obrador demanded that the IFE recount "vote by vote, box by box" or he would organize a mobilization of other political parties in opposition to the election results. The IFE stated on Thursday morning that it will recount half of the votes as "an exercise in openness and transparency." Obrador received 31.64 percent of the votes in the initial election results. He accused Nieto of breaking electoral rules, overspending his allotted electoral budget, and manipulating biased media coverage. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Pena Nieto promised to tackle organized crime and drug trafficking. Comment: Mexico's law states that votes should be recounted in instances of inconsistencies in final tally reports, when results produce a difference of one percent or less between the first and second-place candidates, and when one ballot box contains votes that are all cast in favor of the same candidate. (BBC, Proceso, Jornada, Excelsior)
PARAGUAY: Mercosur and Unasur suspend Paraguay
On Friday, the South American trade bloc, Mercosur, and the intergovernmental union, UNASUR, suspended Paraguay due to the parliament's impeachment and removal from office of former President Fernando Lugo. Paraguay will be outside both the bloc and political organization until April's presidential elections, when Paraguayan foreign ministers will be readmitted into the meetings; however, the presidents of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay decided not to impose sanctions. The South American leaders echoed Lugo's declaration that it was a parliamentary coup and undemocratic. Paraguay's new president, Federico Franco, called for Paraguayans to be calm after the trade bloc suspension was announced and stated that the economic impact should be minimal despite Paraguay's heavy reliance on regional trade. Comment: Mercosur leadership also announced that Venezuela will now be a full member of Mercosur, as Paraguayan congress was blocking Venezuela's application to join Mercosur. The suspension allowed the other Mercosur members to accept Venezuela as a full member. (BBC, Informador, Ultimas Noticias )
PERU: Conga gold mine protests erupt
A state of emergency was declared in Celendín on Tuesday after hundreds of people attacked a government building in protest of a multi-million dollar Conga gold mining project. Three people were killed, over 20 people were taken to hospitals, and 15 people were arrested as a result of the confrontation. Newmont, a mining company based in Denver, Colorado, is the majority stakeholder of Conga in partnership with Yanacocha, Latin America's biggest gold mine company. Locals say that there is not enough planning for the social and environmental impacts of the project, specifically lake replacement and water management for agriculture and livestock pastures in the surrounding area. The state of emergency will last for 30 days to restore public order, which is similar to other instances of mining protests in Hualgayoc and Cajamarca. Comment: Local populations expressed extreme frustration with their mayor for voicing support of the open-cast gold mine. Currently, there are about 250 social-environmental protests in Peru that threaten to halt mining projects worth a total of 53 million dollars in the coming years. (El Universo, BBC, Terra)
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East Asia
MYANMAR: Reformist government frees political prisoners
President Thein Sein made concessions to opposition and international demands by releasing over twenty political prisoners on Tuesday. While the gesture was applauded, opposition leader Aung Suu Kyi urged the military-backed regime to release all of the citizens it has detained, estimated as exceeding 300 people. The releases are added to hundreds already set free this year by Sein's administration as part of its campaign of democratic reform. State-owned media in Myanmar reported that the decision was made with both reconciliation and stability in mind. Comment: Myanmar's human rights record has long been a point of contention with the global community and international organizations, and is often cited by governments who have elected to impose sanctions. Many of these prisoners were arrested following a failed student-led revolt against the military establishment in 1988. (Washington Post, CNN, Reuters)
PHILIPPINES: Defense treaty allows for deployment of U.S. spy planes in South China Sea
On Monday, Philippine President Benigno Aquino suggested that he may request the United States conduct aerial surveillance missions in the South China Sea, opening the door for possible United States military involvement in the disputed region. The announcement stirred criticism amongst political elements in the Philippines, some of which view increased American presence in their country as intrusive. Government officials were quick to reassert their need to effectively police their territory. Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office stated that "...we have a responsibility to monitor our territory, and to make sure that there are no incursions for one reason or another, and our capability is rather limited." Comment: The Philippines and China recently withdrew from a military standoff over the Scarborough Shoal, one of the regions of the South China Sea near the Philippine coast which both countries contest as their own sovereign territory. (Global Nation, Huffington Post, Business Mirror)
REGIONAL: Chinese navy to conduct patrols with Japan, India in Gulf of Aden
In a display of multilateral military cooperation, Chinese naval forces will begin joint patrols with the navies of Japan and India in the Gulf of Aden in an effort to deter piracy. China has been a major player in the region's naval operations since 2008, and began joint operations with India and Japan this year. Observers have made note of the pragmatic approach to the security situation exhibited by China with the agreement, given its often turbulent diplomatic relations with both other countries. Comment: The Gulf of Aden has been a site of increased maritime piracy, prompting international cooperation to protect commercial activity there. China's willingness to pursue military cooperation with India and Japan comes despite historical animosity. (Washington Post, Atlanta Journal Constitution, International Business Times)
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| Europe & Central Asia
TURKEY: Ankara lifts sanctions against France
This week, Turkey announced they are lifting all diplomatic and economic sanctions on France after Paris stated they would not be resurrecting a law that would make denying the 1915 killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks illegal. The announcement came as Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited France for the first time since Francois Hollande's election in May, and one month after Turkey indicated it would drop sanctions if the new government did not pursue the law. French courts ruled the bill unconstitutional in February. Comment: During his campaign, Hollande indicated he would attempt to send a new version of the bill originally introduced in 2011, sparking protests across Turkey. Davutoglu declared a warming in relations between the two countries; however, his French counterpart was reluctant to comment on Turkish ascension to the EU. Ankara suspended relations with the EU during Cyprus' six-month presidency, which started on July 1. (Reuters, Times.AM, Euronews)
UKRAINE: Language laws spark protests in Kiev
Approximately 1,000 protesters clashed with riot police in Kiev on July 5, after parliament passed a bill that allows the use of the Russian language in government institutions in Russian-speaking southern and eastern Ukraine. Demonstrators believe that the law allows citizens to cast aside their native Ukrainian language and gives Moscow additional sway in their country. Supporters of President Viktor Yanukovych, who draws support from the southern and eastern regions, hurried the bill through parliament earlier in the week. Comment: Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is serving a controversial prison sentence for abuse of power when in office, declared the move an affront to the country's democracy and independence. Ukraine has been drifting closer to EU integration; however, opposition parties believe the law can sabotage relations and indicate a desire for closer ties with Moscow. (Reuters, AFP, AP)
UNITED KINGDOM: Six arrested over terror plot
On July 5, British counterterror police arrested six alleged Islamic extremists believed to have been plotting attacks across the country. Police conducted pre-dawn raids on nine locations in London, although a spokesman said the operations were not linked to the upcoming Olympic Games. According to The Guardian, Scotland Yard and MI5 have been monitoring groups they believe pose a threat to national security in the run-up to the Olympics and are on high alert. Comment: One of the suspects is a former police community support officer, but had never been deployed in any sensitive role, while another suspect has posted YouTube videos criticizing the British government for military presence in Muslim countries. The terror alert remains unchanged, and the police report there were no targets picked out yet. The arrests come two days before the seventh anniversary of the July 7, 2005 bombings on the London public transportation system. (Reuters, BBC, The Guardian)
Researched/Written by Daniel Pechtol
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Middle East & North Africa
IRAN: Missile tests follow implementation of EU oil sanctions
On Tuesday, Iran reported that it successfully launched multiple missiles of various ranges during the "Great Prophet 7" exercise at a "hypothetical airbase" in the country's Lut Desert. Iranian officials reported that the Shahab 3 missile, with a range of 1,300 km, is able to reach Israel, which has threatened military action against Iran if diplomacy does not resolve Iran's disputed nuclear development program. The U.S. has encouraged Israel to remain patient while new economic sanctions on Iran take effect, including the recent EU embargo on Iranian oil. In reaction to the newest sanction, members of the Iranian parliament threatened to close the vital oil shipping route Strait of Hormuz, which would block oil tankers that ship crude oil to countries that support the economic sanctions against Iran. Comment: The threat to close the Strait of Hormuz is only hypothetical, since it must be made into law by Iran's clerical supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear capabilities continued this week in Istanbul with a meeting between Iranian technical experts and six world powers. Analysts report that a lack of progress in the nuclear talks will lead to an intensification of posturing between Iran, the U.S., Israel, and other actors. (Reuters, Al Jazeera, Press TV, Fars News)
IRAQ: Sectarian violence continues, multiple bombings kill 44
On Tuesday, a vehicle-born explosive device detonated in a market in the predominantly Shi'ite city of Diwaniya killing 40 people and wounding 75. The blast was near a Shi'ite mosque that serves as a specific stop for Shi'ite pilgrims on the way to Kerbala to celebrate the birthday of Imam al-Mahdi. Additional attacks on Tuesday targeted Shia pilgrims, which killed four and wounded 25 others near the city of Kerbala. The Islamic State of Iraq, a branch of al-Qaeda in Iraq, is claiming responsibility for the recent attacks. Comment: Al Jazeera reports that the Sunni members of al-Qaeda are attempting to instigate sectarian violence by attacking Shi'ites. According to Reuters, June marks one of deadliest months in the country since the U.S. withdrew troops in the end of last year, where an estimated 237 people were killed and roughly 603 wounded, primarily by bombings. (Reuters, Al Jazeera, CNN)
SYRIA: Opposition groups conclude two day meeting, key issues unresolved
On Wednesday, Syrian opposition groups ended a two-day meeting in Cairo still divided on many key issues, but agreed in general terms to fully support the Free Syrian Army, to dissolve the Assad government, and to exclude Assad and other senior officials from remaining in power in a political transition. The meeting of roughly 250 participants did not resolve questions regarding foreign military intervention or the role of religion in the government; a unified body that would represent the opposition was not organized. Disagreements among delegates allegedly led to heated arguments and fist fights. Comment: The Cairo talks follow the failure of a UN-brokered transitional plan for Syria. Some members of the Free Syrian Army declined to participate in Cairo because they believe that the political talks are a conspiracy that serves the interests of Russia and Iran. (Al Jazeera, Now Lebanon, ABC News)
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South Asia
AFGHANISTAN: Three British soldiers killed in "green-on-blue" attack
On Monday, three British soldiers were killed by an Afghan gunman at checkpoint Kamparack Pul in Nahr-e-Saraj, Helmand province. The soldiers were part of an Afghan police advisory team and were attacked while leaving a shura, or consultation, with village elders. The gunman was injured during the altercation and is now in custody. The incident is under investigation and the motivation for the attack remains unclear. Comment: A so-called "green-on-blue" attack signifies when Afghan soldiers or police attack American or NATO ISAF members. These attacks increased in number in recent years, threatening to undermine the NATO exit strategy in 2014. (Guardian, NYT, BBC)
BANGLADESH: Human Rights Watch urges Bangladesh to end unfair trials
On Wednesday, Human Rights Watch released a report that urged Bangladesh to stop mass trials of former paramilitary border guards charged with taking part in the 2009 mutiny. The HRW report states that Bangladesh's elite police force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), tortured and abused the suspects. The organization urges the Bangladeshi government to take steps to end the culture of impunity amongst security forces and to establish a proper and fair trial system. Comment: In February 2009, the Bangladesh Rifles, border security forces, staged a mutiny that spread across the city of Dhaka, leaving 74 people dead. The mutineers stated the reason for their actions were bad pay and mistreatment by corrupt senior officers. The revolt lasted 33 hours; it ended after the government threatened to send in tanks to contain the situation. (BBC, Washington Post, New York Times)
PAKISTAN: NATO supply lines reopened
On Thursday, Pakistan opened NATO's supply routes after Secretary of State Clinton apologized to Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar for the NATO attack that led to the death of 24 Pakistani soldiers in November 2011. The apology by Secretary Clinton was a surprise, as the U.S. has consistently refused to acknowledge responsibility for the deaths, which led to a seventh-month stalemate between the two countries. Comment: After Pakistan shut down the land routes, the U.S. was forced to use a combination of air and land travel that cut through Central Asia to bring in supplies which cost over one billion USD in extra shipping fees. The Obama administration has also stated that it will ask Congress to reimburse Pakistan in the amount of 1.2 billion USD as a reciprocal measure of cooperation. (DAWN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal)
Researched/Written by Nishat Jafreen
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IPSI News
The 2012 The Hague Symposium on Post-Conflict Transitions & International Justice begins in two weeks! ___________________ |
IPSI News
We would like to congratulate IPSI Board of Advisors member Jan Eliasson for his new role as UN Deputy Secretary General. ___________________ |
IPSI Leadership
Cameron M. Chisholm Dr. I. William Zartman
Dr. P. Terrence Hopmann
Alexander Little
George Foote
Pamela Aall
Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah
Betty Bigombe Dr. Francis Deng
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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