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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. 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

The Bologna Symposium: Week Two! 

Bologna Symposium - Wilbur Perlot

 

The 2013 Bologna Symposium on Conflict Prevention, Resolution, & Reconciliation is officially underway at The Johns Hopkins SAIS Bologna Center!  This year, we are making it easy for peacemakers around the world to experience the Bologna Symposium along with the 50 amazing emerging leaders in attendance.  Here's how:

Africa 

KENYA: Violent clashes between rival clans

On Friday, Degodia clansmen killed at least five people from the Gare clanin the village of Eldas, near Kenya's border with Somalia and Ethiopia. The following day, armed men from the Gare clan retaliated with a grenade attack, killing at least 15 people from the Degodia clan who lived inside a camp for internally displaced people. According to the Inspector General of Police, the assassins were hired by local politicians to attack their rival clan. Hundreds of people, fearing an escalation of the conflict, are reportedly fleeing the area. Comment: Kenyan security forces currently assigned to this region face difficulties in maintaining peace due to its vast territory. Some experts suggest an increase of police patrols in the area and encourage the Kenyan government to organize peace talks between the two clans. (Reuters, BBC, AllAfrica, KBC)

 

MALI: UN Security Council approves peacekeeping mission in Mali

On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously authorized the deployment of 12,600 peacekeepers in Mali, to be known as MINUSMA (Mission Int�gr�e des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation au Mali). The initial task of the UN force is to secure the presidential elections in Mali. This will be the world's third largest UN peacekeeping force when fully deployed by December 31, 2013. At least 1,000 French troops will remain in the country to support the peacekeepers and carry out anti-terrorism operations. Comment: Herve Ladsous, the UN peacekeeping chief, raised some concerns regarding the mission, including shortages of equipment, unstable water supply, and extremely high temperatures that can melt sensitive components of the mobile communications system; however, Ladsous reassured the Security Council that there will be no child soldiers among the Chadian forces selected for the mission. (MaliWeb, ReutersAllAfrica) 

 

REGIONAL: African leaders unite to fight piracy

At the end of a two-day summit in Cameroon, leaders from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and from the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) have resolved to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Following this conference, countries from West and Central Africa have agreed to create a regional center to coordinate the fight against these illicit activities, and have also appealed to international donors and Western governments for financial assistance. Comment: According to the International Maritime Bureau, there are now more pirate attacks off West Africa than off Somalia. Additionally, a report by Oceans Beyond Piracy revealed these attacks have cost the world between USD 740 million and USD 950 million in 2012. (AllAfrica, The Guardian, Reuters)

 

Researched/Written by Pamela Dogbe

Americas

BRAZIL: Government responds to protests

On Wednesday, protests resumed as an estimated 40,000 demonstrators took the streets in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, the site of Brazil's Confederations Cup match versus Uruguay, in addition to citizens across the country continuing to voice their desire for government reform. Also on Wednesday, the Brazilian Senate reacted to "pressure from the streets" by deeming corruption a "heinous" crime by which perpetrators are not eligible for parole or amnesty.  This legislation comes a day after Congress rejected the PEC 37 amendment that would have limited federal prosecutor's authority to investigate crimes, a law many citizens believed would create more corruption.  The government has also decided to invest royalties accrued from newly found oil reserves off the country's coast into education and health care. Furthermore, President Dilma Rousseff has proposed a referendum that would allow citizens to directly influence the political process by creating a constituent assembly aimed at reforming campaign finance laws as well as the entire legislature.  Comment: Month-long protests have stretched across more than 100 cities calling for an end to corruption and misplaced government spending. Despite concessions made by the government, it seems that a deep mistrust of politicians remains among citizens.  Some analysts believe that these types of demonstrations may become a fixture of daily life for Brazil in the foreseeable future. (BBC, CNN, NY Times, Reuters)

 

COLOMBIA: NATO and Colombia sign agreement for future cooperation

On Tuesday, NATO and Colombia signed an agreement at NATO headquarters in Brussels that would allow for the exchange of information on a variety of topics from good practices to drug trafficking.  This is the first agreement of this nature between NATO and any Latin American country, although NATO has signed similar cooperation agreements with other countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia, among others.  This agreement does not include membership into the Organization as Colombia's geographic location bars its inclusion. Comment: NATO spokesperson Carmen Romero justified NATO's cooperation with countries outside of the organization as "global challenges require global responses."  The Colombian government is willing to provide NATO with information on the country's experience combating the illegal drug trade, organized crime, and terrorist groups.  The international organization will provide Colombia with military education particularly in the areas of humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, as well as tactics in responding to civil emergencies. Colombia's Defense Minister, Juan Carlos Pinzon, also mentioned that the Colombian government could greatly benefit from NATO's expertise in the areas of transparency and the development of anti-corruption mechanisms. (El Nuevo Herald, Prensa Latina, Venezuelanalysis)

 

REGIONAL: Mexico concerned over potential increase in border security by U.S. 

On Tuesday, the Mexican government voiced its concerns over proposals made by the United States Congress to increase border security efforts as a means for immigration reform.  An amendment approved in the Senate on Wednesday would bolster border security measures, including doubling the amount of U.S. border patrol agents to 40,000, as well as completing 700 miles of fencing along the southern border between the U.S. and Mexico.  New technology including aerial drones will be used for increased border surveillance. Comment: Mexican Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Meade declared during a televised statement that the increased security measures are "divisive" and not the correct solution to the problem of illegal immigration.  This is the first time the Mexican government has commented on U.S. immigration reform that has actively been discussed in Congress for several months.  Meade reminded the press that "fences do not unite" and will be counterproductive in regards to the relationship between the two countries which both rely on immigration to drive their respective economies. (Milenio, NY Times, Reuters, Washington Post)

   
Researched/Written by Carlos Camacho
East Asia

AUSTRALIA: Kevin Rudd sworn in as new Prime Minster

On Thursday, Kevin Rudd returned as prime minster of Australia as Labor Party leader by winning a party ballot of 57 votes to 45, three years after being replaced in the office by the country's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard. Gillard resigned after the party vote on Wednesday night and announced she will leave politics. According to opinion polls, a Rudd-led Labor Party would fare much better at the ballot box.  Comment: Rudd said the negative politics holding Australia back in recent years "must stop," and that he will strive to achieve this goal as prime minister. Some analysts say that Australia, the world's 12th largest economy, faces economic challenges stemming from an economic slowdown of its top trade partner, China. As a Mandarin-speaking former diplomat, Rudd has highlighted the difficulties associated with "the end of China's resource boom" and said he would work to rebuild the government's strained relations with the business community. (Reuters, CNN, al-Jazeera, Courier-Mail)

 

KOREA: Major websites in South, North Korea shut down on war anniversary

Tuesday, on the 63rd anniversary of the start of the 1950-53 Korean War, hackers attacked South Korea's presidential office, multiple government agencies, and other media websites. In addition, several North Korean websites, including the national airline site and the country's state-run internet portal, were also reportedly hacked and shutdown. Comment: South Korea blamed North Korea for the hacking incident, comparing the attack to one in March on six South Korean banks and broadcasters, which affected 32,000 computers and disrupted banking services. In addition, North Korea accused the United States and South Korea of carrying out cyber attacks against its internet servers on a daily basis. (Reuters, BBC, Yonhap News)

 

PHILIPPINES: Joint military exercises with U.S. in South China Sea

On Thursday, the Philippines and U.S. Naval forces began a six-day joint military exercise, codenamed Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), near a disputed island between China and Philippines in the South China Sea. According to local media, about 500 U.S. forces and another 500 Filipino troops will take part in the exercises. According to the official report, CARAT Philippines 2013 will focus on maritime security operations, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing. Comment: The major objective of the drill is to enhance military capabilities through practical exercises and lectures. The Chinese embassy in Manila released a statement cautioning the Philippines and the United States not to exacerbate tensions in the area with the exercises. (Reuters, Channel NewsAsia, Xinhuanet, Philippine Star)

  
Researched/Written by Miaomiao Shao
Europe & Central Asia

GEORGIA: NATO representatives visit Georgia

NATO's Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the permanent representatives of the 28 NATO member states met with Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili on Wednesday during a two day visit in Tbilisi. The Prime Minister stated that Georgia will continue its bid to enter NATO "as soon as possible," while promising Tbilisi will do all it can to "improve its ties with Russia." Comment: Secretary General Rasmussen expressed support of and acknowledged Georgia's efforts at reform as well as their aspiration of a "full Euro-Atlantic integration" as a shared goal. The Secretary General also praised Tbilisi's contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Georgia has intensified its efforts to join the NATO alliance since the armed conflict with Russia broke out in 2008.  If they do enter, Georgia can then invoke Article Five that binds all NATO signatories to come to Georgia's aid in the case that war breaks out anew between Russia and Georgia. (Civil Georgia, NATO, Radio Free Europe)

 

RUSSIA: NGOs affected by Russia's "Foreign Agents" Law

Russian authorities imposed a series of crackdowns on NGOs over the past week, including the Saturday night eviction of a prominent human rights group called "For Human Rights" from their Moscow offices on grounds of a tenancy dispute. Furthermore, a six-month suspension order effective Tuesday was issued to the election watchdog "Golos" for its failure to register as a foreign agent in accordance to Russia's "Foreign Agents" law. Comment: A law that came into effect last November commonly referenced as the "Foreign Agents" law requires all NGOs and other political themed organizations to file as a foreign agent if they receive a certain amount of funding from foreign sources. Many in the international community are concerned that this law is the centerpiece of a campaign to crackdown on dissidents and criticism towards the Putin administration. Putin maintains that the law is intended "to protect the country's domestic policies from foreign influence." (BBC News, HRW Website, Radio Free Europe, Reuters, Ria Novosti, The Moscow Times)

 

TURKEY: EU postpones Turkey membership talks

On Tuesday, the EU accepted a proposal submitted by Germany and backed by Austria and the Netherlands to postpone talks of Turkey's EU membership that were due to commence on Wednesday. The talks have been pushed back by at least four months; the matter is scheduled to be reviewed after the European Commission's report on Turkey's reforms and human rights is published in October. Comment: Despite heated words between Germany and Turkey over the past weeks with regard to the protests in Turkish cities and the subsequent clashes with riot police, reaction to the news of postponing was muted from both Turkey and the. (BBC News, Hurriyet Daily News, Reuters)

  

Researched/Written by Takumi Imagawa

Middle East & North Africa 

EGYPT: Sectarian tensions rise as country prepares for mass demonstrations on June 30

Four Shiite Muslim men were clubbed to death by an angry mob in a village south of Cairo on Sunday, reflecting increasing animosity among Sunni Salafists and other ultraconservative Islamists towards the Egyptian Shiite minority. The angry crowd attacked the Shiites during a ceremony they had gathered for, reportedly to prevent them from promulgating their creed and converting Egypt's predominantly Sunni population. In spite of the arrest of eight suspects on Tuesday, Bahaa Anwar, the spokesman for Egypt's Shiite minority, accused President Morsi and his government of remaining passive, and of sanctioning anti-Shiite rhetoric and sentiment that has increased over the past few weeks. Comment: Political observers suggest that President Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood party want to be on good terms with conservative Islamists given imminent mass anti-government demonstrations on June 30, Morsi's first anniversary in power. At least one person was killed and more than 200 people were wounded during clashes between government supporters and opponents before a speech Morsi delivered on Wednesday evening. In his address, the president admitted mistakes "on a number of issues" and proposed constitutional reforms to ease political polarization. (Gulf News, Daily News Egypt, Al Jazeera)

 

ISRAEL / PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: U.S. hopes to revive peace talks as Israel announces new settlements

As of Thursday, U.S. foreign minister John Kerry is trying to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestine Authority as part of his current trip to the Middle East. Negotiations have been stalled for three years, but both sides "have indicated a seriousness of purpose," according to Kerry. On Wednesday, it became public that an Israeli planning committee has approved a plan to build 69 housing units in East Jerusalem, prompting heavy criticism by the Palestine Liberation Organization, who names "a cessation of all settlement activities" as a precondition for the resumption of negotiations. Comment: Israel annexed East Jerusalem after the Six-Day War in 1967, a move that was not recognized by the international community, and condemned by Palestine, who wants East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future independent Palestinian state. Peace talks will be held against the backdrop of retaliatory Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip on Monday after five rockets had been fired over the Israeli border, allegedly by the militant organization Hamas. (Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera, Yedioth Ahronoth)

 

LEBANON: Fallout from Syrian civil war causes at least 37 deaths

Lebanese armed forces and supporters of Ahmad al-Assir, a radical Sunni cleric, clashed on two consecutive days in the coastal city of Sidon this week, leaving 17 military personnel and at least 20 militants dead. Sheikh Assir, an outspoken critic of Hizballah, accuses the Lebanese army of cooperating with the Shiite militia group that is currently fighting on the side of President Assad in the Syrian civil war. Last week, Assir's supporters opened fire on apartments allegedly housing Hizballah members, and then launched an attack on an army checkpoint last Sunday. Lebanese soldiers managed to seize Assir's headquarters in Sidon on Monday and are now in search of the cleric, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. Comment: The clashes constitute the worst incident of sectarian violence since the outbreak of the civil war in Syria and also sparked tensions elsewhere in Lebanon. The country is becoming increasingly involved in the conflict of its neighboring country: with the help of Hizballah fighters, the Syrian army was able to regain control of a second city in the province of Homs on Wednesday, manifesting its current preponderance over the rebels. (Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera, Daily Star

 

Researched/Written by Anke Rehfeld

South Asia

AFGHANISTAN: Taliban attacks Presidential Palace and CIA station

Early Tuesday morning, the Presidential Palace in Kabul and a nearby hotel known to house a CIA station came under fire by four insurgents armed with guns and explosives, leaving all of the attackers and three security guards dead.  The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the most recent in a series staged in the Afghan capital.  Although President Karzai was in the palace at the time, reports indicate that he was never in serious danger.  Comment: Both the CIA station and Presidential Palace are within Kabul's high security zone, making the attacks a symbolic act by the Taliban to showcase their organization's reach.  These high profile attacks continue despite the recently established Taliban offices in Qatar, causing many sources to suspect it is part of a strategy to improve the Taliban's bargaining position against both the U.S. and Afghan governments. (BBC, Reuters, Wall Street Journal)

 

PAKISTAN: Attack on mountain climbers, 11 killed

On Sunday, 10 foreign mountain climbers and their guide were killed by armed fighters disguised as Pakistani soldiers while attempting to climb Nanga Parbat, Pakistan's second highest mountain, in the Northern territory of Gilgit-Baltistan.  Of the 11 victims, two were Chinese, one was a Chinese-American, three were Ukrainian, two were Slovaks, one was Lithuanian, one was Nepalese, and the guide was Pakistani.  A spokesperson for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Pakistani Taliban, claimed his group's responsibility for the attack, saying it was an act of revenge for U.S. drone strikes and the killing of TTP leader Waliur Rehman Mehsud earlier this year.  On Wednesday, the local inspector general reported that 16 of the attackers had been identified, but as of writing they had not been apprehended.  Comment: Although tourism in Pakistan has been poor in recent decades, mountain climbing had remained relatively robust, as the mountainous Northeastern region had been considered relatively safe from terrorist violence until Sunday's attack.  Now, many local officials are predicting a sharp decline in the number of climbers, destroying the livelihood of thousands of families. (Express Tribune, International Business Times, Reuters)

 

PAKISTAN: Treason case being built against Musharraf

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sharif formed an investigative panel to explore the emergency rule imposed by General Pervez Musharraf in November 2007, a central component of the high treason case being built against the former president under Article Six of the Pakistani constitution.  Mr. Musharraf, who is currently under house arrest in his home in Islamabad, has also been accused in connection with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in 2007.  Mr. Sharif has called for the case to be formalized "as expeditiously as possible."  Comment: Mr. Musharraf came to power in 1999 by overthrowing Mr. Sharif's government, leading some to interpret this case as an act of revenge rather than a move to solidify civilian rule in the country.  Even after the return to civilian leadership, the military within Pakistan remains a powerful force, and many commentators see the case against Musharraf as a test for the new government.  The denigration of a former army chief would be embarrassing for military officials, and they are likely to exert pressure against the government to minimize or drop certain charges.   Others worry that the government is too focused on this case, and is creating more unnecessary challenges for the already beleaguered Pakistan. (Express Tribune, The Hindu,Time

 

Researched/Written by Thomas Oldfield

June 28, 2013
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Featured Article
Africa
Americas
East Asia
Europe & Central Asia
Middle East & North Africa
South Asia

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