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IPSI's Peace & Security Report (PSR) is a concise weekly e-publication intended to brief busy students, academics, advocates, and conflict management practitioners 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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CSIS

The new outburst of violent terrorism in Paris, the threat of plans for other attacks in Belgium, and reports of other planned attacks by ISIS have all raised the specter of Jihadist attacks throughout Europe. They have also renewed all the fears and concerns that the tragedy of "9/11" caused in the United States. At the same time, the ongoing struggle between China and its own Islamic extremists, and similar threats to Russia, East Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia have led to increased counterterrorist activity in much of the rest of the world. A new CSIS report explores how to create an effective partnership in fighting extremism between the West and the Muslim world.
  

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Africa  

BURUNDI: Journalist freed on bail

On Wednesday, Burundian journalist, Bob Rugurika, was released from jail on bail after being imprisoned for one month; thousands gathered in the Burundi capital of Bujumbura to celebrate his release. Rugurika, director of Radio Publique Africaine (RPA), was taken into custody after refusing to identity a guest who admitted on the show that he was involved with the murder of three Italian nuns. The station broadcasted a series of investigative reports on the September 2014 murder of three nuns in Burundi. The charges against Rugurika include complicity in murder and concealing a criminal. Comment: Last week, the European parliament threatened to stop a five-year aid program to Burundi if Rugurika was not freed. Along with implicating himself, the guest on Rugurika's radio show accused senior intelligence and security officials of being involved with the murders. Burundi has experienced an increased crackdown on perceived government critics ahead of elections set in May 2015. (HRW, Reuters, BBC)

 

LIBERIA: Schools reopen after six-month closure due to Ebola outbreak

On Monday, many schools in Liberia reopened their doors after being shut down for six months in an effort to stop the spread of Ebola. Reuters reported that an estimated one million students in Liberia continued following lessons by radio during the school closures. The Ministry of Education, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and other international partners developed protocols to ensure a safe learning environment for returning students. The partners handed out at least 7,200 hygiene kits, comprised of thermometers and chlorine for hand-washing, to more than 4,000 Liberian schools. In addition, an estimated 15,000 teachers and school administrators received training in monitoring safety protocols. The Ministry of Education lowered the allowed maximum class size to around 50 students in order to avoid overcrowding and prevent disease transmission between students. Comment: Liberia has experienced the highest death toll of any country due to Ebola, with an estimated 3,800 dead. The number of new Ebola cases continues to drop with only a few new cases reported each week within the country. Leaders in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone vowed to eradicate the virus by mid-April. Schools in neighboring Guinea reopened in January, while schools in Sierra Leone plan to reopen in March. (Aljazeera, Reuters, Allafrica, News24, BBC)

 

NIGER: Thousands march to protest against Boko Haram

On Tuesday, an estimated 35,000 people marched in Niger's capital, Niamey, to protest Boko Haram and show support for the country's military. Prime Minister, Brigi Rafini, and other government officials, led the march, which ended with a rally in front of the parliament building. The protest comes after attacks by Boko Haram in Niger's Diffa region earlier this month. Comment: Niger along with Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin are preparing an 8,700 strong force to combat Boko Haram as part of a regional effort. Niger's parliament already approved sending troops into northern Nigeria. Additionally, on Monday, presidents from the 10-nation Economic Community of Central African States pledged to create a USD 87 millionemergency fund for military, medical, and logistical support.(News24, Reuters, BBC)

 

Researched/Written by Jessica Obi
Americas 

CANADA: Halifax mass murder plot foiled

On February 14, Canadian police raided the homes of three individuals suspected of plotting a mass murder attack at a local shopping center. Following an anonymous tip, police successfully arrested two of the suspects, while the third committed suicide before being taken into police custody. Evidence indicates the three suspects had communicated via chat rooms and planned a mass assault on the popular shopping area, with the intent of committing suicide afterwards. Comment: Investigators have pointed to a tip received from their anonymous hotline service as the main reason for preventing the incident. The suspects in custody, a 20 year old Canadian man and 23 year old woman from Illinois, are being charged with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit arson, illegal possession of weapons for a purpose dangerous to the public and making a threat through social media. Due to lack of evidence identifying their motives as political or ideological, police are not treating this as a terrorist incident. (National Post, Vancouver Sun, Chicago Tribune, The Star)

 

COLOMBIA: FARC expels child soldiers from group

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) announced on February 12 that it would release child soldiers under the age of 15 and discontinue recruitment of members under the age of 18. This latest decision comes as peace talks continue in Havana between the FARC and the Colombian government with the aim of ending a 50-year conflict that has claimed the lives of at least 200,000 people. As part of the negotiations, the FARC agreed earlier this year to cease the use of roadside bombs that have affected the Colombian army forces and civilians. Comment: FARC's decision to free child combatants is in accordance with international humanitarian law, which strictly forbids the recruitment of minors to conflict causes. FARC claims that only 13 soldiers under the age of 15 were amongst its ranks and that they were either rescued orphans or the children of current members. (BBC, Colombia Reports, El Colombiano, Tele Sur)

 

VENEZUELA: 11 implicated in coup d'�tat attempt

On February 13, Venezuelan officials arrested three and indicted eight persons in connection with coordinating a plot to assassinate President Maduro and launch attacks on the capitol. Among the accused are soldiers, opposition leaders, businessmen and a retired army general. President Maduro made statements earlier this week condemning the attempt "against democracy and the stability of the homeland." The president also implicated the United States, among other countries, of orchestrating the incident, pointing to alleged U.S. currency and suspicious visa grants suspects had in their possession. Comments: Venezuelan opposition leader Jesus Torrealba has commented that the coup plot is "implausible" and that the president fabricated these allegations in order to avoid talking about the current state of the nation. A U.S. State Department spokesman has called the accusations of U.S. involvement "ludicrous." (BBC, El Universal, The Guardian, Tele Sur


Researched/Written by Eric Bravo
East Asia & Pacific 

AUSTRALIA/INDONESIA: Tensions rise over Australian prisoners facing death penalty

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott issued a statement on Wednesday urging Indonesian authorities to spare the lives of two Australian citizens who were convicted of leading a heroin smuggling ring.  Abbott cited his country's past tsunami aid to Indonesia in his plea.  An Indonesian spokesman responded that "threats are not part of diplomatic language and no one responds well to threats." U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also appealed to Indonesia not to execute prisoners on drug charges. The date of the executions, originally scheduled to take place as soon as this week, will be pushed back at least one month. Sources claim that the Indonesian government still intends to carry out the sentences. Comment: Indonesia is known for its strong penalties for drug-related crimes. Citizens of Brazil, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the Philippines are also currently facing the death penalty. (Sydney Morning Herald, Guardian, Reuters)

 

CHINA: New islands constructed in South China Sea

Satellite photographs analyzed this week show new artificial Chinese islands in disputed South China Sea waters.  The new structures are located in the Gavin Reefs of the Spratly Islands.  While previous photos showed only a few concrete platforms, the new images reveal airstrips, harbors, helipads, and a 75,000 square foot facility that includes infrastructure to support a large number of troops.  This development follows the construction of at least two similar artificial islands in the past year. Comment: The South China Sea is rich in natural resources, including fishing areas, oil, and natural gas.  Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam all have claims in the region, many of which conflict. In recent years tensions between China, and Vietnam and the Philippines over this territory have risen. (CNN, Australian, New Kerala)

 

MYANMAR: State of emergency declared in Kokang region as fighting flares

Following a spate of violence between government forces and multiple insurgent groups last week, the national government declared a state of emergency in the Kokang region.  Attacks by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Kachin Independence Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, and the Shan State Army resulted in the loss of at least 70 lives, according to government officials.  Martial law was declared in the region on Tuesday and will remain in effect for 90 days, during which time Colonel Saw Myint Oo will exercise executive and judicial powers for military administration in the region. Comment: Myanmar is one of Asia's most ethnically diverse nations. The country has struggled to bring reconciliation and peace between local groups and the national government since gaining independence from Britain.  Many of the insurgent groups in Myanmar are sustained economically by lucrative border trade. (Reuters, CNN, Xinhua)

 
Researched/Written by Peter Valente
Europe & Central Asia

DENMARK: Armed shooter attacks free speech forum and synagogue

On Saturday, an armed gunman attacked a free speech forum in Copenhagen, allegedly targeting controversial cartoonist Lars Vilks before proceeding to fire shots at a nearby synagogue. Danish authorities reported that two civilians died and five police officers were wounded as a result of the attacks. The 22-year-old shooter also died during a shootout with Danish police. The Danish police publically stated that they had some knowledge of the shooter before the attack given his history of violence, gang activities, and illegal weapons possession. The Danish intelligence services also confirmed that they had prior knowledge of the shooter, identifying him as at-risk for radicalization during his prison sentence for stabbing a man in the leg on a commuter train in 2013. Comment: Reminiscent of the January Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris, Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks has gained attention for his controversial depictions of the Prophet Mohammed. Government officials, including the Danish Minister for Justice, Mette Fredericksen, chose not to comment on religion when new counterterrorism measures including extra funding for intelligence services were announced on Thursday. Instead, Fredericksen maintains that the government fully intends to defend its status as "one of the most generous societies there are."  (Reuters, BBC, CNN, New York Times)

 

HUNGARY: Putin visits Budapest amid protests

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Budapest this Tuesday to negotiate a new natural gas deal with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Putin's visit sparked large-scale public protests in the city center where at least 2,000 people carried signs and chanted, "Putin, no! Europe, yes." One of the protesters' key concerns is that Hungary may be returning to dependence on Russia for natural gas imports and nuclear energy technology. Comment: In the midst of the ongoing violence in Ukraine, Prime Minister Orban initially supported the EU levying sanctions against Russia. Orban subsequently raised concerns about the negative consequences of sanctions interfering with the energy trade in Europe, causing protesters to question his true commitment to enforcing European Union policy. Orban described the meeting as pragmatic and necessary in order to secure a favorable natural gas agreement with Russia before their existing agreement expires at the end of the year. (Los Angeles Times, Radio Free Europe, The Moscow Times)

 

TURKEY: Protesters and politicians rally to condemn violence against women

The brutal murder of 20-year-old student, �zgecan Aslan, sparked mass protests, political statements, and social media outcry across Turkey this week. Police reported that a man attacked Aslan on a minibus in the southeastern province of Mersin on Wednesday, intending to rape her. When Aslan retaliated with pepper spray, her attacker stabbed her and beat her to death with an iron bar. The Turkish authorities apprehended Aslan's attacker and accomplices. The men remain in police custody.  In response, women nationwide wore black to condemn the murder and posted their photos on social media sites with the #sendeanlat, meaning "you tell us too," or in other words, tell your story. Thousands of women responded and shared their experiences of sexual harassment and violence, causing the hashtag to trend as the third most popular in the world on Sunday. In remembrance, black ribbons and photos of Aslan adorned several hundred minibuses in Diyarbakir. In a speech in Ankara on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan acknowledged the severity of the issue, condemning violence against women as the country's "bleeding wound". Comment: Incidences of violence against women surged in Turkey last year, with human rights monitor, Bianet, reporting that 281 women were murdered, a 31% increase from 2013. (Time, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal)

 

Researched/Written by Cate Partain

Middle East & North Africa 

BAHRAIN: Government launches criminal investigation against Shiite opposition group following protests

On Tuesday, government officials announced plans to investigate alleged crimes committed by its main opposition group, al-Wefaq. The government, ruled by a Sunni monarchy, claims that the Shiite-affiliated al-Wefaq group released false, antigovernment statements on its website and Twitter account that effectively undermined national security, an offense punishable by Bahraini law. The announcement came days after members of the Shiite majority community gathered in protest in the capital, Manama, to mark the fourth anniversary of the 2011 Arab Spring-inspired demonstrations in Bahrain. Comment: Tensions between the majority Shiite population and minority Sunni have risen since government authorities quelled the 2011 protests led by Shiite groups demanding government reforms. Bahrain's treatment of opposition groups has come under increasing scrutiny recently, with human rights organizations criticizing government policies of jailing, trying, and revoking the citizenship of many opposition activists. (Gulf News, Reuters, AP, Agence France-Presse, Bahrain News Agency)

 

EGYPT/LIBYA: Egypt carries out airstrikes against self-proclaimed Islamic State in Libya

Egyptian forces carried out airstrikes in Libya on Monday, targeting suspected self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) locations near the eastern port city of Derna. The strikes were conducted in retaliation for the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya by IS members, depicted in a video released on Sunday. The General National Congress (GNC), one of Libya's two rival national governments, condemned the Egyptian airstrikes, alleging that they violated Libyan sovereignty and resulted in civilian casualties. In a further move on Tuesday, Egypt called for an international intervention to resolve the Libyan civil conflict. Comment: IS expansion into Libya occurs amid ongoing conflict between two governments, the internationally recognized government and the rival Islamist GNC. Egypt is said to support the internationally-recognized government, and allegedly carried out airstrikes against GNC forces in 2014. Despite this, the GNC announced on Tuesday that it will deploy troops to bolster the fight against northern IS combatants. (BBC, Al Jazeera, Wall Street Journal, New York Times)

 

TUNISIA:  Four police officers killed in attacks on police checkpoint

Four police officers were killed on Wednesday after approximately 20 combatants attacked a checkpoint near the Kasserine province of Tunisia. In a statement following the attacks, Tunisian government officials suggested that the suspected al-Qaeda affiliate Okba Ibn Nafaa was responsible for the attack. Comment: Similar attacks conducted by Okba Ibn Nafaa last year claimed the lives of at least 14 Tunisian soldiers.  Efforts to combat the increasing influence of radical networks in Tunisia initially increased after the ousting of President Ben Ali during the 2011 Tunisian Arab Spring uprisings. A rise in radical Islamist groups has invoked concern among Tunisian and regional officials regarding security in the newly democratic North African state. Tunisia's transition to democracy since 2011 is widely regarded by media sources and global leaders as a successful example of democratization in the region. (BBC, Reuters, Gulf Times, Agence France-Presse)

 

YEMEN: UN Security Council calls on Houthi forces to relinquish power

Members of the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a resolution on Sunday demanding that Shiite-Houthi forces immediately relinquish control over Yemen's government and refrain from further hostilities. Among its many provisions, the resolution calls for the release of the former Yemeni president and other government officials currently under Houthi-enforced house arrest.  It also requires Houthis to participate in "good faith" in continued UN-led peace talks. In a statement released on Monday, Houthi officials effectively rejected the UN's demands. Comment: Although the resolution threatens "further steps" will be taken in the event of continued noncompliance, it does not include provisions allowing for economic sanctions or military enforcement, despite demands from Arab states that it do so. In order for a UN resolution to include such provisions, it must be passed under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which if evoked, empowers the Security Council to authorize and implement sanctions and force to address situations threatening international peace and security. The resolution is the first passed regarding the situation in Yemen since the current conflict between Shiite Houthis searching for greater representation and the country's largely-Sunni government began in late 2014. Houthi forces effectively took control over the government earlier this month, dismantling parliament and implementing their own governing authorities.  (Yemen Times, Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Arabiya, Reuters, Washington Post)

 

Researched/Written by Kateira Aryaeinejad

South Asia

AFGHANISTAN: Civilian casualties topped 10,000 in 2014, UN Reports

According to a UN annual report released on Wednesday, the number of civilians killed or injured in Afghanistan's war surpassed 10,000 in 2014, the highest level since record-keeping began in 2009. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan documented 3,699 civilian deaths and 6,849 wounded, a combined 22 percent rise from the previous year. Comment: For the first time, ground battles between the Taliban and government forces have claimed more lives than roadside bombs. The intensification of fighting coincided with the sharp drawdown of U.S. and allied foreign troops, who formally concluded their 13-year combat mission in Afghanistan in December. The UN reports that the Taliban and other insurgent groups are responsible for 72 percent of civilian deaths, and government forces and foreign troops are responsible for 14 percent. (TIME, AP, Reuters, The Telegraph, NYT)

 

INDIA: India approves most expensive naval expansion in five years

India is tripling its fleet of nuclear submarines in its most expensive naval expansion in five years. On Tuesday, a cabinet committee approved plans to build six nuclear-powered submarines and seven frigates equipped with stealth features at a cost of INR one trillion (USD 16 billion). The warships will be built at government shipyards in Mumbai and Kolkata, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" campaign to bolster the country's domestic defense industrial base and reduce dependence on arms imports. Comment: Modi has sought to modernize India's military since taking office last May as China has increased its naval presence in the Indian Ocean. Last year, two Chinese submarines docked in Sri Lanka, near India's southern coastline. (Reuters, Bloomberg, WSJ)


PAKISTAN: At least 2 killed, 7 injured in blast outside Shiite religious center

On February 18, a bomb blast outside a minority Shiite mosque in the northern Pakistani city of Rawalpindi killed at least two people and injured seven. The Taliban splinter group Jundullah claimed responsibility for the attack as a reaction to an ongoing Pakistani military operation in North Waziristan. The suicide bombing was the third deadly attack on a Pakistani Shiite facility in three weeks. Comment: Taliban militants have increased attacks in Pakistan after the government's crackdown on terrorists following the Peshawar school massacre that killed 150 people, including 136 students. On Monday, five people died in a bombing outside the police headquarters in Lahore, and last week Taliban suicide bombers killed 22 people in an attack on a crowded Shia mosque in Peshawar. In January, suicide bombers attacked a packed Shia mosque during the Friday prayers in Sindh province, killing 61 people. (Reuters, CNN, RFE/RL, The Economic Times)

 

Researched/Written by Sara Cook

February 20, 2015
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