Al-Sadr Struggles for Iraq Control and Legitimacy
An intra-Shiite power struggle is underway as cleric Muqtada al-Sadr attempts to maintain control over his militia (the Jaysh al-Mahdi, JAM) and transform it into a legitimate political movement.
Darfur & Chinese Arms Sales
China is selling small arms to Sudan, which are used in the Darfur conflict to maim and kill civilians, in exchange for access to Sudanese oil. The violence in Darfur will continue as long as China continues its oil-for-weapons trade with Sudan.
Syria and Israel’s Hollow Peace Talks
Syria announced last week the existence of back-channel peace negotiations with Israel.
“War on Terror” Extends Somalia’s Crisis
A recent Amnesty International report documenting war crimes by US-backed forces in Somalia and US air strikes that have killed more Somali civilians than alleged al-Qaeda operatives underscore Washington’s role in Somalia’s humanitarian crisis.
US-Sudan Rapprochement over Oil, Security
Despite its accusations of “genocide” in Darfur and an outbreak of violence in oil-rich Abyei, the US is negotiating with Sudan to normalize diplomatic relations.
Israeli Prime Minister’s Peace-Talk Strategy
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is being investigated for bribery and tax evasion. His popularity has plummeted, and he may be indicted within the month in which case he has pledged to resign.
Turkey’s Secularists Attempt to Oust AKP
This past week, Turkey’s Constitutional Court began hearing a trial that could see the governing AKP (Justice and Development Party) outlawed, and its members banned from politics for five years. Meanwhile, two days ago, the government detained 21 people on grounds of coup-plotting.
Covert Ops in Iran
Contrary to claims of taking a more diplomatic approach with Iran, the Bush administration has significantly expanded US covert operations against the Islamic republic courtesy of a $400 million budget approved by Congress last year, thus foreshadowing preparations for war.
European Missile Defense
In a move harkening back to the Cold War, Russia has threatened to respond militarily and technologically to U.S plans for a missile defense system in Central Europe, plans that could re-trigger an arms race.
Syria Officially Recognizes Lebanon Government
Syria officially ended 60 years of non-recognition this past week when it recognized Lebanon as a sovereign state and announced plans to exchange embassies with its neighbor. The diplomatic move comes at the end of decades of often acrimonious, and violent, relations.