Pakistan’s Musharraf in Crisis
Impeachment proceedings against Pervez Musharraf are gaining momentum. Once he is replaced, however, the parliamentary infighting will continue as a new power structure coalesces. In the meantime, Pakistan lists as its economy implodes and lawlessness spreads in the provinces.
Pakistan’s Murky Future
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s decision to resign rather than face impeachment by parliament will have both domestic and international implications: a political power vacuum for a fractious Pakistan, and the loss of a once indispensible ally in the “war on terror” for the US.
The Bush Administration and the Global Arms Trade
With the “war on terror” entering its seventh year, the Bush administration is brokering dozens of foreign weapons deals in order to combat terrorism by re-arming Iraq and Afghanistan, containing North Korea and Iran, and cementing ties with onetime Russian allies.
Israel’s New Prime Minister: Tzipi Livni
On Monday, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, won the leadership race of the Kadima Party, the ruling party in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, following the resignation of the former leader ex-PM Ehud Olmert.
Iraqi Government Commands Sunni Insurgent Groups
The Iraqi Sunni insurgent groups recently allied with, and paid by, the Americans officially came under command of the Shi’a controlled Baghdad government on Wednesday. The American peace deal with the Sunni insurgent groups is seen as the single most vital factor in the de-escalation of violence in Iraq.
Somalia: Truly at World’s End
The Straits of Malacca are losing their status as the world’s most dangerous waters in exchange for a stretch of water off one of the world’s most lawless failed states. The past week has witnessed what has become the most dramatic naval standoff since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
US and Pakistan in Low-Level War
For the first time since the beginning of the ‘War on Terror’, American and Pakistani forces have exchanged fire.
Pakistan’s New Spy Chief
Far from being a routine reshuffling exercise, Pakistan’s appointment of a new chief for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) comes amid growing US pressure for reform and concern about the premier spy agency’s loyalty in the “war on terror”.
US-Iraq Security Pact Doubtful
The proposed US-Iraqi security pact, required to be in place by January 1, 2009, appears increasingly doubtful.
Wall Street in Crisis
If the financial crisis caused by Wall Street manages to diminish Washington’s prestige, ability to influence policy, and deters allies from following the US’ lead on foreign policy, it will achieve what 50 years of near nuclear confrontation with the Soviet Union failed to do—the dissolution of the American Empire.