Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Women Poised to Defuse Violent Extremism in Tajikistan
An imposing statue of Ismail Somoni, a ninth century ruler considered the “father of the Tajik people,” stands over Freedom Square in the center of the capital Dushanbe. Its presence is a pointed replacement of the statue of Lenin that was moved to a less conspicuous perch two decades ago; moved, but not put away.
Afghan Parliament Steps Up; Where is the Opposition?
Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s signing of a law on two pivotal electoral commissions this week was an important concession to parliament and removed a major obstacle to holding next year’s presidential election on time.
Iraqis, Under Sectarian Pressure, Could Adopt a ‘Third Way’ Foreign Policy
Iraq this year is living dangerously amid a revival of sectarian political violence, and its contentious domestic politics are playing an unhelpful role in how the young democracy is responding to a slew of foreign policy challenges, particularly from neighboring Syria.
Colombian Churches, Faith Groups Engage to Urge Peace
As the Colombian government and FARC rebels conduct peace negotiations in Cuba, religious leaders and people of faith have been active in Colombia’s broader movement for peace and justice.
Conundrum on Afghanistan: Karzai Has Little to Gain by Going Back to Doha
The visit to Kabul of British Prime Minister David Cameron over the weekend provided an opportunity to again raise the issue of the stalled peace talks with the Taliban in Doha. Karzai did not provide clarity on when or whether he would rejoin the talks.
Afghanistan: Are Local Seams Fraying?
Last week in two separate incidents in Afghanistan’s Logar Province, elders who were pivotal in defusing local conflict and leading dispute resolution efforts were killed by anti-government militant groups. Both men were gunned down by unknown assailants on their way home from work. Local residents believe the men were targeted because they worked with non-governmental organizations.
India, China, Burma: Challenges to the U.S. “Pivot” Toward Asia
The Obama administration’s strategy of turning renewed attention to the Asia-Pacific relies in significant part on India as a critical partner. But the long-standing border conflict between China and India, and the somewhat related armed ethnic struggles linked to Burma and northeastern India threaten to undermine the prospects of that Asia “pivot.” One potential avenue for improving those odds may lie in the common vision of China, India, and Burma to link their ethnic borderlands via road a...
Syria Negotiations: Surprising Hope After G-8 Summit?
At the outset, expectations that the recent G-8 summit in Northern Ireland might narrow U.S.-Russian differences on Syria and advance prospects for a negotiated settlement were decidedly and deservedly low. But contrary to what is being reported in much of the media, which has zeroed in on the absence of references to Bashar al-Assad and his fate, the communiqué can arguably be seen as a significant step forward and a major shift in Russia’s position.
Iraq: What’s Next After Anbar and Nineveh Elections?
Political imperatives and a slight ebbing of violence in Iraq will allow the next stage of the country’s planned provincial elections to proceed tomorrow in Anbar and Nineveh provinces. But the small kernel of hope engendered by a June 1 meeting of national political leaders to try to ease tensions needs urgent follow-up by the newly elected officials and the international community to stem the cycle of attacks that have reached levels not seen since the height of post-Saddam Hussein violence...