Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Iraq Chief Justice Cites Judicial Progress and Needs Amid Tensions
Iraqi Chief Justice Madhat Al-Mahmood said the country’s judicial system has developed significantly in the past decade, despite the resurgence of violence in the past year. But the courts still need more personnel and training and a greater public awareness of human rights and the rule of law, he said.
The Meaning of Afghanistan’s Elections: Part 1
When we discuss elections in well-established democracies, the question is generally about who will win. For Afghanistan’s upcoming presidential and provincial balloting set for April 5, the question most people seem to be asking is: will the country survive this vote? In a two-part series today and tomorrow, USIP Director of Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs Scott Smith reflects on the long road toward this monumental transition and the scenarios that could emerge from the impending vote...
The Meaning of Afghanistan’s Elections: Part 2
When we discuss elections in well-established democracies, the question is generally about who will win. For Afghanistan’s upcoming presidential and provincial balloting set for April 4, the question most people seem to be asking is: will the country survive this vote? In this continuation of a two-part series yesterday and today, USIP Director of Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs Scott Smith reflects on the long road toward this monumental transition and the scenarios that could emerge f...
Peace Is More than Silencing Guns: Human Rights and Colombia’s Peace Process
Peace is more than just silencing guns. That was the upshot when Colombian human rights defenders gathered at USIP recently to discuss the ongoing peace process between the FARC guerrillas and Colombia’s government and how the talks can advance justice in the aftermath of a deal. Days later, in a development unrelated to the gathering, the Colombian government took a step in that direction.
Don’t Underestimate Afghanistan’s Young Voters
Young people make up more than half – 68 percent – of Afghanistan’s population. That capacity to influence the upcoming presidential and provincial elections on April 5, paired with unprecedented enthusiasm during the campaign, is the ideal combination to propel a positive change.
Iraqis Back Elections, Democracy Amid Violence and Political Turmoil
Iraqis demonstrate a remarkable degree of support for democracy, considering the renewed violence of the past year and the effects of sectarianism and corruption on their lives, according to a poll conducted as the country prepares for its first parliamentary elections since the U.S. withdrew its forces in December 2011.
General John Allen on Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan
As the United States prepares to reduce its military footprint in Afghanistan after 2014, one of the key issues for leaders in Kabul and Washington is how to position the remaining forces to deal with a continuing insurgency and safe havens in which it thrives, General John Allen said at the U.S. Institute of Peace on April 23.
UK Envoy Echoes U.S. Concern on China Tensions with Neighbors
As China rises, the UK Ambassador to Washington said his country and other European nations are as concerned as the U.S. about growing tensions in the South and East China Seas.
Nigerian Girls’ Abduction Points to Critical Need for Women in Peace and Security
A recent discussion at USIP to explore the role of women in peace efforts, the second annual Sheikha Fatima lectureship, naturally landed on the disturbing case of 276 girls abducted and being held captive in Nigeria by the extremist group Boko Haram.
Tunisia and Libya’s Political Transitions: Impressions from the Field
Tunisia and Libya recently took diverging tracks in their political transitions. A USIP field mission to both countries to meet with political and civil society leaders reveals potential lessons from Tunisia’s advances and possible opportunities that still exist for Libya to salvage its transition.