Global Security Studies Practicum

26 October 2011 SOMALIA- The Somali government issued a clarification statement after president Sharif Ahmed spoke against Kenya's military entering Somali territory earlier this week. The clarification statement stated that Kenya and Somali have always had a strong relationship of history and cooperation, which continues today. In addition, it thanked Kenya for working with the transitional government of Somalia, training their soldiers, and hosting refugees. The issued clarification statement also said both nations have the same attitude toward al-Shabab who "constitutes a common enemy to both countries" and the integrity of territory in Somali and Kenya "should be respected". Somalia emphasized that cooperation between both countries' military operations and security are important to fight cross-border crime. Source: Somalia Thanks Kenya after president's criticism http://articles.cnn.com/2011-10-26/africa/world_africa_somalia-kenya_1_al-shabaab-keny

Turkey and Iran hold divergent views on the ongoing Arab Spring protests across the middle east. One indicator of the divide is the current international conference on Afghanistan which opens in Istanbul today. All states in attendance sent high level diplomats except for Iran which sent a low ranking deputy foreign minister despite it claims to be a regional super power and sharing a long border with Afghanistan. The diplomatic tensions reveals how the current Arab uprising has  transformed Turkey-Iranian friendship into a intensifying rivalry. The outcome of the rivalry is the rekindling of centuries old rivalry for influence between the Persians and Ottoman. The result will shape the security architecture of the middle east for years to come. Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/1102/Turkey-s-rising-clout-leaves-Iran-fuming-on-sidelines-of-Arab-Spring Reliability (9) Comments: Iran claims the Arab Spring is modeled after its own 1979 Islamic Revolution wit

SALE, Morocco- A Moroccan court on Friday convicted nine men proven to be responsible for a Marrakesh bombing in April that killed 17 people. The attack was one of the most deadliest bombings that the north African kingdom has encountered since 2003 . Adil al-Atmani, the ringleader of the plot was sentenced to death, top accomplice Hakim Dah received a life sentence while seven others received light sentences, ranging from three to four years in jail. Lawyers representing some of the victims had previously asked the court not to issue death penalties, saying the accused should be given life instead, partly to deprive them of boasting that they will die as martyrs. Family members of the victims that were killed voiced their outrage for the lighter sentences that were given to the seven accomplices, expressing that it is “scandalous”, “betrayal of justice” and is “ unacceptable and intolerable to sentence the accomplices to only four years in prison.” In response t

Burbank, CA- President Obama has described the US' capture of Libyan official Moammar Gadhafi as a "recipe for success." While speaking with Jay Leno , Obama denied claims that the US "lead from behind" stating, "We lead from the front." Obama distinguished his actions from those of the nine-year Iraqi War. He attributes the success to building an international alliance against Gadhafi, saving American lives and money while achieving their goal. The "Recipe for Success" stems from claims that "not a single US troop was on the ground... killed or injured." Obama does credit the war for the capture of Saddam Hussein , remaining "cautiously optimistic" of the Iraqis' opportunity to achieve democracy through discussion and debate, not violence. Obama claims Gadhafi "had an opportunity during the Arab Spring to finally let loose of his grip on power and to peacefully transition into democracy. We gave him ample oppo

02 November 2011 London (The Guardian) — Natural disasters, armed conflict and famine devastating the Horn of Africa have caused an increase in human smuggling and trafficking in the region. Women and children, most fleeing drought and conflict in Somalia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda are being trafficked into Kenya and sold into prostitution, domestic labor, or cattle herding with a promise of a better life. Womankind Kenya , an NGO based in Kenya’s North Eastern Province, estimates that 50 young girls are trafficked or smuggled to Nairobi each week. The bulk of the distribution of girls to different parts of Kenya and across the world occurs from the central market in Nairobi. The International Organization for Migration estimates that more than 10,000 people are trafficked into Kenya’s Coast province each year. In efforts to curb trafficking, President Mwai Kibaki signed The Counter Trafficking in Persons Act in 2010 . Under the law, trafficking in persons is now cr

2 November 2011 On October 29, 2011 a car bomb in the Afghan capital of Kabul killed 17, and at least 12 of them were Americans. This was the deadliest attack on coalition forces since this August. Three civilians and a policeman also died after the suicide car bomber targeted a convoy of coalition forces. “Our common enemy continues to employ suicide attackers to kill innocent Afghan fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, as well as the coalition forces who have volunteered to protect them,” General John Allen, the coalition commander, said in an email statement. The explosion occurred as the convoy was passing the American University, sparking a fireball and littering the street with shrapnel. There were two other attacks in Afghanistan on this same day. In the eastern province of Kunar , a teenage girl carried out a suicide attack that wounded several people at the National Directorate of Security building. These attacks show how much danger and violence the Taliban engages in on a

2 November 2011 Four senior citizens from Georgia planned a bio terrorist attack against federal officials. The objective behind this attack was to decrease government power over Americans. The four men were part of a right wing militia, the oldest individual being 73 years old, and the youngest 65 years old. The FBI recorded conversations among the men plotting their attack where they stated that they planned to use Ricin , a potent toxin, and disperse it among the city. The senior citizens were arrested and the future of the case is unknown. Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/11/grumpy-old-terrorists-the-fbi-says-4-seniors-plotted-bio-attack/247738/ Reliability: 8

2 November 2011 BANGKOK, THAILAND – The recent heavy flooding in the Thai Kingdom has taken lives, displaced thousands, and is now posing an economic threat to an already weather-battered country. Thailand was once a leader among the fastest growing world economies , but has seen significant slow down in more recent years when compared to its neighboring countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Much of Thailand’s recent economic underperformance has been attributed to the recent floods as well as a series of natural disasters that have hit the country over the last several years. One of the Government’s priorities is to maintain investors and keep investor confidence high. Earlier in the week, Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra voiced future plans to have an $800 billion baht ($25.97 billion) aid program to help farmers and business operators affected by flooding. Thai Government spokesman Thitima Chaisaeng, stated that major portions of aid funding will be u

2 November 2011 President Chavez and Lybia's Gadhafi hold hands during a public meeting. President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela said he does not recognize the new government in Lybia after the fall of Moammar Gadhafi . Chavez’s 26 October statement condemned the killing of Gadhafi and also criticized NATO ’s involvement in the country stating, “It’s [NATO] installed a government through bombs in Lybia.” During the conflict in Lybia, Chavez demanded peace negotiations and denounced the rebels as “terrorists.” Source:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/venezuelas-chavez-libya/.html Reliability: 8.5 Comment: President Chavez sustained close relations with the Gadhafi regime, visiting Lybia five times. In a television address in September 2009, Chavez compared Gadhafi to Latin America ’s liberator, Simon Bolivar . Gadhafi’s death is the latest chapter in the so-called “Arab Spring,” following the exit from power of Tunisia ’s President Zine El AbidineBen Ali on 14 J

2 November 2011 JERUSALEM – Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran ’s nuclear program is a threat to the state.   The planning to test the missile was scheduled for a long time and was launched as intended.   Israel Radio’s military affairs correspondent said a “ ballistic missile ” was launched.   Israel has also been upgrading its Arrow aerial shield .   Reports by media state that Prime Minister Netanyahu has attempted to get cabinet approval for military action against Iran .   Military and government officials have not commented on any of the reports.   Israel is trying to find a way to hinder Iran ’s nuclear arms building.   Iran claims to be enriching uranium for peaceful purposes.   Israel launched a mission against Iraq in 1981 and bombed its nuclear reactor.   Another similar mission was achieved against Syria in 2007 .   A feat of sorts against Iran is too big for Israel to accomplish alone.   Reliability:   9 Source:   Israel test-fires mi

25 October, 2011 China is seeking to establish military bases in Pakistan that will border off the Xinjiang region. Due to reports that rebels such as the Uyghur’s are collaborating with the al-Qaeda linked East Turkistan Islamic Movement, China is now taking extreme measures. Recently China and Pakistani leaders met to discuss the details of military bases as china considers Uyghur separatist a serious threat. A factor that will strengthen the building of military bases in Pakistan is the weakened ties between the U.S. and Pakistan. Since the killing of Osama bin Laden, Pakistan is eager to join forces with China. Building strong ties with China is likely to bring great support for any future Pakistani operations. Source: http://www.eurasianet.org/node/64379 (Reliability: 9)

30 October 2011 Sana, Yemen – Fighting between opposition forces and the Yemeni government escalated once more as the opposition attacked Sana International Airport Sunday night. Despite the cease-fire agreement the Yemeni government announced last week, gunfire continued all weekend long. An anonymous Yemeni official stated that shells hit the airport but there were no casualties or damages made to any structures. The airport therefore closed for the rest of Sunday evening which diverted all flights to Aden , a southern port city. The airport is located in a vulnerable area in north Sana where opposition forces surround it. It proves to be a strategic target because it is also a military airport with the only landing strip in the city along with its commercial flight services. The country seems to be falling apart because of its loss of central governmental control, economic crisis, and outbreak of war in certain regions due to the fact that President Ali Abdullah Saleh has remain

Kabul, Afghanistan - On Tuesday, Lawmakers in Kandahar expressed concerns regarding a transition from NATO, stating Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, should be the last region NATO hands over. Lawmakers claim Afghan forces are not ready to take on full security responsibility for the area. Kandahar legislators worry that NATO will hand over the region in weeks. NATO plans to withdraw its combat forces by 2012. Both peaceful and violent regions will be handed over. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/afghan-mps-from-kandahar-oppose-speedy-transition-from-nato-control-in-their-province/2011/11/01/gIQAnUOybM_story.html Reliability : 9

Preliminary investigations conducted by Afghan officials on the suicide bombing that killed 17 people in Kabul, Afghanistan have tied the attack to the Haqqani network . The Interior Ministry spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, announced that evidence on the vehicle and people used during the bombing are work of the Haqqani network. The attack claimed the lives of nine Americans, including five U.S. troops, four Afghan civilians, two British civilians, a Kosovo national, and a Canadian soldier. Although Afghan officials have tied the Haqqani network to the bombing, an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) spokesman, Lt. Col. Jimmie Cummings, who lost nine troops in the attack, announced that the only information available is the Taliban claiming responsibility, but intelligence does not indicate the involvement of the Haqqanis. U.S. officials believe the Haqqani network has ties to Pakistani intelligence and therefore the country gives the organization an opportunity to reside in a sa

01 November 2011 Egypt-Head of Coptic Church mandates the restriction of candidates using the houses of God in the upcoming elections . Egypt’s Coptic Patriarch Pope Shenouda III warns Christian candidates of trying to use churches for electoral campaigns. Shenouda also warns these candidates to refrain from mixing politics with religion. Elections are set for 28 November and there are approximately 19 Copts running for seats in parliamentary elections . The Coptic Church claims to have approximately 12 million Christians whom are mostly Coptic within a population of 85 million in Egypt. Source: Egypt Pope warns Christian candidates against using churches in elections http://english.ahram.org.eg/~/NewsContent/1/64/25679/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-Pope-warns-Christian-candidates-against-usin.aspx Reliability: 9.5

The South Korean government established a plan to raise 50 trillion Won (45 Billion Dollars) as payment to reunify with North Korea . According to Ministers Yu Woo Ik , citizens at home and abroad can donate to the government to fund this unification. Other foreign governments have the opportunity to contribute, but the South Korean government will not ask. Another method used by the government is to incorporate a unification tax to its citizens in case the contributions prove to run slowly. Lawmakers are close to passing this legislation to establish the unification account that according to Minister Yu will unite people to the desire of unification. Estimations of unification are to take place in the next 20 years as a peaceful transition. Estimation is that cost may reach as high as 269 trillion Won which in comparison a quarter of South Korea’s 2010 GDP . Also in the next few years, South Korea will depend on its bilateral trade with China, which accounts for 83 percent of the Sou

01 November 2011 ( ATHENS , GREECE ) -- Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou announced that he would put Greek’s bailout through a referendum. The referendum will allow Greek citizens to vote on whether the bailout will proceed. Papandreou’s announcement has caused members of his party to resign and call for a vote of confidence. The vote will start on Tuesday and end this week. If Papandreou remains in power, the referendum will likely go through. Citizens of Greece have been against the austerity measures required to secure bailout funds from the troika . A recent poll suggested that 59% of Greeks thought the new package would have a negative effect on their country. Among the reasons for voting against the bailout are cuts to pensions, cuts to the public workforce, and increased taxes. Comment – This is not the first time Papandreou has faced a confidence vote. He faced one in June and got through by a narrow margin. If the Prime Minister continues to lose support