The Sri Lanka civil war has intensified further with the BBC reporting that 15 rebels have been killed in the last two days by the Sri Lankan army in different incidents in northern and eastern parts of the strife torn island country. The Norwegian brokered cease fire of 2002 between the government and LTTE is in tatters. In the air of increasing suspicion, none of the parties trust the Norwegian peacemakers. It is increasingly becoming clear that none of the warring parties had any real desire for peace. The LTTE used the truce as a breather to recoup for future fighting. The Sri Lankan government had agreed under international pressure. The creation of the LTTE air force acted as the proverbial last straw. The LTTE light airplanes have struck several times since end March, leading to the closure of the Bandaranaike International airport till June. The renewed fighting has hurt the Sri Lamka government in more ways. The US government, after the visit by assistant Secretary of state Mark Boucher recently, has suspended further aid from the Millennium Challenge Corp. Britain has drawn back on $3 million debt relief citing the spirally violence in the country. According to a London based Tamil human rights group both the government and the rebels are equally culpable for human rights violence. It has recorded more than 100 abductions and disappearances this year. Last year, 1,000 people were reported missing. Things have become more complicated by the rise of the Karuna group – a breakaway faction of the LTTE led by Colonel Karuna. It initially held sway in the east Sri Lanka part of LTTE held territory. It suffered heavy losses at the hands of the LTTE but still wields influence in Eastern parts of the country. It has been accused of kidnapping children to use as soldiers. The Karuna group has formed a political party – TamilEela Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and intends to fight elections in the future. It has been accused by the LTTE of turning government collaborators. The Karuna group has been involved in Kidnapping and extortion of businessmen.
Increased civilian deaths force NATO to evaluate strategy in Afghanistan
Civilian casualties, on an account of US-led ‘war on terror’, in Afghanistan are one of the major problems for the NATO alliance that has mislaid their credibility among local people. In the recent past hundreds of civilians have been killed in operations by NATO forces against the Taliban. Acting in response to the concerns shown by the civil-right group or human-right associations and a strong opposition by President Hamid Karzai, NATO forces have juggled around with their tactics, to tackle the Islamist insurgents from the Taliban movement, to reduce civilian casualties. U.S. Army Gen. John Craddock, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, asserted, Every time that happens, someone walks away, an Afghan citizen, with a bad feeling towards either NATO or the United States. That’s what we don’t want to happen. Military operations against Islamic insurgents and Taliban in civilian areas are posing serious challenges to the NATO forces as militants take refuge in homes and public places, leaving troops strangled between either launch air strikes that would also risk civilian casualties or wait for lethal attacks by insurgents. Therefore, to cut down the civil casualties in Afghanistan a changed strategy with some innovation against insurgents is the need of the hour, as without civil support it is not only difficult but almost impossible to beat the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
Militants abduct government officials in Pakistan
Anarchy and disorder continue to grow in Pakistan, just after weeks of political and radical turbulence in the militancy hit nation. In a fresh incident, several extremists laden with arms on Friday took hostage eight government officials, including five women, in the disturbed tribal region in northwestern Pakistan, close to the Afghan border. The officials were on a government visit to carry out a survey for building new schools, roads and hospitals in the far off region. Secretary for law and order in Pakistan’s semiautonomous tribal regions Arbab Mohammed Arif Khan confirmed the news of the kidnapping of the officials but refused to reveal the identity of the organization behind the incident. However, these officials have been supposed to seize by the tribal militants who rule the region autonomously, without any interference of Pakistani government. Authorities are trying to make a negotiation for early and safe release of the officials with help of tribal elders. Northwestern region of Pakistan has become a safe refuge for the Taliban and al-Qaeda militants after they were scattered by the NATO forces from Afghanistan, following the 9/11 American attacks. Even Pakistani military keeps it away from the turbulent region and Pakistani President has signed a pact for not interfering in their matters with the tribal people.
American support to Pakistan to fight against terror
Recently, The New York Times has indicated that US government is buying military support from Pakistani authority in exchange of lump sum annual payment. Though, according to international convention, such monetary payment is totally illegal but US authority seems to prefer remunerating alliance parties to counter against Islamic militia. The annual benefit extended to Pakistan equals to $1 billion. Due to obvious reason, this booty is not shown directly in country’s balance sheet. US pay the sum in the name of Coalition Support Fund. And the purpose they disclose is as reimbursement of military patrolling cost. Since September 11th, 2001, US authority is reported to have paid almost $5.6 billion. But despite this huge cost, US authority is not getting desired output. It’s now a proven fact that Pakistani force has helped Al-Qaeda militants several times. Often they have fought against Afghani Force to provide safe passage to Talibans in Pakistan. Such facts have generated sense dejection among American authorities. Some of them are even urging for rationalization of payment structure. They argue performance is not up to the mark and still numerous Taliban leaders are enjoying safe heaven in Pakistan. So, coalition-remuneration should be linked to the number of successful leads in fight against terrorism. But situation is not going to be that easy for USA. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has remained pro-American and extended support to American authority several times. And currently he is going through the most critical stage in his political career. Domestic political uproar and countrywide protest by legal professionals are becoming serious threat before him. Destabilization of Musharraf will definitely unsettle USA’s move against Islamic militia in South Asia and that’s the reason they cannot cut their coalition booty drastically. They need Pakistan, and Pervez Musharraf is a better bet compared to other available options.
Pakistan…not anymore a mouse catcher
US policy towards Pakistan as its ally in war on terror since 9/11 has become so unpredictable that it appears at times to edge on confusion. Now, it looks like the two strong US allies in the ‘War on Terror,’ (Pakistan and Afghanistan) are pointing their guns towards each other. The Afghan soldiers and US troops based in Afghanistan attacked a joint post of the Pakistan Army and paramilitary Frontier Corps at Lowara Mandi in North Waziristan on the Pak-Afghan border while US gunship helicopters were noticed violating Pakistan’s airspace during the past two days. US is trapped between a rock and a hard place in the region where Islamic fanaticism has entered an age of unprecedented insecurity and panic. It is against this backdrop that one would have to evaluate the shift in nuance on the Afghan issue made by US. This macho pumping by Americans could lead to a disastrous crash while handling terrorism that still needs monarchies and military dictatorships, backed with devastating force. * Pakistan’s cooperation remains the key in Washington’s efforts to eliminate Taliban in Afghanistan and maintaining an extremely shaky Hamid Karzai’s regime. * Ignoring Pakistan would mean the socio-political takeover by a Taliban-like orthodox Islamic militia that will give momentum to the tense Taliban. If war on terror means invasion, occupation, and humiliation; inevitably, the United States is both the creator and victim of ‘War on Terror.’
Suicide bomber kills 14 in Afghanistan
Fourteen people were killed and 31 injured when a suicide bomber walked into a crowded market in eastern Afghanistan and blew himself up. The incident occurred a day after a suicide bomber in northern Afghanistan killed three German soldiers and seven civilians. The recent attack in the city of Gardez on Sunday damaged around 30 shops, devastating shops, shattering windows and destroying the stores closest to the site. It is reported that the target of the attack was a foreign troop convoy but luckily it passed off minutes before the blast. But it engulfed the innocent citizens who became a victim merely by chance. Six people died on the spot and another eight later died in hospital, while two of the 31 wounded were in critical condition. Afghan soldiers donated blood for the wounded. Nasar Ahmad, a 30-year-old shopkeeper whose three cousins were seriously injured in the blast, said, The convoy had already passed when the attack happened. I heard a strong blast and then saw a fireball go up," Ahmad said from Gardez’ hospital. For 10 minutes I couldn’t hear and I didn’t know where I was. I saw a lot of people injured lying in the street. Violence in Afghanistan continues unabated. All the more it has increased sharply in the last several weeks. More than 1,600 people have vanished in insurgency-related violence this year. The dead include both the civilians and the militants. Even the army has lost quite a few of its soldiers in the insurgency.
Afghanistan in focus: NATO leader meets Bush in the US
Seeking to comprehend the possible strategic options in Afghanistan for the US and its allies, President Bush welcomed NATO’s top diplomat to his ranch Sunday. Bush and first lady Laura Bush greeted Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and his wife, Jeannine to the President’s ranch in Texas for a relaxed weekend. The talks reportedly concentrated on the Afghan issue ranging from the surging violence to the growing humanitarian concerns in the war ravaged country. Other issues included NATO’s role in Kosovo and U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Europe Defense. Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice were among the dignitaries joining them. Nato’s role in Afghanistan has been under scrutiny for some time now, with civilian death figures on the rise. More than 1,600 people have been killed in insurgency-related violence this year, according to U.S., NATO and Afghan figures. The military alliance is trying hard to come up with plans that could decrease the number of innocent lives being claimed in the ongoing war between the Taliban and the western troops. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said regarding the civilian death toll, It’s a high priority for us on a hearts-and-minds level: We don’t want to see any erosion of support from the civilian population Fratto said the blame lies with Taliban militants who use civilians as shields. He felt that This is a clear, express tactic of the enemy to put civilians in harm’s way With international pressure on the rise, it is time for the US to back up its plans in Afghanistan with the help of its allies. The Bush administration is urging some European allies to provide more troops to fight Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan and to lift restrictions on how and where soldiers can fight. But the European nations have been reluctant in this regard, calling into question the strength of the Afghan operation and its future course.
War on poppy in Afghanistan now
When outgoing US ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann said that the war on terror in Afghanistan will not be won unless a war on heroin is declared, he only crystallized the growing realization amongst the US and Nato countries that heroin cultivation is a growing threat. Six months back, Anne Patterson, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs had said, "Stopping the cultivation and traffic of opium is paramount in establishing rule of law in Afghanistan." 90% of world heroin comes from Afghanistan. It is a $3.1 billion business and a big part of the drug money goes to Taliban coffers, who in turn protect and tax the poppy farmers. Nearly 50% of Afghan heroin is grown in the southern Helmand province, where the Taliban holds sway. According to US government estimates there has been a 132% increase in poppy yield in 2006 in Helmand and Oruzgan provinces compared to 2005 figures. According to Gen. Khodaidad, Afghanistan’s deputy minister for counter-narcotics: The problem is a lack of security, a lack of governance, the Taliban, druglords, warlords and corruption. NATO’s International Security Assistance Force [ISAF] will stress on detection of drug convoys and increased co-operation in intelligence gathering. Thomas Schweich, a senior state department official says he has informed NATO countries and General Dan Macneill, top Nato general in Afghanistan, of the urgency in dealing with the drug problem. The US has called in William Wood as the new envoy to Afghanistan. He has a reputation of eradicating coca fields in Colombia. It wants the same done here. But Afghan government minsters have misgivings about spraying poppy fields with pesticide, both on ground and aerially, fearing adverse effects on other legitimate crops and livestock. But recent reports suggest president Hamid Karzai is veering around to the need of such action. AP, CFI
Myanmar extends Suu Kyi’s detention
The military junta of Myanmar has extended the house arrest of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi by one year, reports say. The pro-democracy leader’s latest detention period was due to expire on Sunday. The move does not come as a surprise. Under Myanmar’s law, Suu Kyi’s house arrest expires after 12 months and it has to be extended to ensure her detention. Suu Kyi has spent over 11 years of the last 18 years under house arrest. Suu Kyi lead National League for Democracy had won the elections held in 1990. But she was not allowed to take power and the military junta that took power in 1988 annulled the elections. A Noble Peace Prize winner, Suu Kyi has become an international symbol for heroic and peaceful resistance of oppression. She, like Nelson Mandela, is a believer of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence as the weapon to resist the injustice. Suu Kyi is the daughter of Myanmar’s independence hero General Aung San. She has also lived in India for some years attending high school and Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi when her mother was Myanmar’s (then Burma) ambassador to India. Suu Kyi’s house arrest has crippled the struggle for democracy in Myanmar. The military junta has been successful in crushing all attempts for democracy. The dream of a democratic Myanmar cherished by Suu Kyi and others doesn’t seem to be realizing very soon. Condemnations and pressures from the world have so far not been able to persuade the military junta to give way to democracy nor it has been able to secure release of Suu Kyi. The self-proclaimed pro-democratic, anti-terror world super power(s) remain mute on the injustices in Myanmar. Despite all odds-long years of solitary confinements, huge personal losses-Suu Kyi is determined to usher democracy in her country. That is why the military junta fears one single lady so much that it does not allow her the freedom to speak and move. Whether she succeeds in her mission, she will always be remembered as an icon of heroism.
Sacked Pakistan Chief Justice Lashes Out At Musharraf
Suspended Pakistan Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry has broken his silence two months after President Musharraf removed him. He addressed a gathering of thousands consisting of lawyers and members of opposition political parties at the Supreme Court premises. In his speech without naming the Pakistan president he said , "absolute power corrupts absolutely" He warned that concentration of powers in one hand and one institution will spell doom for the country. Authoritarian regimes, he said, have no respect for the rights of life, liberty and equality. The vital system of checks and balances is eroded with bad consequences. He said even the holy Qoran has sanctified the institution of a free judiciary. Before him SCBA [Supreme Court Bar Association] President Munir A Mallik wondered whether the army exists for Pakistan or the country exists for the military. Chaudhry was sacked by Musharraf allegedly for misuse of power. The real reason was to ensure that the judiciary would not question his future acts of consolidation of his position. His removal saw massive protests and violence in the port city of Karachi which left 41 dead on May 12. The continuing protests are being orchestrated by lawyers and assisted by opposition political parties. Chaudhry’s speech was attended by hundreds of supporters of opposition parties like Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), headed respectively by former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, the Islamist Alliance Muthahida Majlis Amal, Tehrik-e-Insaf, (social justice) party of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, Awami National Party (ANP) besides activists of civil rights groups . The government response came from information minister Md Ali Durrani who said the Supreme Court had been used for political activities, which was an illegal. He also said the forum of Supreme Court Bar Association had been misused.