Analysis: The US-Pakistan relationship and the critical factor of supply
The US military’s supply routes through Pakistan to Afghanistan constitute a major vulnerability for the US in its relations with Pakistan. That may change in the near future.
Author Archives: CJ Radin
Transfer of security responsibility will test Afghan National Security Forces
President Karzai announced the second phase of the transfer of security responsibility from ISAF to the Afghan National Security Forces. This will be a more difficult test for the ANSF than the first phase.
Egypt
Egypt elections: arguments rage in Cairo ahead of poll
Egypt
Tahrir protesters don’t speak for all in anxious Egypt
Syria
Syria’s neighbors may soften sanctions blow
Syria
Syria remains defiant after the Arab League imposed sanctions. France said President Assad’s “days are numbered.” A Libyan Islamist militia leader plans to meet with the opposition’s Free Syrian Army. Russia is sending a flotilla of warships to its naval base in Syria in a show of support for the Assad government.
Egypt
In its first election since the overthrow of President Mubarak, Egyptians cast their votes for a new parliament. Voter turnout was high. In Tahrir Square, several thousand protesters continued to call for an immediate end to military rule.
Syria
In an unprecedented move, the Arab League approved sanctions against Syria to pressure crackdown on dissent. Iraq refused to implement the sanctions while Lebanon “disassociated itself” from the decision. Qatar said that if Arab nations did not resolve the crisis, other foreign powers might intervene.
Iran
Analysis: Iran adopts wait and see policy on Syria’s crisis
Egypt
Rival protests reveal a divided Egypt
Syria
Turkey seen as door to Syrian “humanitarian corridor”
Syria
Libya offered to supply the Syrian opposition with arms and fighters. Iraq’a Foreign Minister said it was “not possible” to impose economic sanctions on Syria due to its commercial ties with Iraq and the large number of Iraqi refugees there.
European Union
Analysis – EU may believe it can afford to ban Iran’s oil
Syria
Analysis: Arab League breaks habit, turns on Syria
Syria
Syria did not respond to Friday’s deadline to allow Arab League observers into the country. Ministers of the Arab League will meet Saturday to draft economic sanctions that will be discussed Sunday. The Assad regime continued to receive support from the Syrian military and Russia and China.
Egypt
In the largest turnout to date, tens of thousands of Egyptians demanding an end to military rule packed Cairo’s Tahrir Square. The US called on the generals to step aside “as soon as possible” and give real power to the new cabinet “immediately.” Egypt’s interim military rulers rejected an early transfer of power.
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Egypt’s army is hijacking the revolution
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Political Islam at a crossroads in Egypt
Syria
The Syrian crackdown on protesters continued. Both France and Turkey called for a humanitarian safe zone inside Syria. Defections from the Syrian Army reach 400 per day.
Egypt
Protests calling for the military government to step down entered its sixth day. International criticism has begun as the death toll reached 38.
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Vestiges of Mubarak’s Order Stifle Birth of New Egypt
Hezbollah
Hezbollah may take over Beirut if Syrian President Assad falls
Syria
Army defectors escalate Syrian uprising
Libya
Libya’s Toughest Test May Be Building an Army
Iran
Canada and the European Union announced further sanctions on Iran. France called for sanctions on an “unprecedented scale,” and urged a halt to purchases of Iranian oil and a freeze on its central bank assets. Russia called the sanctions “unacceptable.” Iran said the sanctions “will have no impact.”
Syria
Turkey’s Prime Minister urged Syrian President Assad to step down or risk a tragic end. The UN Human Right Commission voted to condemn Syria. France said there were no plans for military intervention in Syria. Syria plans to use Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon to counter economic sanctions.
Egypt
Protests in Tahrir Square continued for a fourth day. The ruling generals have offered to transfer power to a civilian president by July instead of late 2012 or early 2013; protesters rejected the generals’ offer.
Egypt
U.S. Seeks Balance on Egypt Policy
Iran
In a new round of sanctions, the UK ordered its financial institutions to stop doing business with Iranian banks, including the central bank. The US plans to name Iran a “primary money laundering concern.” The Iranian foreign minister said sanctions were hurting the economy.
Lebanon
The CIA’s operations in Lebanon were badly damaged when Hezbollah captured more than a dozen US spies. In addition, Iranian intelligence agents discovered a secret Internet communication method used by CIA agents in Iran.