1. Global Terrorism Monitor
2. Political Risk Monitor
3. AML/CFT Monitor
4. Emerging Threat Monitor
5. Critical Infrastructure Monitor
6. Disaster Reduction Monitor
7. Recommended Reading
8. Asset Management Network News
1. Global Terrorism Monitor
The Global Terrorism Monitor is a monthly 16-page print publication. News highlights from the past week are provided in this free email update, but detailed analysis, background information and source documents are only available to subscribers. For subscription information, Email
[email protected].
GTM Africa
Central African Republic troops fought off an armed attack against the northern town of Paoua. The raiders attacked the airfield, market, and police headquarters in a search for money, provisions, and weapons. At least nine were killed, two injured, and six taken prisoner. Such armed groups and bandits have been active in the northwest since the latter part of 2005.
Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu Province has seen serious fighting between renegade soldiers and the regular army. Both groups are blamed for a fourfold increase in serious attacks against women, and at least 70,000 people have been displaced. Note the Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) report, "Running for their Lives".
http://www.msf.org/msfinternational/invoke.cfm?objectid=5119CF6D-B70E-BA59-313027C4417720E2&component=toolkit.report&method=full_html
In Ivory Coast, unidentified assailants attacked a western village early on 6 February. They hacked to death or shot eleven people. Four people are suspected of being abducted.
Sudan's Darfur region is the scene of almost daily cross-border raids by militias from both Chad and Sudan. Human Rights Watch researchers report that civilians are killed, villages burned, and cattle stolen in patterns of attack that indicate ethnic bias.
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/02/03/chad12601.htm
Under the 2005 peace agreement, southern militia groups were required to disband and join the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) or Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) within a year, but many continue to operate independently or are operating in conjunction with the SAF.
Swaziland's mysterious bombing campaign has continued despite the arrest of 16 members of the banned People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) party that have been blamed for the series of firebombs.
The Ugandan army reports that Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) leader Joseph Kony has left his lair in southern Sudan. He and a small band of fighters entered Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), heading in the direction of the Central African Republic (CAR).
GTM Americas
Canadian national Abdullah Khadr has been indicted by a US federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to kill Americans overseas, use weapons of mass destruction, and other charges. Khadr was detained in Toronto following a US arrest warrant last December, and he now faces an extradition hearing.
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/ma/pa/Feb2006/Khadr-Abdullah-Indictment-pr.html
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060208/khadr_charges_060208/20060209
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels are suspected in an attack against government coca eradication operations in the south that left at least seven policemen dead. Two Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) assessing local health services in the northeast were detained and held for several days by an armed group.
Mexican Jose Ernesto Beltran Ortiz pleaded not guilty in US court to three federal charges connected with making a false threat and lying to officials. He has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Beltran was arrested last October in Mexico and was extradited to the US on Sunday. He had told officials that he had smuggled four Chinese chemist and two Iraqis into the US to deliver and place a nuclear warhead in Boston.
The US has transferred 13 detainees from Guantanamo Bay: three to Morocco, one to Uganda, and seven to Afghanistan. Last week it was also revealed that those prisoners protesting their indefinite detention through a hunger strike are being force-fed and shackled to prevent them from committing suicide and break the protest. Statistical analysis of Defense Data released last week found that 92 percent of the detainees were not characterized as al Qaeda fighters, 55 percent had no hostile act listed as the basis for detention, and only five percent had been captured by US forces while the others were picked up by warlords and others in Pakistan and turned over to the US for large bounties.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/guantanamo/story/0,,1706826,00.html
http://web.amnesty.org/pages/stoptorture-030206-editorial-eng
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news/press/16812.shtml
http://www.ccr-ny.org/v2/reports/report.asp?ObjID=JbXOo0pVIg&Content=708
US President Bush, attempting to regain support for his "long war" on terrorism, spoke to the National Guard Association and provided details of an alleged al Qaeda plot to fly a plane into the 73-story Library Tower in Los Angeles, using shoe bombs to blow open the cockpit door. He claimed that al Qaeda operational leader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed had recruited Jemaah Islamiah members to carry out the attack, which was planned after 9/11, derailed by an arrest in 2002, and thwarted with the arrest of JI leader Hambali. Apart from the alleged shoe bombs, this information had been previously disclosed.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060209-2.html
In New York, federal prosecutors have arraigned Moroccan-American bookseller Abdulrahman Farhane on charges of aiding terrorism in association with three others charged: jazz musician Tarik Shah, physician Rafiq Sabir, and paramedic Mahmud Faruq Brent. All have pleaded not guilty and are being held without bail.
http://ny.metro.us/metro/local/ap/NY_Terrorism_Arrest.html
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nys/Press%20Releases/May05/Shah%20and%20Sabir%20complaint.pdf
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/09/nyregion/09case.html?pagewanted=all
Zacarias Moussaoui was ejected from the US District Court hearing in Virginia four times for outbursts that disrupted jury selection in the trial to determine whether he will be sentenced to execution.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/07/AR2006020701864.html
GTM Asia Pacific
Izhar Ul-Haque, a former Australian medical student accused of militant training with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) in Pakistan, has lost his appeal to have terrorism charges against him dropped. LeT was listed as a terrorist organization in 2003 under new counterterrorism laws. Ul-Haque was the first Australian accused in connection with the new criminal offense of training, funding, recruiting, or belonging to a proscribed terrorist group. He had argued that he is innocent and in any case can not be prosecuted for crimes committed abroad - and before the activity was an offense - but the judge ruled that the charges were constitutional and will set a trial date in March..
Australia has been evaluating the asylum request of 43 Papuans. The Indonesian military revealed they had previously been arrested for raising the Papuan flag, which could have been punished by life in prison. Instead they were released, and Indonesia denies they face any threat in Papua. However, Papuan authorities have been connected previously with extrajudicial killings and torture, and at least 100,000 have been killed by military operations since the 1963 Indonesian occupation.
Indonesia plans to amend the 2003 Law on Terror to meet international standards and practices before ratifying two UN conventions.
The Philippines government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held talks that succeeded in overcoming a major obstacle to ending the long running conflict. MILF have fought for four decades to establish a separate Islamic state - an ancestral domain - in Mindanao, a region in the southern Philippines. This issue has been resolved and a preliminary agreement will be signed by the end of March. Formal peace talks would then begin, with the goal of concluding a final settlement by the end of the year. Despite this agreement, sectarian fighting continued on Mindanao, leaving several Christians and Muslims dead over land and other disagreements. New People's Army (NPA) guerillas were responsible for a number of attacks directed against government troops.
Singapore's request that Mas Selamat Kastari be deported from Indonesia has been granted. Kastari is accused of leading the Singapore branch of Jemaah Islamiah and of planning a plane hijacking. He had been imprisoned in Indonesia since 2003 on various immigration and fraud offenses.
http://www2.mha.gov.sg/mha/detailed.jsp?artid=1872&type=4&root=0&parent=0&cat=0
Thailand has suspended classes at more than a hundred schools in the southern Yala province following further violent attacks against teachers. Books are being providing for studying at home. Other attacks also continua
other peace mission to the area, and will replace a draft law currently being considered with changes that apply to the entire country rather than just the south. The new law includes plea-bargaining provisions for flexible penalties to help encourage regional peace.
GTM Europe
A German court has released Mounir al-Motassadek. He had been convicted on al Qaeda-related terrorism charges and sentenced to seven years prison. He was released after the Federal Constitutional Court upheld an appeal against his conviction. The lower court had found no proof that he was aware of the 9/11 plot, although he had connections to some of those involved.
In Russia, fighting between Chechen militants and police killed 12 rebels and seven police, following a raid by security forces.
In Istanbul, Turkey, an internet cafe often used by police was bombed. One man was killed and 16 injured, including seven police and a child. The Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) claimed responsibility.
Abu Hamza, a militant Muslim cleric, has been convicted in British court of eleven charges including soliciting to murder; using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior; possessing threatening, abusive or insulting recordings of sound; and possessing a document containing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism. He has been sentenced to seven years in prison. The prosecution focused on sermons that advocated death of non-believers as a religious duty. He was first arrested in 1999 in connection with kidnappings in Yemen. He has been suspected of a role in other terrorist activities and is wanted in the US for allegedly establishing a terrorist training camp.
https://terrorismcentral.com/Library/Biographies/Bios/Hamza/BioAbuHamza.html
Abdullah Baybasin was convicted in English court of conspiracy to blackmail in connection with operating a drug gang that intimidated Kurds in London.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed the Labor Party conference, using it as a platform to support government anti-terrorism legislation ahead of several key votes next week.
http://www.labour.org.uk/index.php?id=news2005&ux_news[id]=tbblackpool&cHash=517bd8a135
Manmohan Sandhu has been charged in Northern Ireland court with incitement to murder and perverting the course of justice in relation to an Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) murder and other crimes. The lawyer and suspected UVF member was charged based on secret recordings of meetings with his clients. Normally these conversations are privileged, and the Law Society of Northern Ireland is considering the matter.
GTM Middle East
Egypt's military attache in Gaza was kidnapped early on Friday, but released unharmed little more than a day later. A previously unknown group, the al-Ahrar Brigades, claimed responsibility.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli conducted air strikes throughout the week. The first, overnight last weekend, killed three suspected militants. On the evening of 5th January, Islamic Jihad bomb-maker Adnan Bustan and fellow militant Jihad al-Sawafiri were killed in an Israeli missile strike targeting two cars in the Gaza Strip. Monday night a missile killed Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades local commanders Rami Hanoun and Hassan Asfour. Three other Palestinians were killed and several others badly injured. On Tuesday, al-Aqsa Brigades members Mohammed Abu Shariya and Suhail were killed by anther Israeli air attack, when a missile targeted their car. Five other people were injured. On Wednesday an al Aqsa militant was killed and a second injured by the Israeli military, who says the men appeared to be placing a bomb. On Thursday, three armed militants were killed in two separate attacks directed against Israeli troops. The Popular Resistance Committees and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility. Hamas has reacted furiously to the targeted executions and insists it will never give up its right to self-defense.
Among militant attacks last week were two bombings in Baghdad markets that killed seven and injured 20; a car bomb near a mosque that killed 11; and multiple roadside and other bombings killed dozens more.
The US has asked Iraq to take custody of Shawqi Omar, a dual US-Kuwaiti national alleged of numerous plots including purported chemical attacks with al Qaeda in Iraq.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/13824082.htm
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayArticle.asp?col=§ion=focusoniraq&xfile=data/focusoniraq/2006/February/focusoniraq_February36.xml
Israel's Shin Bet security service believes that Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah are undertaking a new wave of terror. Another report suggests that greater leniency is given Jewish terror suspects compared to Israeli Arab or Palestinian suspects.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/679074.html
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/679514.html
Lebanese Hezbollah fired mortar and anti-tank missiles at Israeli positions on the Lebanese border. Israel forces retaliated with artillery shells and planes strafing Hezbollah posts in Lebanon. The UN mission has asked cross border incursions and attacks to stop.
Israeli military operations in the West Bank killed Ahmed Radad, a senior member of Islamic Jihad, on Tuesday.
In Yemen, US Navy ships are patrolling the coast to assist in the recapture of 23 prisoners who escaped last week, including 13 linked to al Qaeda.
http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/Release%20pages/Releases/020-06.htm
GTM South Asia
Afghanistan's Taleban claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in the southern city of Kandahar that killed him and 13 others, most police. The explosion outside police headquarters also injured 11. Also on Tuesday, in Farah province, a roadside bomb killed two foreign engineers, their Afghan driver and a Nepalese guard. In Kunar province two roadside bombs killed at least eight Afghan soldiers and injured several more.
Bangladesh sentenced Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) leaders Ataur Rahman Sunny and Abdul Awal as well as suicide bomber Iftekhar Hasan Al Mamun each to 40 years in prison for last November's suicide bombing that killed two judges. Others connected with the attack are still at trial, while yet others, including JMB military leader Ataur Rahman Sunny, remain at large. Investigations into other JMB bombings continue, with multiple arrests and seizures of weapons and other materiel.
In the Indian state of Assam, talks with representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) ended with the federal government saying it will consider releasing some of the ULFA rebels in detention. Further talks are planned. This progress came despite a series of attacks last month and more recent clashes including a riot on Friday that killed at least ten demonstrators and two policemen. The riot began when a crowd protested the death in custody of a man suspected of ULFA links. A curfew has been imposed, and protestors have called for two days of strikes.
A government explosives facility in Chattisgarh was attacked by suspected Maoist rebels. Eight security personnel were killed, nine injured, and a large quantity of explosives stolen. Other attacks targeted a communication tower and railway station. An attack on a police post killed 11 and injured 17.
In Indian-administered Kashmir, a general strike is taking place to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat. The founder of the armed separatist movement, starting with the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was executed 11 February 1984 for the murder of an intelligence officer. JKLF members and other separatist groups marched to demand that his remains be returned to the family for burial. More than a20 protesters were arrested.
http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-20/0602021037131719.htm
Nepal's Maoist rebels called a general strike to help disrupt the local elections called by King Gyanendra. In addition to the strike, rebel bombs killed at least eight policemen and at the end of the week attacked an army convoy, killing seven and injuring dozens. See Political Risk Monitor for election details.
On 8 February, the Shia Muslim holy day of Ashura, a suicide bomber attacked a religious procession in the northwest Pakistan town of Hangu. The attack led to riots, and heavily armed sectarian violence, with most of the main market burned down. After two days of fighting, local elders calmed the situation, but 40 people had been killed. Those responsible have not been identified, but Lashkar-e-Jhangvi was suggested. An investigation is underway.
Pakistani police arrested twelve suspects in connection with the 5 February bus bombing that killed 13 and injured 20 in Balochistan.
2. Political Risk Monitor
The Political Risk Monitor is a monthly 16-page print publication. News highlights from the past week are provided in this free email update, but detailed analysis, background information and source documents are only available to subscribers. For subscription information, Email [email protected].
PRM Africa
Cameroon's civil servants, including cabinet ministers, constitute the majority of the country's 31 millionaires.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4700932.stm
Cameroon has ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
Cape Verde is holding presidential elections today.
In northwest Central African Republic 4,000 villagers in two provinces have fled fighting between bandits and the army. Instability has prevented aid operations. About half the villagers took refuge in Chad, but others are hiding in the bush with no resources.
Chad and Sudan have signed an agreement to end border fighting by implementing a peacekeeping force to end cross-border insurgent attacks and restoring diplomatic relations. It is unclear from where the peacekeepers would come.
Ivory Coast members of parliament met in a special session that was boycotted by the opposition and opposed by international mediators.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has sent a bill for $3.5 million for damage caused to UN property during January riots in which President Gbagbo's supporters attacked and looted multiple installations, while Ivorian security forces failed to ensure the safety of personnel or facilities. The Security Council adopted sanctions against two youth militia leaders involved in the attacks. In addition, Ivory Coast will receive additional UN military personnel following a unanimous Security Council resolution to temporarily re-deploy forces, to improve security.
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8630.doc.htm
Kenya's drought and food crisis is so severe that it is sparking a serious upsurge in communal violence between nomadic cattle herders fighting for resources. Oxfam International, working with domestic and international agencies to provide aid, reports that conflict has already broken out. For example:
"* At Oropoi and Kainuk, pastures have been burnt down increasing tensions between the Turkana and the Karimajong tribes. The Turkana believe the fires were set in order to push them into Uganda in search of pasture where they would then have been attacked for their remaining cattle.
* Forty people were killed earlier this month at Lokamariyang and Kokoro during fighting between the Turkana and tribes from neighboring Ethiopia over water sources and pasture.
* In Isiolo district, sheep and goat thefts have increased and a recent raid left 9 people dead.
* In Garissa this week a conflict between two clans over a water source was only just averted by the district peace committee."
http://www.oxfam.org/en/news/pressreleases2006/pr060206_kenya
Kenya is also facing a major corruption scandal in which several government ministers were implicated through evidence provided by former permanent sectary for ethics John Githongo. Read his report and listen to the interview here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4695354.stm
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Appeals Chamber has confirmed the acquittal of Andre Ntagerura, Minister of Transportation and Communications in the Interim Government, and Emmanuel Bagambiki, the Prefet of Cyangugu during the 1994 genocide. The reasons for its decision will come later.
http://65.18.216.88/ENGLISH/PRESSREL/2006/468.htm
Senegal's high court investigative panel ordered investigated corruption and other charges against former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck. They dismissed most charges and ordered his immediate release. He had been detained for more than seven months.
Somalia's Arab and Eidagale clans used heavy machine guns in their land dispute. Residents of Hergeysa said the fighting started over disputed building construction. Police were overwhelmed and the army was called in. A least six people were killed, including two women and a child, and more than 30 injured, including 19 policemen. There was also serious property damage and looting.
South African President Thabo Mbeki has affirmed that the governing ANC will not use its parliamentary majority to change the constitution to allow a third presidential term, and that serving in government for 15 years was enough.
Safety and Security Minister Charles Ngakula told parliament they would reopen the investigation into the 1986 death of Mozambique's first president Samora Machel, who was killed in a plane crash under mysterious circumstances during apartheid.
South Africa will increase the speed of land redistribution by putting into effect compulsory purchases in cases where after prolonged negotiations a price cannot be agreed. The first appropriation order was issued last year and is before court.
http://wwwserver.law.wits.ac.za/lcc/
http://land.pwv.gov.za/
Western Sudan's Darfur region has begun another year with no breakthrough in solving the crisis. UN Secretary General Annan pointed to increased violent clashes among government, militia, and rebel groups as well as banditry and intertribal conflict.
http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2006/59
The UN and the African Union are working together regarding the transfer of peacekeeping from the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). Funding is required to continue operations.
Swaziland's new constitution came into effect last week but remained ambiguous on the issue of legalizing political parties.
PRM Americas
In southern Argentina, more than 200 oil workers, involved in pay protests for the last two weeks, attacked a police station to free one of their leaders. The police officers were unarmed. One was killed and 14 injured.
Former Argentine policeman Ricardo Taddei has been arrested in Spain on an international warrant. In Argentina he faces human rights charges in connection with kidnapping and torture of dissidents during the military junta.
Costa Rica held presidential elections, which ended too close to call. A recount is under way and results will be announced in two weeks. If no candidate wins over 40 percent of the vote a second round will be held on 2 April.
Cuban President Castro has opened a new monument of 138 black flags with a white star to represent more than 3,400 people killed in US-sponsored violence against Cuba since 1959. It is accompanied by a 24-hour vigil of people holding up pictures of the dead. The monument blocks the view of scrolling electronic messages, including some about human rights, that the nearby US embassy began displaying last month.
Haiti held presidential and parliamentary elections. International observers said the vote was well attended, free and fair. Preliminary results suggest a run-off election will follow, which could open another opportunity for fresh instability.
Suriname has ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee began hearings on "Wartime Executive Power and the NSA's Surveillance Authority". The initial open session heard Attorney General Alberto Gonzales attempting to defend unauthorized interception of domestic phone calls and email abroad.
http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearing.cfm?id=1727
In Alabama, ten Baptist churches have been set on fire in the past week. The motive is unknown, but the incidents are being investigated as connected arson attacks.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060212/NEWS/602120321/1001
In Los Angeles, California, more than a thousand prisoners have rioted in detention facilities. The racially charged violence has killed one and injured more than 100 in the past week. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-jails12feb12,0,6387999.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-jail11feb11,1,642594.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-me-jails9feb09,1,2166380.story
Venezuelan President Chavez has over the last week:
* Announced he will purchase additional weapons from Russia and elsewhere in order to defend the country from invasion
* Retaliated against US defense secretary Rumsfeld's comparison of Chavez to Hitler by comparing Bush to Hitler
* Promoted diplomat Jeny Figueredo, who had been ordered to leave the US, in reciprocal spying allegations, and
* Ordered US New Tribes missionaries to leave the country by today.
PRM Asia Pacific
Australia's oil-for-food inquiry has claimed its first victim with the resignation of Australian Wheat Board (AWB) director Andrew Lindberg. The Cole inquiry's final report is not due until October.
http://www.awb.com.au/aboutawb/media/mediareleases/StatementfromtheboardofAWB.htm
Former Burmese Foreign Minister Win Aung is on trial for corruption and bribery. He was ousted in a power struggle last year.
Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy and senior colleague Cheam Channy received royal pardons from King Norodom Sihamoni. The pardons had been requested by Prime Minister Hun Sen, and indicate a new spirit of reconciliation in Cambodian politics. Channy has been released from jail, and the way is clear for Rainsy to return to Cambodia.
http://www.samrainsyparty.org/
China has rejected findings in the US Quadrennial Defense Review that it had the greatest potential to compete militarily against the US. Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong reiterated that China has never threatened any country and never will.
http://english.gov.cn/2006-02/08/content_181698.htm
Wu Xianghu, editor of the Taizhou Evening News, has died of liver and kidney failure. He had been hospitalized after a brutal police beating following accusations in his paper that they charged illegal bicycle fees. Of the 50 police involved, one was dismissed for his role in the incident.
Following Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's New Year speech suggesting independence, China has labeled him a "troublemaker and saboteur".
http://www.gio.gov.tw/
http://english.gov.cn/2006-02/07/content_181592.htm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-02/08/content_518231.htm
Indonesia and Singapore held discussions on an extradition treaty, but they have not reached agreement on the legal definitions of applicable crimes.
Japan's National Police Agency reports a record number of 91 suicide pacts make over the internet. When they began recording internet suicide pacts in 2003, there were 34 incidents, which rose to 55 in 2004. Most were men in their 20s and 30s.
http://www.npa.go.jp/ (in Japanese)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4695864.stm
Thailand has dropped a draft amendment to the emergency act in favor of a comprehensive bill to help restore peace in the south.
Tokelau is holding a referendum. The 1500 residents of the tiny New Zealand administered territory in the South Pacific, aided by four UN observers, will decide whether to become independent. Each of the three coral atolls that make up the territory will vote on successive days, and results are expected later this month.
http://www.tokelau.org.nz/
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/gacol3126.doc.htm
PRM Europe
Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding talks to set the foundation for a settlement on the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Demonstrators angry over the publication of cartoons satirizing the Prophet Muhammad attacked Danish embassies in Syria and Lebanon last weekend. In Afghanistan, protesters attacked a police station and three people were killed. Attacks against police in Somalia left a 14-year old boy dead and several others injured. In Lebanon, the Danish embassy was burned then sacked. Denmark has withdrawn diplomats from Indonesia following threats, although Indonesia felt they could provide adequate protection.
The winter Olympics have opened in Turin, Italy, under heavy security measures complicated by the increased threat situation presented by the aftermath of the international controversy over cartoons satirizing the prophet Muhammad.
Kosovo's parliament elected Fatmir Sejdiu, a law professor, as the new president.
Romania's former Prime Minister and current speaker of the house of parliament, Adrian Nastase, and five others have been charged with corruption purportedly related to property deals.
In northeastern Turkey an Italian Catholic priest has been shot dead. A teenager suspected in the attack has been arrested.
Ukraine President Yushchenko gave a state of the nation address in which he called for a new constitution.
PRM Middle East
Hamas leaders have been asked to form a new government following their victory in parliamentary elections last month. They have discussed the situation with Egyptian authorities, Fatah and other Palestinian groups, and plan to meet with other Arab leaders, not least to raise much needed funds. Russian President Putin, pointing out that Russia does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization and respects the results of the election, has proposed a meeting in Moscow with Hamas leaders. Hamas says it is prepared to talk with Israel, while Israel has said it will only cooperate with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas as long as he withholds cooperation with Hamas. Abbas has reportedly refused Hamas demands to control Palestinian police, counter -intelligence, and civilian defense forces. Hamas has warned President Abbas against making leadership changes without consulting Hamas first. Abbas plans to maintain direct responsibility for foreign affairs, notably diplomatic communications with Israel.
Iraq's Electoral Commission announced the final certified election results. The conservative United Iraqi Alliance, a Shia coalition, won 128 seats, ten short of a majority.
http://www.ieciraq.org/
"Iraq Stabilization and Reconstruction" was the subject of a US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations last week. Testimony focused on the difficulty of undertaking reconstruction or sustaining completed projects during deteriorating security conditions, as well as problems associated with lack of oversight and accountability.
http://foreign.senate.gov/hearings/2006/hrg060208a.html
Lebanon has apologized for the arson and ransacking of Denmark's embassy in Beirut. The interior minister has resigned, and the head of the army has offered to do so also. The rampage followed protests against a Danish paper's publication of cartoons satirizing the Prophet Mohammed.
Palestinian protestors angry over cartoons satirizing the prophet Muhammad attacked international monitors, who have withdrawn from the West Bank in response.
PRM South Asia
From Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, sectarian violence, including numerous casualties, grew across the region in response to the growing controversy over cartoons satirizing the prophet Mohammed.
Bangladesh opposition party, the Awami League, has ended its parliamentary boycott after a year in order to initiate proposed reforms to help ensure free and fair general elections, which are due after October.
http://www.albd.org/news/2006/02/06/06_1.htm
The Indian Express newspaper has published a series of articles on "The Killing Cotton Fields", discussing the mass suicides associated with the crumbling industry:
"Until debt do us part: cotton farmer and the moneylender"
http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=87442
"Behind her is family's cotton crop. So why did her husband kill ..."
http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=87329
"Why cotton farmers can't weave their insurance safety net"
http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=87573
"In suicide country's Ground Zero, ghost mills, buried reforms"
http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=87522
In the state of Gujarat, nearly 1400 cases related to the 2002 religious riots in which more than a thousand people, mostly Muslims, were killed, will be reopened and investigated again.
Violence in Indian-administered Kashmir has fallen, permitting the withdrawal of some 3,000 troops and plans to redeploy a total of 15,000, in phases, to the northeast, where there is an active Maoist insurgency.
Nepal's first election in seven years, hit by a boycott against holding elections while King Gyanendra retains absolute power as well as Maoist attacks, was an utter failure, with less than ten percent of people voting in the municipal polls.
Conflict in Balochistan
http://www.politicalriskmonitor.com/2006/02/PRM1201.shtml
Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebel representatives will hold talks in Geneva on 22-23 February.