[RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily Brief, June 15, 2010

 

June 15, 2010 View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Kyrgyz Violence Continues; Aid Arrives - Iran to Send Aid Ships to Gaza - Chinese Strikers Return to Work - Clinton Presses Africa for Structural Reform Top of the Agenda: Kyrgyzstan Violence Continues, Aid Arrives Ethnic violence plagued Kyrgyzstan (WSJ) for a fifth day, as the interim government struggled to restore order. Most of the violence has been directed at ethnic Uzbeks, a sizable minority concentrated in the south. As many as two hundred Uzbeks have been killed in the fighting, and one hundred thousand people have fled into neighboring Uzbekistan. Russia responded to Kyrgyzstan's appeal for help by sending three hundred paratroopers to protect its own military base near Bishkek, but is wary of an open-ended peacekeeping role in the region. The U.S. State Department called for a quick restoration of peace and endorsed efforts by the UN and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to find a solution. The Red Cross is sending medical supplies, aid blankets, and tarpaulins (NYT) to refugees at the border. While the United States is not currently planning to send peacekeeping troops, the Obama administration wants to make sure any foreign forces that go do so through the UN. The Collective Security Treaty Organization, a regional security bloc led by Russia, is weighing whether to send peacekeeping troops (WashPost). Analysis: In the Asia Times, M.K. Bhadrakumar says Moscow cannot afford to damage its image as the regional superpower but also risks entering into an Afghanistan-like situation. The violence in Kyrgyzstan is frequently ascribed to ethnic tensions, but regional experts say the clash has more to do with class, reports the New York Times. MIDDLE EAST: Iran to Send Aid Ships to Gaza Iran plans to send ships carrying aid supplies to Gaza, a move likely to further heighten tensions in the region (al-Jazeera). Palestinians are pleased at the uproar against Israel after its raid on a Turkish-led aid flotilla, but they--and Israelis--want more active U.S. engagement in the peace process, says Palestinian pollster Khalil Shikaki. Egypt: Egypt faces an increasingly precarious position (WashPost) on the Gaza blockade. Its domestic interests in keeping Hamas isolated are being weighed against damage to its image for not doing more to help Palestinians in Gaza. PACIFIC RIM: Chinese Strikers Return to Work Employees at the Honda parts supplier in southern China who went on strike last week returned to work (WSJ), as wage talks continue. Japan: Japan's ruling party under new Prime Minister Naoto Kan plans to drop a reference to seeking "equal" relations (AFP) with the United States in its election manifesto, to be voted on in July. SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Afghan Optimism on Mineral Wealth Afghan government officials were optimistic (NYT) in responding to reporters about a new report on the extent of Afghanistan's mineral wealth. AFRICA: Clinton Presses Africa for Structural Reform U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for African nations to stop seeking handouts (Reuters) and begin tough structural reforms, especially on trade, to improve their economies. Kenya: Tensions are rising (WSJ) between Christian groups in Kenya and the Kenyan government over abortion provisions outlined in the country's proposed constitution, which is set for a vote in early August. AMERICAS: Oil Giants Face U.S. Congress Representatives of BP, Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips will face the House Energy and Commerce Committee Tuesday (MSNBC), after the committee said in a letter to BP it had uncovered documents suggesting the company made risky decisions with economic gain in mind before the Gulf oil spill. The worst oil spill in U.S. history, still growing in the Gulf of Mexico, has intensified debate about alternative fuel options. Here, four experts discuss how to reduce U.S. oil consumption. Mexico: Mexican President Felipe Calderon vigorously defended his government's antidrug offensive (NYT) despite a surge in drug-related killings in recent days. In Americas Quarterly, CFR's Shannon O'Neil discusses how Mexico and the United States are heading toward a new collaboration in tackling drug violence. EUROPE: Greece Appeals to China for Investment Greece is appealing to countries with big sovereign wealth funds (FT) to help revive economic growth, including China, which is prepared to invest several billion euros in Greek shipping, logistics, and airport projects. Britain: A long-awaited report into the "Bloody Sunday" deaths (Guardian) of fourteen people in Northern Ireland is being released after a twelve-year investigation. TRANSNATIONAL: France, Germany Press for Global Bank Tax German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have renewed calls for a global bank levy (BBC) and a financial transaction tax.

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