[RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily News Brief, February 18, 2010

 

February 18, 2010 View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Mixed Success in Marja Joint Operation - U.S. Engages Syria with Ambassador, Talks - Dalai Lama Visits U.S. Amid China Tensions - Ukrainian Court Suspends Election Results Top of the Agenda: Mixed Success in Marja Joint Operation U.S. and Afghan forces have made modest gains (WashPost) in the largest joint military operation of the war in Afghanistan, but Taliban fighters are still acting with impunity in much of Marja. U.S. and NATO commanders were unsure whether insurgents based in Marja would stay to fight or flee, but so far many Taliban members have stayed. That makes the mission more complex and dangerous and may delay efforts to deliver government services and reconstruction projects. Only one Marine has died and few have been injured. U.S. General Stanley McChrystal's strategy involves (WSJ) pouring troops into the militant-held area and staying while the government rebuilds and confidence is restored. Afghan and coalition officials plan to begin installing a new administration and starting reconstruction in the coming days. In five days, most Taliban fighting has exhibited ill discipline or poor skill, but a few fighters have proved surprisingly skillful snipers (NYT), both alone and in guerrilla-style ambushes. Analysis: In the LA Times, Andrew Bacevich says the Marines will likely succeed in their mission, but parachuting in a "prefab government," identity, or reality in Marja won't effect lasting change. In the New York Times, Lara Dadkhah says the United States and NATO need more air power in Afghanistan. It is unwise to sacrifice military strength in order to spare more civilian lives and win "hearts and minds," she says. Background: This CFR Backgrounder examines the Taliban in Afghanistan. MIDDLE EAST: U.S.-Syria Relations U.S. President Barack Obama nominated an ambassador (Independent) to serve in Syria after a five-year hiatus, while U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns held talks in Damascus with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Iraq: A suicide car bomber in Iraq struck a vehicle checkpoint in Ramadi, killing at least ten people (al-Jazeera). Israel: Pressure mounted for Israel to respond to speculation (WashPost) that its Mossad spy agency killed a Hamas operative in a Dubai hotel last month, as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised to investigate the use of forged British passports by the alleged assassins. PACIFIC RIM: Dalai Lama Visits United States President Obama meets the Dalai Lama Thursday (Reuters), amid ongoing tensions over global economic and security issues with China. China: Hackers in Europe and China broke into computers at nearly 2,500 companies and government agencies over the last eighteen months in a global attack, the Wall Street Journal reports. SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Pakistan Bombing A bomb attack near a mosque and a militant base in northwest Pakistan's Khyber region killed more than twenty-five people (Dawn) Thursday. AFRICA: Somali Troops Gather in Mogadishu Somali government troops gathered in Mogadishu (WSJ) for a planned offensive against the al-Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, which has been trying to topple the Somali government. Sudan: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the Sudanese government to investigate an attack (Reuters) on peacekeepers in Darfur. AMERICAS: U.S. Municipal Debt Concerns Economic hardship is forcing debt-laden U.S. cities to consider declaring bankruptcy (WSJ), increasing concerns about the safety of municipal debt. Haiti: Eight of the ten American missionaries jailed in Haiti on charges of abduction and conspiracy have been released (WashPost). EUROPE: Ukrainian Election A Ukrainian court suspended the results (AP) of this month's presidential election--which declared opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych the winner--pending review of an appeal filed by rival Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Greece: German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized global investment banks (FT) that may have helped the Greek government disguise its mounting budgetary problems. TRANSNATIONAL: De Boer Announces Resignation Head of the United Nation's climate change convention Yvo de Boer announced he will resign (AFP) as of July 1.

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