[RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily News Brief, April 5, 2010

 

April 5, 2010 View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Militants Attack U.S. Consulate in Pakistan - Three Suicide Bombings Hit Baghdad - Thai "Red Shirts" Storm Bangkok - Mexican Drug Feuds Intensify Top of the Agenda: Militants Attack U.S. Consulate in Peshawar Militants launched a multi-pronged attack on the U.S. consulate (NYT) in Peshawar, Pakistan, despite the Pakistani military's push to reduce violence in the Taliban-controlled north. There were no casualties inside but several guards outside were killed and eight others injured. Earlier, a bomb exploded in Dir Province, killing at least forty people. The slew of attacks--the first in several months--seemed to signal that militants are still capable of attack, but no one has claimed responsibility yet. The blast at the political rally in Dir (WSJ) apparently targeted the region's secular ruling party, Awami National Party, an avid supporter of Pakistan's offensives against militants. Analysis: The Atlantic Council's Arnaud de Borchgrave says now is the time to give priority to military and economic aid to Pakistan, since both "AfPak" Taliban factions and their extremist supporters in Pakistan are now on a "common 'enemies list.'" In this media conference call, CFR expert Daniel Markey discusses current U.S. policy toward the region following his return from a trip to the region. In the Financial Times, James Lamont and Farhan Bokhari say Pakistan is in its strongest position in two decades, but to become a credible and stable U.S. ally, the country needs to reform its economy, scale back the army's influence, and improve its relationship with India. Background: Read the joint statement on the March 2010 U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. MIDDLE EAST: Three Suicide Bombings Hit Baghdad Two coordinated suicide bombings struck the Egyptian and Iranian embassies, while a third detonated near the German, Spanish, and Syrian missions in Baghdad, killing at least thirty people (al-Jazeera) and wounding hundreds. Iran: Iranian assets frozen to date under existing U.S. sanctions total less than $43 million (WSJ), or roughly a quarter of what Iran earns in oil revenue per day, according to a new report. Iran's Revolutionary Guard will likely be the target of the next round of sanctions that could be ready within weeks, says expert Kenneth Katzman, while Congress focuses on preventing U.S. companies from selling gasoline and refining equipment to Iran. PACIFIC RIM: Thai "Red Shirts" Storm Bangkok Thai anti-government protesters--who are calling for the government to step down and hold fresh elections--blocked Bangkok's commercial hub (BangkokPost) and briefly stormed the Election Commission. Japan: Former Japanese finance minister Kaoru Yosano said he plans to establish a new political party (FT) this week, given a weakened opposition Liberal Democratic party. Read CFR's Asia Unbound blog, featuring timely analysis from CFR Asia experts. SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Karzai Continues Criticizing West Afghan President Hamid Karzai criticized Western governments (WSJ) for the second time in three days for interfering in Afghan affairs and legitimizing a resistance movement to foreign interference. President Obama is pushing for a "civilian surge" in Afghanistan, but John Herbst, in charge of staffing a State Department civilian-led reconstruction program there, says congressional inaction and funding challenges are hampering American stabilization efforts. AFRICA: South Korea Intercepts Somali Pirates South Korea sent a destroyer to intercept an oil tanker (Reuters) carrying as much as $170 million worth of crude oil that was seized by Somali pirates Sunday. In this Council Special Report, Bronwyn Bruton discusses the foreign policy challenges of Somalia and the United States' international interests and the countries' capabilities to address them. Congo: Two UN workers were killed during fighting (AP) between the Congolese military and the Enyele militia, which began fighting the Congolese army in November, reportedly over farming and fishing rights. AMERICAS: Mexican Drug Feuds Intensify Thirteen inmates escaped from a prison (AP) in the northern border city of Rynosa, Mexico, the second mass jailbreak in less than two weeks in Tamaulipas State, amid a wave of drug-related gang battles. A new shift in U.S.-Mexico security cooperation that focuses on border surveillance and the underpinnings of drug violence is a good long-term approach, but will require patience on both sides, says CFR Latin America expert Shannon O'Neil. Venezuela: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited Venezuela to sign energy, defense, and financial agreements (MercoPress) with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is strengthening ties with governments critical of U.S. foreign policy and seeking financing for untapped oil reserves. EUROPE: More Bombings Rock Russia A suicide bomber attacked an interior ministry building in Ingushetia (BBC), killing two police officers. A car bomb went off less than an hour later as investigators arrived at the scene. Italy: In Pope Benedict XVI's traditional Easter message, he did not directly address (DeutcheWelle) the ongoing scandal over child abuse that has shaken the Roman Catholic Church worldwide.

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