 | | February 18, 2011 View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website.  | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Funerals Sow Tensions in Bahrain
- 'Victory March' in Tahrir Square
- Libyans Bury Victims, Further Protests Likely
- Obama Joins Wisconsin Budget Battle | |  | | Funerals Sow Tensions in Bahrain The Bahraini military is keeping the capital of Manama on lockdown as anti-government protestors (al-Jazeera) gather to bury their dead a day after riot police used force to disperse the activists, killing at least four. Analysts say the political violence puts the United States in a precarious position, having to navigate a controversial relationship with a strategic ally (NYT) while continuing to promote American democratic ideals. Throngs of mourners called for an overthrow of Bahrain's ruling Sunni monarchy, an escalation of prior demands of cronyism reform and charges of discrimination against the Shiite majority (AP). Pro-government demonstrators under the protection of security personnel staged counter protests advocating loyalty to the ruling family. The BBC reports that the atmosphere is "calm but tense" and says the "crucial question is how the security forces respond to the large numbers of protesters." Analysis: Large numbers of unemployed youth have been behind the protests for change in the Middle East. Demographics expert Ragui Assaad says the region must move toward democracy and open economic systems to turn the youth bulge into an opportunity. In this op-ed for the New York Times, Nicholas Kristof examines the political unrest in Bahrain and reflects on the disappointment he sees in the "brutal" actions of an American ally. Background: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave these remarks at the opening dinner of the Seventh IISS Regional Security Summit in Manama, Bahrain on December 3, 2010. Multimedia: This interactive map from the Economist provides a statistical hub with key data from all the countries of the Arab League. In this CFR podcast, the Washington bureau chief for al-Jazeera Arabic, Abderrahim Foukara, suggests Western perceptions of the channel are adapting to its pervasive influence in the Arab and Muslim world. | | | | MIDDLE EAST: 'Victory March' in Tahrir Square To commemorate the ousting of long-time leader Hosni Mubarak, Egyptians marched through Cairo's central square following Friday prayers. Egypt's health officials say at least 365 people were killed and several thousands more injured in the eighteen days of revolt (al-Jazeera). The ouster of autocrats in Tunisia and Egypt has awakened a hunger for change in the Arab world, says CFR's Thomas W. Lippman, but it's unlikely to result in a widespread fall of regimes. Israel: The Palestinian leadership is expected to submit a resolution to the UN Security Council claiming Israeli settlement activity is "illegal." The action could force a veto from the Obama administration, thereby jeopardizing Arab support for U.S.-led peace talks (WSJ). | | | | PACIFIC RIM: WTO Report to Fault China Trade Policy The World Trade Organization is set to report that China has no legal authority to impose export restrictions (WSJ) on nine raw materials like zinc and coke, used for making steel. North Korea: China announced plans to block the publication of a UN report detailing North Korea's violations of sanctions on its nuclear program (Guardian). This Council Special Report examines the challenges that North Korea poses for U.S. foreign policy. It possesses nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver them, and despite some progress, it is by no means clear that the ongoing Six Party Talks will be able to persuade Pyongyang to give them up. | | | | SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Suicide Bomb Kills Eight in Afghanistan The Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb that exploded in the eastern Afghan city of Khost, killing eight and wounding at least thirty others. The attack continues the Taliban campaign of targeting police stations (AP). India: Police expanded their investigation into India's telecom corruption scandal (Reuters) on Friday by raiding Kalaignar TV, a television station linked to the government. The scandal has stunned India's business elite and international investors, and shows no signs of abating. | | | | AFRICA: Libyans Bury Victims, Further Protests Likely Funerals for those killed in prior anti-government protests (al-Jazeera) are expected in both Benghazi and Al Bayda on Friday, which could serve as a catalyst for further unrest. Ivory Coast: Several international banks closed offices in Abidjan, including BNP Paribas and Citigroup (Bloomberg), following an attempt by Laurent Gbagbo, who claims the country's presidency, to seize the lenders. In justifying his actions, Gbagbo said his aim was to "preserve jobs and make sure the Ivorians and the economic actors have access to their assets." | | | | AMERICAS: Obama Joins Wisconsin Budget Battle President Obama denounced the budget austerity proposal of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker as an "assault" on unions. Walker's legislation would annul collective-bargaining agreements (WashPost) that affect most public employees, including teachers. The White House's proposed budget for FY2012 tries to balance spending cuts with investment to boost competitiveness. CFR experts examine how well it handles deficit reduction, defense, foreign aid, and spurring innovation. Haiti: Ahead of the March 20 elections, Mirlande Manigat and Michel Martelly officially launched their run-off campaigns for the Haitian presidency (AFP). | | | | EUROPE: German Defense Minister Faces Plagiarism Charges Amid allegations of plagiarism (DeutscheWelle), German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg announced he will temporarily renounce his PhD. Guttenberg was summoned by Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss charges that he copied "complete and numerous" passages in his dissertation. Albania: Socialist opposition groups are set to hold protests in the capital of Tirana to demand the resignation of the government over corruption charges (AP). A similar demonstration in January turned violent, killing four people. | | | | EXPLORE CFR's WEBSITE: Regions Issues Experts Publications About CFR Find CFR on Twitter and Facebook. Privacy Policy
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