April 6, 2011 View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Forces Raid Gbagbo Residence - International Pressure Mounts on Yemen - White House Highlights Af-Pak Concerns - Scarce Progress in Budget Standoff Top of the Agenda: Forces Raid Gbagbo Residence Soldiers supporting Ivory Coast's internationally recognized leader Alassane Ouattara raided the presidential residence of rival and disputed incumbent Laurent Gbagbo (BBC) in the city of Abidjan. According to reports, Gbagbo began negotiating his surrender with the UN from a bunker in his home after being besieged by Ouattara forces for two days. However, it remains unclear whether he has backtracked on this decision (CNN). Ouattara's forces are appealing directly to Gbagbo's fighters to lay down their weapons. Reuters reports that Ouattara's men have entered Gbagbo's compound (al-Jazeera), but have yet to capture him. A spokesman for Ouattara said that orders were given to keep Gbagbo alive so that he can be brought to justice. The conflict reached critical mass on Monday when French President Nicolas Sarkozy authorized the use of French aircraft (WSJ) in the UN operation, following a request from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for help. French helicopter strikes destroyed military barracks, armored vehicles, and anti-aircraft weaponry. The New York Times reports that France (NYT) is involved in three shooting wars at once for the first time in its history. Analysis: In the New Republic, Simon Akam discusses how the West failed to take action in the Ivory Coast, comparing that decision to the one that led to military intervention in Libya. Conflict in Ivory Coast appears to be nearing a head, with Ouattara poised to triumph. But CFR's Jendayi Frazer notes that the UN Security Council's inaction was "hypocrisy," particularly in light of its stance on Libya. This editorial for Japan Times discusses an end game for the Ivory Coast conflict and argues for increased international support after the violence is over. On his blog Africa in Transition, CFR's John Campbell writes that Ouattara has a number of advantages in taking over the role of president, but he will need to reach out to Gbagbo's supporters to be truly successful. Background: This timeline from al-Jazeera provides the West African nation's key events from its 1960 independence until the disputed 2010 vote. MIDDLE EAST: International Pressure Mounts on Yemen The United States, EU, and UN issued strong condemnations of the recent political bloodshed in the Yemeni cities of Sanaa and Taiz (al-Jazeera). A hundred and twenty people have been killed since anti-government protests started in February. Libya: Anti-government forces criticized NATO for slowing its airstrikes (AP) on forces loyal to the Libyan regime, as they continue efforts to regain key cities such as Brega. NATO claims airstrikes are more difficult because Muammar al-Qaddafi is positioning forces near heavily populated areas. On his CFR blog The Water's Edge, James M. Lindsay continues his series discussing the constitutionality of U.S. military intervention in Libya. PACIFIC RIM: Nitrogen to Be Injected at Fukushima As a precautionary measure, Japanese engineers are preparing to inject nitrogen into the containment vessel of reactor No. 1 at the Fukushima nuclear plant (NYT). The move aims to prevent rising amounts of hydrogen from exploding, though authorities claim it does not pose an immediate threat. Philippines: A report from the Asian Development Bank (AP) said economic growth for the region is expected to settle just under 8 percent for the next two years, continuing a path of recovery. The numbers include growth for forty-five developing or newly industrializing Asian economies, excluding Japan. In this op-ed for the Business Standard, CFR's Evan Feigenbaum discusses the reintegration of Asian economies and how the United States can remain relevant there. SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: White House Highlights Af-Pak Concerns A newly released White House report claims Pakistan has failed to put forth a clear plan for defeating the insurgency. It suggests efforts to improve Afghan governance, which stalled last year. The statements come just months ahead of the planned U.S. troop reduction in Afghanistan (FT), set to begin in July 2011. This CFR Task Force Report supports the U.S. investment in a long-term partnership with Pakistan, but underscores that it is only sustainable if Pakistan takes action against all terrorist organizations based on its soil. India: India's foodgrain output (WSJ) is expected to hit 235.88 million metric tons this year, according to government estimates. The record high level will help ease the country's food inflation and could lead to an end to the export ban on wheat and certain types of rice. AFRICA: Unknown Strike Kills Two in Sudan Two unidentified people were killed near Port Sudan (Reuters) after their car was struck by a missile of unknown origin. AMERICAS: Scarce Progress in Budget Standoff A White House budget summit failed to gain a compromise over spending cuts needed to avert a government shutdown (LAT) by the end of the week. Lawmakers were unable to agree on the scope of a proposed $33 billion package of domestic cuts for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. Ecuador: Government officials announced it will expel the U.S. ambassador in Quito (BBC), Heather Hodges, following a WikiLeaks' release of a cable alleging rampant corruption in the Ecuadorian police force. EUROPE: EU Warns United States over Tax Evasion Measure Senior EU officials warned U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner that an anti-tax-evasion measure (FT) imposed by Washington could cost European financial institutions billions of dollars. The law attempts to prevent U.S. citizens from evading U.S. taxes by holding income-producing assets with foreign financial institutions. Italy: The sex trial for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (DeutscheWelle) opened today, but the presiding judge addressed procedural matters and adjourned the trial until May 31. EXPLORE CFR's WEBSITE:     Regions      Issues      Experts     Publications     About CFR Find CFR on Twitter and Facebook. Privacy Policy The Council on Foreign Relations does not share email addresses with third parties. Council on Foreign Relations 58 East 68th Street New York, NY 10065 Tel. +1 212.434.9400 Fax: +1 212.434.9800 Learn about this and other newsletters offered by the Council on Foreign Relations. 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