South Asia
Political Front:
Bangladesh, AL has finally announced its central working committee where many have been replaced by new faces. A formal invitation from the al leader, inviting the BNP leader to attend their council meeting was well received. The ruling party has urged the Bangladeshi nation to maintain a united front. Apart from all that cabinet has recently approved the vested property return (amendment) act 2009 on Wednesday, for passage in parliament intended to redress the long disputed act which gives the state power to deprive a Bangladeshi citizen of his/her property. In Sri Lanka, defence secretary has asked foreign countries to hand over Tamil tiger rebels and their assets worth millions of dollars. All the while Sri Lankan government has assured not to curb media independence. Nepali PM has reiterated commitment to the peace process. Maoists have approved the revised version of their leader's dossier which stresses the need to draft a new “people’s oriented” constitution in order to establish “people’s republic” and a need to enhance collaboration with like minded democratic parties. Meanwhile Nepali PM has declared leftist extremism to be the major threat to the country. Government of Maldives has expressed serious concerns regarding the challenging issue of climate change. The main opposition, Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) has expressed confidence that India will not interfere in any internal matters of Maldives despite conflicting media stories regarding the defense cooperation agreement to be signed between both countries. Military junta in Myanmar has asked western countries to lift sanctions. In the meantime a court in Myanmar heard final arguments on Monday in a case involving opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who faces five years in prison if found guilty of breaching a draconian security law. At the national level in India the BJP leadership crisis continues PM Manmohan Singh has voiced his concerns for party stability while the new RSS leader, Bhagwat Singh has disaffiliated his party from any specific political entity claiming that Hindutva ideology is all about tolerance and harmony among different identities. Moving towards anti-government movements Maoist insurgency remains at the top where the central armed forces have been facing problem against Maoist rebels in Lalgarh despite a two and a half months’ long operation. At the regional level BJP’s members from Jharkand assembly have resigned as the party lost many seats in by-polls. All the while alliance talks between BJP and Haryana Janhit congress in Haryana ended with out any result due to disagreement on the distribution of seats. The BJP will now contest polls alone. Likewise NCP and congress party have announced to contest state elections separately as NCP was not willing for any pre-poll alliance. BJP declared conflicts between BJP and NSP in Pune a permanent trend as Pune is one of the worst hit districts in India. Meanwhile Orissa’s police have expressed satisfaction over their performance for controlling riots in Kandhamal after the death of RSS’ leader. Lastly, an estimated 58 to 62 per cent of voters gave votes in the by-elections in seven state assembly constituencies in Gujarat in a peaceful atmosphere.
Geo-Strategic Front:
In Bangladesh protests have gained weight against Indian plan to construct Tipai dam at River Barak in Manipur. Bangladesh has also raised concerns about Indian and Burmese efforts to get hold of its maritime territories. India on the other hand has assured to take care of Bangladeshi interest. Representatives of both countries have started talks to enhance collaboration and to resolve conflicting issues. Meanwhile the US has asked Bangladesh to extend recognition to Kosovo. UN has expressed regret over Sri Lankan decisio
n to expel UNICEF spokesman. Meanwhile India has asked Sri Lanka to protect Tamils’ rights. Apart from that the Canadian Tamils for peace and democracy has insisted Sri Lanka’s president Mahinda Rajapaksa implement the 13th amendment in full and find an amicable solution to the minority issues within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. Nepali PM has recently paid a visit to India to enhance cooperation. Meanwhile Sino-Nepali ties also seem to be quite smooth. Due to severe financial crisis it has become difficult for Maldivian president to attend the climate change talks due to be held in Copenhagen. Various donors however have made contributions to facilitate his visit. The US president renewed a ban on import of ruby and jade from Myanmar. All the while Nagaland CM has requested Myanmar to provide resident Nagas with basic necessities of life. Pakistan has accused India for using delaying tactics in resuming dialogue process. India in response accused Pakistan for slow action against Mumbai attacks’ planners. In the meantime Indian president has recently paid visit to Russia and then Tajikistan in order to re-strengthen their existing ties. Indian president claimed that her country’s relations with any other country would never affect Indo-Russian ties. As a result Russia has strongly opposed any restriction on India regarding nuclear technology transfer.
Social Front:
Bangladesh has started putting efforts to establish disaster management cells. Meanwhile mega project to tackle climate change impact. Efforts are also being made to administer medication. Monsoon rains have badly affected Tamil refugees residing in Sri Lankan refugee camps. As far as health issues are concerned hundreds have fallen prey to diarrhea. In the meantime heavy floods also seem to be serious source of concern for the government of Nepal, while the first case of swine flu has been detected in Maldives. In India BJP intends to take strong action against supporters of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In case of Dalits; their leaders have expressed certain level of satisfaction over the scheduled casts’ reforms. Islamic courts in India have been authorized to act as councilors in order to strengthen family system and prevent increasing divorce rates. Fewer monsoons and growing number of swine flu victims are grave concerns for India. Lastly unrest has been observed in some areas due to fake police encounters.
Economic Front:
Sri Lanka has assured safe guarantees for US investment. In the meantime IMF board has approved loan of $us 700 million to Sri Lanka. Nepal has asked India to increase investment while the Maldives suffered from a budget deficit nearly triple to 14 percent of GDP last year. Myanmar is making efforts to expand its gems market, by introducing several domestic gems emporiums and joining occasional international gem shows. The ruling regime has expressed positive hope for Indian economic revival while the US has promised furthering economic ties.
East Asia
Political Front:
Foremost challenges for the Indonesian president seem to be terrorist threats and integrity of the democratic system. Recent terrorist attacks have created a difficult position for the ruling regime that had extended ties with the US in combating terrorism. In the meantime convergence of the ruling party with the opposition by offering ministerial positions has invited criticism from analysts as to the credibility of Yodhoyono in strengthening the democratic process. Meanwhile the emergence of strong opposition groups in latest elections in Malaysia has raised hopes regarding credible democratic institutions. Unrest and growing dissatisfaction within public in Thailand has prompted a healthy public debate. Lastly, presence of US troops in Philippines is expected to affect upcoming elections since the country is clearly divided on the issue.
Geo-Strategic Front:
Indonesia's defense industry has been ranked 46th in the world - 12 places behind Singapore and just three places ahead of Iraq.
Social Front:
Malaysian prime minister has urged Muslims not to insult people of other faiths, after residents of a Muslim-majority area, protesting re-location of a Hindu temple, carried cow heads in a rally. About 2,000 villagers rallied in Thailand to demand the industry ministry suspend permits for new investment projects, including petrochemical plants, until the pollution reduction plan takes effect. In the meantime a torrential storm and flash floods killed at least eight people, including six children in Cambodia.
Economic Front:
Foreign investors have showed greater interest in the Indonesian market. Business remained at lowest ebb in Malaysia during the holy month of Ramadan. At this critical moment Malaysian PM has urged to bring rapid economic reforms in order to get integrated with countries like China and India. Singapore has maintained its top ranking in the World Bank’s survey on ease of doing business for the fourth straight year, and yet it stated that the country lags behind in areas such as property registration and enforcing contracts. Laos is expected to grow by 8% in the next five years where the Asian development bank has pledged to help in the sectors of health, education, infrastructure and agriculture, aimed at reducing poverty.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Political Front:
In Kuwait one of the MP has asked prime minister and his cabinet to face grilling with confidence in order to avoid political crisis.
Geo-Strategic Front:
As part of a regional initiative to step up war on drugs, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has announced plans to set up a major center to combat drug trafficking. Qatar offered to host further inter-Lebanese talks after prime minister-designate Saad al Hariri gave up on forming a government that could have ended a longstanding political stalemate. In the meantime growing cooperation between Qatar and Iran; mainly in the field of tourism, also remained significant. Qatari minister of state for foreign affairs also held meeting with UN/AU joint chief mediator and discussed possible solution to the Darfur crisis. All the while Iran and Uzbekistan are on the way to enhance their bilateral ties.
Social Front:
The growing number of desalination plants along the coast has made gulf waters highly saline and, if continued, may render it unsuitable for desalination; this is a grave situation that demands the development of alternative technology to cater to potable water demand. Meanwhile in Kuwait, a recent study has indicated that the life expectancy for Kuwaiti women has reached 80.9 years while that for men remains at 73.6 years.
Economic Front:
Finance ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have discussed ways to remove hurdles in realizing the much talked about customs union and establishment of a unified investment bank. All the while the world bank’s annual “doing business” report has ranked the kingdom of Saudi Arabia top most in the Middle East and Arab world and 13th most competitive in the world ahead of Bahrain (20th), the UAE (33rd) and Qatar (39th). In the meantime the World Economic Forum's report has declared Bahrain as the fourth easiest country to acquire a bank loan in. As far as economic growth is concerned the International Monetary Fund has forecasted Bahrain’s economic growth to be 2.6 percent this year, compared to a 2008 outlook of 6.1pc, primarily because of banking sector losses and stagnant oil output. Lastly, the Qatar exchange index scaled up by 126 points or 1.83 percent and closed above the 7,000 point mark.
Turkey
Political Front:
Turkish PM is to further ease restrictions on Kurdish-language radio and television, to facilitate resolution of the Kurdish issue. Prominent Kurdish leaders and experts have expressed optimism regarding the democratic initiatives being taken. Turkish foreign minister has put great emphasis on the importance of EU’s support for the democratic initiative, yet another step towards addressing EU concerns regarding Turkish membership. The Turkish government has also entered in the second phase of talks with Greek Cypriot leaders. In the meantime the fm has launched a round of talks aimed at winning the opposition's support for the government's plans to normalize relations with neighboring Armenia. Apart from this the leadership has reinforced the importance of completing a judicial reform package declaring it to be crucial to democracy. Lastly, eight Turkish soldiers have been killed in two terrorist attacks in the southeastern turkey.
Geo-Strategic Front:
Turkey seems interested in enhancing ties with Lebanon, Algeria, Britain, France, India, Georgia, Greece, Iraq and Iran in economic, tourism and defence sector. As far as Iran is concerned Turkey has expressed desire to help in convincing various states to lift sanctions from her as Iran has agreed to hold nuke talks.
Social Front:
Headscarves for women in Turkey have become a symbol that invites discrimination. Many security forces have been mobilized in various Istanbul districts to prevent any act of looting. All the while heavy floods have appeared to be another potent challenge being faced by the Turkish people and government.
Economic Front:
Despite the fact that Turkish economy has shrunk by 7% and its industrial production as well as exports remain at their lowest ebb yet finance minister has expressed positive hope regarding Turkish economic recovery.
Political Front:
Bangladesh, AL has finally announced its central working committee where many have been replaced by new faces. A formal invitation from the al leader, inviting the BNP leader to attend their council meeting was well received. The ruling party has urged the Bangladeshi nation to maintain a united front. Apart from all that cabinet has recently approved the vested property return (amendment) act 2009 on Wednesday, for passage in parliament intended to redress the long disputed act which gives the state power to deprive a Bangladeshi citizen of his/her property. In Sri Lanka, defence secretary has asked foreign countries to hand over Tamil tiger rebels and their assets worth millions of dollars. All the while Sri Lankan government has assured not to curb media independence. Nepali PM has reiterated commitment to the peace process. Maoists have approved the revised version of their leader's dossier which stresses the need to draft a new “people’s oriented” constitution in order to establish “people’s republic” and a need to enhance collaboration with like minded democratic parties. Meanwhile Nepali PM has declared leftist extremism to be the major threat to the country. Government of Maldives has expressed serious concerns regarding the challenging issue of climate change. The main opposition, Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) has expressed confidence that India will not interfere in any internal matters of Maldives despite conflicting media stories regarding the defense cooperation agreement to be signed between both countries. Military junta in Myanmar has asked western countries to lift sanctions. In the meantime a court in Myanmar heard final arguments on Monday in a case involving opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who faces five years in prison if found guilty of breaching a draconian security law. At the national level in India the BJP leadership crisis continues PM Manmohan Singh has voiced his concerns for party stability while the new RSS leader, Bhagwat Singh has disaffiliated his party from any specific political entity claiming that Hindutva ideology is all about tolerance and harmony among different identities. Moving towards anti-government movements Maoist insurgency remains at the top where the central armed forces have been facing problem against Maoist rebels in Lalgarh despite a two and a half months’ long operation. At the regional level BJP’s members from Jharkand assembly have resigned as the party lost many seats in by-polls. All the while alliance talks between BJP and Haryana Janhit congress in Haryana ended with out any result due to disagreement on the distribution of seats. The BJP will now contest polls alone. Likewise NCP and congress party have announced to contest state elections separately as NCP was not willing for any pre-poll alliance. BJP declared conflicts between BJP and NSP in Pune a permanent trend as Pune is one of the worst hit districts in India. Meanwhile Orissa’s police have expressed satisfaction over their performance for controlling riots in Kandhamal after the death of RSS’ leader. Lastly, an estimated 58 to 62 per cent of voters gave votes in the by-elections in seven state assembly constituencies in Gujarat in a peaceful atmosphere.
Geo-Strategic Front:
In Bangladesh protests have gained weight against Indian plan to construct Tipai dam at River Barak in Manipur. Bangladesh has also raised concerns about Indian and Burmese efforts to get hold of its maritime territories. India on the other hand has assured to take care of Bangladeshi interest. Representatives of both countries have started talks to enhance collaboration and to resolve conflicting issues. Meanwhile the US has asked Bangladesh to extend recognition to Kosovo. UN has expressed regret over Sri Lankan decisio
n to expel UNICEF spokesman. Meanwhile India has asked Sri Lanka to protect Tamils’ rights. Apart from that the Canadian Tamils for peace and democracy has insisted Sri Lanka’s president Mahinda Rajapaksa implement the 13th amendment in full and find an amicable solution to the minority issues within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. Nepali PM has recently paid a visit to India to enhance cooperation. Meanwhile Sino-Nepali ties also seem to be quite smooth. Due to severe financial crisis it has become difficult for Maldivian president to attend the climate change talks due to be held in Copenhagen. Various donors however have made contributions to facilitate his visit. The US president renewed a ban on import of ruby and jade from Myanmar. All the while Nagaland CM has requested Myanmar to provide resident Nagas with basic necessities of life. Pakistan has accused India for using delaying tactics in resuming dialogue process. India in response accused Pakistan for slow action against Mumbai attacks’ planners. In the meantime Indian president has recently paid visit to Russia and then Tajikistan in order to re-strengthen their existing ties. Indian president claimed that her country’s relations with any other country would never affect Indo-Russian ties. As a result Russia has strongly opposed any restriction on India regarding nuclear technology transfer.Social Front:
Bangladesh has started putting efforts to establish disaster management cells. Meanwhile mega project to tackle climate change impact. Efforts are also being made to administer medication. Monsoon rains have badly affected Tamil refugees residing in Sri Lankan refugee camps. As far as health issues are concerned hundreds have fallen prey to diarrhea. In the meantime heavy floods also seem to be serious source of concern for the government of Nepal, while the first case of swine flu has been detected in Maldives. In India BJP intends to take strong action against supporters of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In case of Dalits; their leaders have expressed certain level of satisfaction over the scheduled casts’ reforms. Islamic courts in India have been authorized to act as councilors in order to strengthen family system and prevent increasing divorce rates. Fewer monsoons and growing number of swine flu victims are grave concerns for India. Lastly unrest has been observed in some areas due to fake police encounters.
Economic Front:
Sri Lanka has assured safe guarantees for US investment. In the meantime IMF board has approved loan of $us 700 million to Sri Lanka. Nepal has asked India to increase investment while the Maldives suffered from a budget deficit nearly triple to 14 percent of GDP last year. Myanmar is making efforts to expand its gems market, by introducing several domestic gems emporiums and joining occasional international gem shows. The ruling regime has expressed positive hope for Indian economic revival while the US has promised furthering economic ties.
East Asia
Political Front:
Foremost challenges for the Indonesian president seem to be terrorist threats and integrity of the democratic system. Recent terrorist attacks have created a difficult position for the ruling regime that had extended ties with the US in combating terrorism. In the meantime convergence of the ruling party with the opposition by offering ministerial positions has invited criticism from analysts as to the credibility of Yodhoyono in strengthening the democratic process. Meanwhile the emergence of strong opposition groups in latest elections in Malaysia has raised hopes regarding credible democratic institutions. Unrest and growing dissatisfaction within public in Thailand has prompted a healthy public debate. Lastly, presence of US troops in Philippines is expected to affect upcoming elections since the country is clearly divided on the issue.
Geo-Strategic Front:
Indonesia's defense industry has been ranked 46th in the world - 12 places behind Singapore and just three places ahead of Iraq.
Social Front:
Malaysian prime minister has urged Muslims not to insult people of other faiths, after residents of a Muslim-majority area, protesting re-location of a Hindu temple, carried cow heads in a rally. About 2,000 villagers rallied in Thailand to demand the industry ministry suspend permits for new investment projects, including petrochemical plants, until the pollution reduction plan takes effect. In the meantime a torrential storm and flash floods killed at least eight people, including six children in Cambodia.
Economic Front:
Foreign investors have showed greater interest in the Indonesian market. Business remained at lowest ebb in Malaysia during the holy month of Ramadan. At this critical moment Malaysian PM has urged to bring rapid economic reforms in order to get integrated with countries like China and India. Singapore has maintained its top ranking in the World Bank’s survey on ease of doing business for the fourth straight year, and yet it stated that the country lags behind in areas such as property registration and enforcing contracts. Laos is expected to grow by 8% in the next five years where the Asian development bank has pledged to help in the sectors of health, education, infrastructure and agriculture, aimed at reducing poverty.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Political Front:
In Kuwait one of the MP has asked prime minister and his cabinet to face grilling with confidence in order to avoid political crisis.
Geo-Strategic Front:
As part of a regional initiative to step up war on drugs, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has announced plans to set up a major center to combat drug trafficking. Qatar offered to host further inter-Lebanese talks after prime minister-designate Saad al Hariri gave up on forming a government that could have ended a longstanding political stalemate. In the meantime growing cooperation between Qatar and Iran; mainly in the field of tourism, also remained significant. Qatari minister of state for foreign affairs also held meeting with UN/AU joint chief mediator and discussed possible solution to the Darfur crisis. All the while Iran and Uzbekistan are on the way to enhance their bilateral ties.
Social Front:
The growing number of desalination plants along the coast has made gulf waters highly saline and, if continued, may render it unsuitable for desalination; this is a grave situation that demands the development of alternative technology to cater to potable water demand. Meanwhile in Kuwait, a recent study has indicated that the life expectancy for Kuwaiti women has reached 80.9 years while that for men remains at 73.6 years.
Economic Front:
Finance ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have discussed ways to remove hurdles in realizing the much talked about customs union and establishment of a unified investment bank. All the while the world bank’s annual “doing business” report has ranked the kingdom of Saudi Arabia top most in the Middle East and Arab world and 13th most competitive in the world ahead of Bahrain (20th), the UAE (33rd) and Qatar (39th). In the meantime the World Economic Forum's report has declared Bahrain as the fourth easiest country to acquire a bank loan in. As far as economic growth is concerned the International Monetary Fund has forecasted Bahrain’s economic growth to be 2.6 percent this year, compared to a 2008 outlook of 6.1pc, primarily because of banking sector losses and stagnant oil output. Lastly, the Qatar exchange index scaled up by 126 points or 1.83 percent and closed above the 7,000 point mark.
Turkey
Political Front:
Turkish PM is to further ease restrictions on Kurdish-language radio and television, to facilitate resolution of the Kurdish issue. Prominent Kurdish leaders and experts have expressed optimism regarding the democratic initiatives being taken. Turkish foreign minister has put great emphasis on the importance of EU’s support for the democratic initiative, yet another step towards addressing EU concerns regarding Turkish membership. The Turkish government has also entered in the second phase of talks with Greek Cypriot leaders. In the meantime the fm has launched a round of talks aimed at winning the opposition's support for the government's plans to normalize relations with neighboring Armenia. Apart from this the leadership has reinforced the importance of completing a judicial reform package declaring it to be crucial to democracy. Lastly, eight Turkish soldiers have been killed in two terrorist attacks in the southeastern turkey.
Geo-Strategic Front:
Turkey seems interested in enhancing ties with Lebanon, Algeria, Britain, France, India, Georgia, Greece, Iraq and Iran in economic, tourism and defence sector. As far as Iran is concerned Turkey has expressed desire to help in convincing various states to lift sanctions from her as Iran has agreed to hold nuke talks.
Social Front:
Headscarves for women in Turkey have become a symbol that invites discrimination. Many security forces have been mobilized in various Istanbul districts to prevent any act of looting. All the while heavy floods have appeared to be another potent challenge being faced by the Turkish people and government.
Economic Front:
Despite the fact that Turkish economy has shrunk by 7% and its industrial production as well as exports remain at their lowest ebb yet finance minister has expressed positive hope regarding Turkish economic recovery.
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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' The blog development project has been undertaken and developed jointly by the Gilani Research Foundation and BPM as a free resource and social discussion tool.
Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' The blog development project has been undertaken and developed jointly by the Gilani Research Foundation and BPM as a free resource and social discussion tool.
Serbian politics is trying to represent the conflict between Rep. of Kosova and Rep. of Serbia as a tribal conflict. The aim is to justify their strong opposition to the Kosova recognition under the ground that this recognition would be a precedent for other disputed regions. Kosova never is been part of Serbia. Under Yugoslav federation it had the status of autonomous and constitutive region, this is the reason why it can't be a such precedent. If you see the story of Serbian Republic (parliament for example), you never will find any Kosovar representative neither before or today. I don't know how Serbian authorities can justify this fact that in the clearest way interpret the falsity of their claims. An interpretation why Kosova should be recognized as an independent country can be found at: http://www.bosnia.org.uk/news/news_body.cfm?newsid=2487
ReplyDeleteThe idea to put Kosova and Serbia together is the craziest thing can be imagined. Any scenarios who consider Kosova under Serbian occupation mean a big trouble not only for Kosova and Serbia but for the whole region. Last one who didn't just thought but triet to realize that was Slobodan Miloscevic. Everybody knows very well what consequences and outcome it had.
Until now Kosova has the recognition from 62 countries and expecting very soon the recognition from 15 countries (some sources say can go up to 30 countries) who already have declared their decision. Serbia has realized only to slow down further recognitions but not to stop them. On the other side, countries who have recognized the independence of Rep. of Kosova represent 60% of UNSC, 81.5% of EU members, 85.7% of NATO members, 70.2% of Council of Europe etc... . So numbers have the importance given by the quality who rests behind those. I don't think that for the moment it is important the speed of new recognitions as long as they still going on. As well I don't believe that anything of important relevance can arise from any bilateral (Serb-Kosovar) irrational discussion. The most important thing for the Rep. of Kosova is to realize standards for it's citizens and the country it want to be. Further recognitions should be not only as a political and legal influence but as well as a standards consequence.
Regarding to Serbian big painful efforts to stop the recognition, no one can tell them what to do or not. To me it's sound a big political waste because even if it thinks to get anything as compensation for Kosova recognition, let say kosovar territory in north of Iber or reconfigured borders, I don't think it can get anything from Kosovar part. If there is any option for border change (this is my personal opinion), the only option is joining Albania. Albanians are one people with two states and two governments. The truth is that two governments for 6 million people are a big weight to hold. I don't see any reason why one people should keep two states two governments and considering that both of them for a long time have payed the costs, one of a long time of communist self-isolation and the other one of a long time of occupation.
According to many sources, (anyone can find them easily), in Rep. of Kosova, the ethnic composition is as follows: 92% Albanians, 8% minorities (among them 5% Serbs). With this composition, any normal person can not find any justifiable reason why Kosova should be considered with the status of a multinational state and furthermore, missing the legal and national grounds, why to be forced to be with Serbia. If Serbs are really claiming Kosova, this can be an other argument to sustain that Mrs. Sabrina p. Ramet is definitely right with her study. ( link: http://hrcak.srce.hr/file/4768 )