http://www.crisisgroup.org The International Crisis Group (Crisis Group) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict. en-us Copyright 2010 Crisis Group Tue, 9 Mar 2010 21:30:06 +0100 360 http://www.crisisgroup.org/rss/CrisisGroup.jpg http://www.crisisgroup.org http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6567 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6565 Read op-ed ]]> Sat, 6 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6566 Read op-ed ]]> Sat, 6 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6568 Read speech ]]> Fri, 5 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6559 Read op-ed ]]> Thu, 4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6560 Read speech ]]> Thu, 4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6556 Read op-ed ]]> Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6554 Despite initial scepticism, Zimbabwe’s year-old unity government has achievements to its credit. But the democratic transition remains at risk, especially from hard-line security officials – President Robert Mugabe’s last reliable supporters. The latest briefing from the International Crisis Group analyses the situation resulting from the Global Political Agreement (GPA) that broke the stalemate following failed 2008 presidential elections and led to formation of the unity government in February 2009. It concludes that all domestic signatories of the GPA, as well as the South African mediation, must embrace democratic transformation as the vital objective of the transition.

Read more ]]> Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6555 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 2 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6557 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 2 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6552 The Bangladesh government has taken steps to dismantle the terrorist group Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), but it should not take its demise for granted: the organisation is regrouping and the possibility of another attack is increasing. Despite two government crackdowns since 2005, the organisation continues to recruit, train and raise funds. Although JMB is a much weaker force due to the arrest of hundreds of its members and the execution of its original leadership council, it remains a potent threat with a proven capacity to regenerate.

Read full report ]]> Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6553 Four actual or potential conflict situations around the world deteriorated and two improved in February 2010, according to CrisisWatch. Côte d’Ivoire’s President Gbagbo dissolved both the electoral commission and government on 12 February, triggering violent protests that killed at least 7. In Niger soldiers launched a successful military coup, while in Kenya the coalition government was plunged into crisis over two major corruption scandals. The situations improved in Yemen, where the government and Houthi rebels reached a peace agreement, and in Guinea, where prospects for an end to military rule continued to improve.

Read full report ]]> Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6551 Read op-ed ]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6550 In the eighteen months since Russia recognised it as independent from Georgia, small but strategic Abkhazia has become increasingly dependent on its giant patron. The International Crisis Group gives a snapshot of the current situation, particularly the extent of Russian economic, political and cultural dominance in the Black Sea entity.

Read full report ]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6548 The run-up to the Iraqi elections on 7 March has brought to light deep-seated problems that threaten the country’s fragile recovery. The latest report from the International Crisis Group examines the path to the country’s third parliamentary election in five years. Issues that complicated and almost derailed the elections – the disqualification of almost 500 candidates on charges of Baathist affiliation, accusations of demographic manipulations in Kirkuk, fears over the rights of out-of-country voters – reflect more profound conflicts that could haunt efforts to form a new government.

Read full report ]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6549 Read op-ed ]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6546 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6545 Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora groups should move away, once and for all, from the failed agenda of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and instead put their energies into the quest for a sustainable and just peace in a united Sri Lanka. The latest report from the International Crisis Group examines political dynamics within the Tamil diaspora since May 2009, as Tamils abroad adapt to the LTTE’s defeat. While there is little chance of the Tamil Tigers regrouping in the diaspora, most Tamils abroad remain profoundly committed to a separate state of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka.

Read full report ]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6544 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6541 Read op-ed ]]> Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6537 Read op-ed ]]> Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6536 Read more ]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6535 China lacks the West’s urgency about the Iran nuclear issue, is yet to be convinced Tehran is near capability to highly enrich and weaponise uranium or a military confrontation is imminent, and insists more diplomacy is key to a peaceful solution. In addition to energy, its relationship with Tehran is shaped by broader foreign and domestic policy calculations. It likely will pursue a delay-and-weaken strategy on sanctions the West says are needed to produce serious negotiations, but if facing unanimous support for new sanctions in the Security Council, it can be expected to avoid a veto and focus on ensuring punitive measures will not harm its interests.

Read more ]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6532 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6528 If Pakistan’s deteriorating civil service is not urgently repaired, public disillusionment and resentment could be used by the military to justify another spell of authoritarian rule. The International Crisis Group analyses the structure and functioning of Pakistan’s civil bureaucracy and identifies critical flaws as well as measures to make it more accountable. Military rule has left behind a demoralised and inefficient bureaucracy that was used to ensure regime survival. Low salaries, insecure tenure, obsolete accountability mechanisms and political interference have spawned widespread corruption and impunity. If the flaws of an unreformed bureaucracy are not urgently addressed, the government risks losing public support.

Read full report ]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6540 Read op-ed ]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6527 Burundi’s escape from its long civil war can only be solidified if all political forces, including government, opposition parties, civil society and media ensure that this year’s series of elections is truly democratic. The International Crisis Group examines the rise in tensions before communal, presidential, legislative and additional local elections that are to be conducted separately between May and September. Such an escalation could lead to new violence that would ruin the credibility of the electoral process and endanger a fragile democracy.

Read full report ]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6533 Read op-ed ]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6525 Read op-ed ]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6526 Read op-ed ]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6524 Read op-ed ]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6521 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6517 Read speech ]]> Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6512 Read speech ]]> Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6515 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6510 Two actual or potential conflict situations around the world deteriorated and two improved in January 2010, according to CrisisWatch. In Haiti, up to 200,000 are feared dead in a devastating earthquake that has reversed much of the country’s recent progress in institutional strengthening, while a fresh outbreak of violence between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria claimed at least 320 lives. The situation improved in Guinea where hopes for an end to military rule were raised after successful talks between junta leaders and regional mediator Blaise Campaoré.

Read full report ]]> Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6514 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6513 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6516 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6518 Read op-ed ]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6505 Read speech ]]> Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6497 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6520 Read op-ed ]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6508 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6494 Read media release ]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6499 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6488 Read op-ed ]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6501 Read op-ed ]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6496 Read op-ed ]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6498 Read op-ed ]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6500 Read op-ed ]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6485 Read op-ed ]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6484 Read op-ed ]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6477 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6475 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6480 Read op-ed ]]> Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6474 Read op-ed ]]> Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6471 Nepal’s peace process is undermined by the failure to address the systematic crimes committed during the country’s conflict. Crisis Group examines the impact of the abuses and impunity on the peace process, the institutional cultures that allowed the crimes to be committed in the first place, and the prospects for progress on justice. Tackling justice now is not only feasible but would also improve the chances of re-establishing productive political negotiations and salvaging the credibility of the parties and the state. For those directly affected by the conflict, the pursuit of justice and reparation, as well as the truth about the abuses suffered, is not an abstract concern.

Read full report ]]> Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6470 Read op-ed ]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6467 If the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) fails to re-engage with the opposition on upcoming elections and negotiate with remaining rebels, its fragile peace process will be at serious risk. Crisis Group examines the impact of the Inclusive Political Dialogue and the current challenges to a state that has lacked meaningful institutional capacity for some three decades. It argues that the unwillingness of President François Bozizé and his close circle to follow through with many of the concessions agreed on during the December 2008 talks risks exacerbating the country’s conflicts and stalling national reconciliation.

Read more ]]> Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6462 No matter which of the two main Sinhalese candidates wins Sri Lanka’s 26 January presidential election, the international community must take steps to ensure he addresses the marginalisation of Tamils and other minorities in the interest of peace and stability. Eight months after the military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the post-war policies of President Mahinda Rajapaksa have deepened rather than resolved the grievances that generated and sustained militancy. Though the election campaign between Rajapaksa and retired General Sarath Fonseka has now opened up some new political space, Sri Lanka has yet to make significant progress in reconstructing its battered democratic institutions or establishing conditions for a stable peace.

Read more ]]> Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.icg.org/home/index.cfm?id=6468 Read op-ed ]]> Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT