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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Gartner Outlines 10 Mobile Technologies to Watch in 2010 and 2011
URL: http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1328113
Source: Gartner via Resource Shelf
Gartner, Inc. has identified 10 mobile technologies that will evolve significantly through 2011 in ways that will impact short-term mobile strategies and policies. Investments in mobile applications and technologies will increase through 2011 as organizations emerge from the recession and ramp up both business-to-employee (B2E) and business-to-consumer (B2C) mobile spending.
"We are highlighting these 10 mobile technologies that should be on every organization's radar screen," said Nick Jones, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner. "These mobile technologies were selected because they will evolve in ways that affect corporate strategies, significant numbers of customers or employees will adopt or expect them, or they will address particular mobile challenges that organizations will face through 2011."
Source: Gartner via Resource Shelf
Gartner, Inc. has identified 10 mobile technologies that will evolve significantly through 2011 in ways that will impact short-term mobile strategies and policies. Investments in mobile applications and technologies will increase through 2011 as organizations emerge from the recession and ramp up both business-to-employee (B2E) and business-to-consumer (B2C) mobile spending.
"We are highlighting these 10 mobile technologies that should be on every organization's radar screen," said Nick Jones, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner. "These mobile technologies were selected because they will evolve in ways that affect corporate strategies, significant numbers of customers or employees will adopt or expect them, or they will address particular mobile challenges that organizations will face through 2011."
Monday, March 22, 2010
Africa Development Indicators 2010
URL: http://go.worldbank.org/RGRGCTXY80
Source: The World Bank
The new World Bank report on Africa Development Indicators 2010 sheds light on a kind of "quiet corruption" in Africa, which is severely affecting that continent's poor and endagering future development. The report focuses on the way “quiet corruption”, the failure of public servants to deliver goods or services paid for by governments – is pervasive and widespread across Africa and is having a disproportionate effect on the poor, with long-term consequences for development leads to an increasingly negative expectation of service delivery systems, causing families to ignore the system. Access the online indicators database and the read the essay on the key findings of the report.
Source: The World Bank
The new World Bank report on Africa Development Indicators 2010 sheds light on a kind of "quiet corruption" in Africa, which is severely affecting that continent's poor and endagering future development. The report focuses on the way “quiet corruption”, the failure of public servants to deliver goods or services paid for by governments – is pervasive and widespread across Africa and is having a disproportionate effect on the poor, with long-term consequences for development leads to an increasingly negative expectation of service delivery systems, causing families to ignore the system. Access the online indicators database and the read the essay on the key findings of the report.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Designing Democracy: Posters and the Political Transformation of Europe 1989-1991
URL: http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/prints_books/features/designing_democracy/
Source: Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, a focus for design of all kinds, has placed online Designing Democracy, an excellent international collection of political posters produced by various opposition groups and organisations.
The posters come from several countries including Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia (as it was then), Poland and Romania; the period covered is from 1980 (when the trade union Solidarity was born in Poland) to the early 1990s, by which time Western-style elections had been held throughout the region.
The posters on the initial page are only a taster of the whole collection. To see the rest, type “pro-democracy” into the search box here.
Source: Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, a focus for design of all kinds, has placed online Designing Democracy, an excellent international collection of political posters produced by various opposition groups and organisations.
The posters come from several countries including Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia (as it was then), Poland and Romania; the period covered is from 1980 (when the trade union Solidarity was born in Poland) to the early 1990s, by which time Western-style elections had been held throughout the region.
The posters on the initial page are only a taster of the whole collection. To see the rest, type “pro-democracy” into the search box here.
Enhancing Women’s Political Participation: A Policy Note for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States
URL: http://europeandcis.undp.org/home/show/0C9D0589-F203-1EE9-B2EAB8FD2B7B54A4
Source: UNDP
This Policy Note presents a set of pragmatic recommendations that will enable policy makers to enhance women’s political participation in the region. These measures are the product of six national roundtable discussions organized in 2008 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Turkey and Ukraine as well as a regional conference in Turkey in December 2008.
Source: UNDP
This Policy Note presents a set of pragmatic recommendations that will enable policy makers to enhance women’s political participation in the region. These measures are the product of six national roundtable discussions organized in 2008 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Turkey and Ukraine as well as a regional conference in Turkey in December 2008.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Internet access is 'a fundamental right'
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8548190.stm
Source: BBC World Service
Almost four in five people around the world believe that access to the internet is a fundamental right, a poll for the BBC World Service suggests.
Source: BBC World Service
Almost four in five people around the world believe that access to the internet is a fundamental right, a poll for the BBC World Service suggests.
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
URL: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/index.htm
Source: U.S. State Department
The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices cover internationally recognized civil, political and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights include freedom from torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, from prolonged detention without charges, from disappearance or clandestine detention, and from other flagrant violations of the right to life, liberty and the security of the person.
The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are submitted annually by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress in compliance with sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), as amended, and section 504 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended.
Source: U.S. State Department
The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices cover internationally recognized civil, political and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights include freedom from torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, from prolonged detention without charges, from disappearance or clandestine detention, and from other flagrant violations of the right to life, liberty and the security of the person.
The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are submitted annually by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress in compliance with sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), as amended, and section 504 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Advancing Freedom and Democracy Reports, May 2009
URL: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/afdr/2009/index.htm
Source: U.S. State Department
The reports are divided into four parts. Part one is a concise statement, similar in content to the first and second paragraphs in the introduction to the Department of State’s Annual Country Reports on Human Rights, regarding the political and human rights conditions in each country. Part two is a statement of the U.S. government’s priorities to promote democratic principles, practices, values, and human rights. It also includes specific actions and activities, to the extent anticipated, to be undertaken and supported by the chief of mission and other U.S. officials. Part three highlights the greater range of the post’s ongoing diplomatic, public diplomacy, foreign assistance, and other public actions to address the priorities stated in part two. For the 2009 reports, part three includes material that had been incorporated within a part four of the 2008 reports.
Source: U.S. State Department
The reports are divided into four parts. Part one is a concise statement, similar in content to the first and second paragraphs in the introduction to the Department of State’s Annual Country Reports on Human Rights, regarding the political and human rights conditions in each country. Part two is a statement of the U.S. government’s priorities to promote democratic principles, practices, values, and human rights. It also includes specific actions and activities, to the extent anticipated, to be undertaken and supported by the chief of mission and other U.S. officials. Part three highlights the greater range of the post’s ongoing diplomatic, public diplomacy, foreign assistance, and other public actions to address the priorities stated in part two. For the 2009 reports, part three includes material that had been incorporated within a part four of the 2008 reports.
The United Nations Human Rights Council: Issues for Congress
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RL33608/d
Source: Congressional Research Service
On March 15, 2006, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution replacing the Commission on Human Rights with a new Human Rights Council (the Council). The U.N. Secretariat and some governments, including the United States, view the establishment of the Council as a key component of comprehensive U.N. reform. The Council was designed to be an improvement over the Commission, which was widely criticized for the composition of its membership when perceived human rights abusers were elected as members. The General Assembly resolution creating the Council, among other things, increased the number of meetings per year and introduced a "universal periodic review" process to assess each member state's fulfillment of its human rights obligations. One hundred seventy countries voted in favor of the resolution to create the Council.
Source: Congressional Research Service
On March 15, 2006, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution replacing the Commission on Human Rights with a new Human Rights Council (the Council). The U.N. Secretariat and some governments, including the United States, view the establishment of the Council as a key component of comprehensive U.N. reform. The Council was designed to be an improvement over the Commission, which was widely criticized for the composition of its membership when perceived human rights abusers were elected as members. The General Assembly resolution creating the Council, among other things, increased the number of meetings per year and introduced a "universal periodic review" process to assess each member state's fulfillment of its human rights obligations. One hundred seventy countries voted in favor of the resolution to create the Council.
National Platform for Women: A Unified Vision for a New Path
URL: http://www.ndi.org/node/16031
ource: National Democratic Institute (NDI)
This report notes that Iraqi women are slowly increasing their involvement in government, political parties, and civil society, but they are still largely absent from the decision-making processes within these bodies. Women constitute 54 percent of Iraq’s population, yet their voices are not reflected in the current political discourse. In conjunction with the upcoming national elections, the National Platform for Women provides an opportunity to alter this trend by encouraging debate on a common set of policy priorities.
ource: National Democratic Institute (NDI)
This report notes that Iraqi women are slowly increasing their involvement in government, political parties, and civil society, but they are still largely absent from the decision-making processes within these bodies. Women constitute 54 percent of Iraq’s population, yet their voices are not reflected in the current political discourse. In conjunction with the upcoming national elections, the National Platform for Women provides an opportunity to alter this trend by encouraging debate on a common set of policy priorities.
Internet Freedom in the 21st Century: Integrating New Technologies into Diplomacy and Development
URL: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/scp/fs/2010/136702.htm
Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs .
This report outlines five key freedoms of the Internet age:
Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs .
This report outlines five key freedoms of the Internet age:
- Freedom of Speech: Blogs, emails, text messages have opened up new forums for the exchange of ideas.
- Freedom of Worship: The Internet enhances people’s ability to worship as they see fit.
- Freedom from Want: Online connections expand people’s knowledge and economic opportunities including locating new markets.
- Freedom from Fear: Those who disrupt the free flow of information threaten individual liberties and the world’s economy and civil society.
- Freedom to Connect: Connecting with others near and far offers unprecedented opportunities for human cooperation.
2009 Global Rankings of Think Tanks
URL: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/irp/2009GlobalRankingsofThinkTanks.htm
Source: Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program, University of Pennsylvania.
The index evaluated a total of 6305 think tanks worldwide. Close to 400 organizations were nominated and ranked by a global panel of 300 experts. The findings of the survey will be formally announced at a briefing at Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC on Friday, January 29, 2010
Source: Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program, University of Pennsylvania.
The index evaluated a total of 6305 think tanks worldwide. Close to 400 organizations were nominated and ranked by a global panel of 300 experts. The findings of the survey will be formally announced at a briefing at Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC on Friday, January 29, 2010
Economic Opportunity & Prosperity: The 2010 Index of Economic Freedom
URL: http://www.heritage.org/index/
Source: Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal
For over a decade, The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington’s preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom. Since 1995, the Index has brought Smith’s theories about liberty, prosperity and economic freedom to life by creating 10 benchmarks that gauge the economic success of 183 countries around the world. With its user-friendly format, readers can see how 18th century theories on prosperity and economic freedom are realities in the 21st century.
Source: Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal
For over a decade, The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington’s preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom. Since 1995, the Index has brought Smith’s theories about liberty, prosperity and economic freedom to life by creating 10 benchmarks that gauge the economic success of 183 countries around the world. With its user-friendly format, readers can see how 18th century theories on prosperity and economic freedom are realities in the 21st century.
Al Qaeda and Affiliates: Historical Perspective, Global Presence, and Implications for U.S. Policy
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/R41070/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that Al Qaeda (AQ) has evolved into a significantly different terrorist organization than the one that perpetrated the September 11, 2001, attacks. At the time, Al Qaeda was composed mostly of a core cadre of veterans of the Afghan insurgency against the Soviets, with a centralized leadership structure, made up mostly of Egyptians. Most of the organization's plots either emanated from the top or were approved by the leadership. Some analysts describe pre-9/11 Al Qaeda as akin to a corporation, with Osama Bin Laden acting as an agile Chief Executive Officer issuing orders and soliciting ideas from subordinates. Some would argue that the Al Qaeda of that period no longer exists. Out of necessity, due to pressures from the security community, in the ensuing years it has transformed into a diffuse global network and philosophical movement composed of dispersed nodes with varying degrees of independence.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that Al Qaeda (AQ) has evolved into a significantly different terrorist organization than the one that perpetrated the September 11, 2001, attacks. At the time, Al Qaeda was composed mostly of a core cadre of veterans of the Afghan insurgency against the Soviets, with a centralized leadership structure, made up mostly of Egyptians. Most of the organization's plots either emanated from the top or were approved by the leadership. Some analysts describe pre-9/11 Al Qaeda as akin to a corporation, with Osama Bin Laden acting as an agile Chief Executive Officer issuing orders and soliciting ideas from subordinates. Some would argue that the Al Qaeda of that period no longer exists. Out of necessity, due to pressures from the security community, in the ensuing years it has transformed into a diffuse global network and philosophical movement composed of dispersed nodes with varying degrees of independence.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RL34170/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that with limited natural resources, a crippling illiteracy rate, and high population growth, Yemen faces an array of daunting development challenges that some observers believe make it at risk for becoming a failed state. Between 2007 and 2008, Yemen ranked 153 out of 177 countries on the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index, a score comparable to the poorest sub-Saharan African countries. Over 43% of the population of nearly 24 million people lives below the poverty line, and per capita GDP is estimated to be between $650 and $800. Yemen is largely dependent on external aid from Persian Gulf countries, Western donors, and international financial institutions, though its per capita share of assistance is below the global average.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that with limited natural resources, a crippling illiteracy rate, and high population growth, Yemen faces an array of daunting development challenges that some observers believe make it at risk for becoming a failed state. Between 2007 and 2008, Yemen ranked 153 out of 177 countries on the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index, a score comparable to the poorest sub-Saharan African countries. Over 43% of the population of nearly 24 million people lives below the poverty line, and per capita GDP is estimated to be between $650 and $800. Yemen is largely dependent on external aid from Persian Gulf countries, Western donors, and international financial institutions, though its per capita share of assistance is below the global average.
Turkey-Israel: A Fluctuating Alliance
URL: http://www.setav.org/index.php?option=com_content&task;=view&id;=1140&Itemid;=57
Source: SETA, Turkey
This report notes that when Turkish-Israeli relations were formalized in March 28, 1949, Turkey became the first Muslim state to recognize the state of Israel; however, relations were kept at a minimum level for decades. From 1949 to the early 1990s, relations were very fragile and followed a fluctuating pattern. This pattern was replaced by the “honeymoon years” starting from the late 1990’s. The late 1990s marked by the soft coup of 1997, also known as the “February 28 Process,” constituted an exception in the pattern and level of relations between Turkey and Israel. Since 2000, relations regained its historically fluctuating pattern and this continues to characterize the nature of relations between Turkey and Israel today.
Source: SETA, Turkey
This report notes that when Turkish-Israeli relations were formalized in March 28, 1949, Turkey became the first Muslim state to recognize the state of Israel; however, relations were kept at a minimum level for decades. From 1949 to the early 1990s, relations were very fragile and followed a fluctuating pattern. This pattern was replaced by the “honeymoon years” starting from the late 1990’s. The late 1990s marked by the soft coup of 1997, also known as the “February 28 Process,” constituted an exception in the pattern and level of relations between Turkey and Israel. Since 2000, relations regained its historically fluctuating pattern and this continues to characterize the nature of relations between Turkey and Israel today.
Israel and the Palestinians: Prospects for a Two-State Solution
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/R40092/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that following leadership changes in the United States and Israel in early 2009 and the Israel-Hamas Gaza conflict in December 2008-January 2009, the inconclusive final-status peace negotiations that took place between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) during the final year of the Bush Administration have not resumed. Nevertheless, President Barack Obama showed his commitment to a negotiated "two-state solution" just days after his January 2009 inauguration by appointing former Senator George Mitchell as his Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that following leadership changes in the United States and Israel in early 2009 and the Israel-Hamas Gaza conflict in December 2008-January 2009, the inconclusive final-status peace negotiations that took place between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) during the final year of the Bush Administration have not resumed. Nevertheless, President Barack Obama showed his commitment to a negotiated "two-state solution" just days after his January 2009 inauguration by appointing former Senator George Mitchell as his Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.
U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RS22967/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that since the signing of the Oslo Accord in 1993 and the establishment of limited Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1994, the U.S. government has committed over $3.5 billion in bilateral assistance to the Palestinians. Since the death of Yasser Arafat in November 2004, U.S. assistance to the Palestinians has been averaging about $400 million a year. During the 1990s, U.S. foreign aid to the Palestinians averaged approximately $75 million per year. Despite more robust levels of assistance this decade, Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Hamas's heightened role in Palestinian politics have made it more difficult to implement effective and lasting aid projects that serve U.S. interests.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that since the signing of the Oslo Accord in 1993 and the establishment of limited Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1994, the U.S. government has committed over $3.5 billion in bilateral assistance to the Palestinians. Since the death of Yasser Arafat in November 2004, U.S. assistance to the Palestinians has been averaging about $400 million a year. During the 1990s, U.S. foreign aid to the Palestinians averaged approximately $75 million per year. Despite more robust levels of assistance this decade, Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Hamas's heightened role in Palestinian politics have made it more difficult to implement effective and lasting aid projects that serve U.S. interests.
Palestinians: Background and U.S. Relations
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RL34074/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report provides an overview of current issues in U.S.-Palestinian relations and. It also contains an overview of Palestinian society and politics and descriptions of key Palestinian individuals and groups--chiefly the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Palestinian Authority (PA), Fatah, Hamas, and the Palestinian refugee population.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report provides an overview of current issues in U.S.-Palestinian relations and. It also contains an overview of Palestinian society and politics and descriptions of key Palestinian individuals and groups--chiefly the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Palestinian Authority (PA), Fatah, Hamas, and the Palestinian refugee population.
Mullahs, Guards, and Bonyads : An Exploration of Iranian Leadership Dynamics
URL: http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG878.pdf
Source: RAND.
This report notes that The Islamic Republic of Iran poses serious challenges to U.S. interests in the Middle East, and its nuclear program continues to worry the international community. The U.S. ability to "read" the Iranian regime and formulate appropriate policies has been handicapped by both a lack of access to the country and the opacity of decisionmaking in Tehran. To improve understanding of Iran's political system, the authors describe Iranian strategic culture; investigate Iran's informal networks, formal government institutions, and personalities; assess the impact of elite behavior on Iranian policy; and summarize key trends.
Source: RAND.
This report notes that The Islamic Republic of Iran poses serious challenges to U.S. interests in the Middle East, and its nuclear program continues to worry the international community. The U.S. ability to "read" the Iranian regime and formulate appropriate policies has been handicapped by both a lack of access to the country and the opacity of decisionmaking in Tehran. To improve understanding of Iran's political system, the authors describe Iranian strategic culture; investigate Iran's informal networks, formal government institutions, and personalities; assess the impact of elite behavior on Iranian policy; and summarize key trends.
Mixed Views of Hamas and Hezbollah in Largely Muslim Nations
URL: http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=268
Source: PEW Research Center.
This is a survey conducted May 18 to June 16, 2009 by the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project of six predominantly Muslim nations (Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan and Turkey) and the Palestinian territories, as well as the Muslim population of Nigeria and Israel's Arab population also finds there is limited enthusiasm for most of the Muslim political figures tested on the survey, with the exception of Saudi King Abdullah, who is easily the most popular.
There is also a widespread perception among Muslims that conflict between Sunnis and Shia is not limited to Iraq's borders, and many Muslims are also convinced there is a struggle between groups who want to modernize and fundamentalists. Also of note, Muslim publics overwhelmingly support educating girls and boys equally.
Source: PEW Research Center.
This is a survey conducted May 18 to June 16, 2009 by the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project of six predominantly Muslim nations (Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan and Turkey) and the Palestinian territories, as well as the Muslim population of Nigeria and Israel's Arab population also finds there is limited enthusiasm for most of the Muslim political figures tested on the survey, with the exception of Saudi King Abdullah, who is easily the most popular.
There is also a widespread perception among Muslims that conflict between Sunnis and Shia is not limited to Iraq's borders, and many Muslims are also convinced there is a struggle between groups who want to modernize and fundamentalists. Also of note, Muslim publics overwhelmingly support educating girls and boys equally.
The legal basis for the invasion of Afghanistan
URL: http://www.parliament.uk/commons/lib/research/briefings/snia-05340.pdf
Source: House of Commons Library
The military campaign in Afghanistan was not specifically mandated by the UN – there was no specific Security Council Resolution authorising the invasion – but was widely (although not universally) perceived to be a legitimate form of self-defence under the UN Charter
Source: House of Commons Library
The military campaign in Afghanistan was not specifically mandated by the UN – there was no specific Security Council Resolution authorising the invasion – but was widely (although not universally) perceived to be a legitimate form of self-defence under the UN Charter
Iraq’s Uncertain Future: Elections and Beyond
URL: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=6547&l;=1
Source: International Crisis Group
This report examines the path to the country’s third parliamentary election in five years. Issues that complicated and almost derailed the elections – 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.
Source: International Crisis Group
This report examines the path to the country’s third parliamentary election in five years. Issues that complicated and almost derailed the elections – 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.
Iraq: Politics, Elections, and Benchmarks
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RS21968/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that Iraq's political system, the result of a U.S.-supported election process, is increasingly characterized by peaceful competition rather than violence, as well as by cross-sectarian alliances. However, ethnic and factional infighting continue to affect national decision making and security. Some believe that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, strengthened politically by the January 31, 2009, provincial elections, is increasingly authoritarian, in part to ensure that he holds power after the planned March 2010 national elections. Maliki is widely assessed as gaining control of the security services and building new security organs loyal to him personally.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that Iraq's political system, the result of a U.S.-supported election process, is increasingly characterized by peaceful competition rather than violence, as well as by cross-sectarian alliances. However, ethnic and factional infighting continue to affect national decision making and security. Some believe that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, strengthened politically by the January 31, 2009, provincial elections, is increasingly authoritarian, in part to ensure that he holds power after the planned March 2010 national elections. Maliki is widely assessed as gaining control of the security services and building new security organs loyal to him personally.
Iran: Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/R40849/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that as the Administration and Congress move forward to pursue engagement, harsher sanctions, or both, regional actors are evaluating their policies and priorities with respect to Iran. Iran's neighbors share many U.S. concerns, but often evaluate them differently than the United States when calculating their own relationship with or policy toward Iran. Because Iran and other regional concerns--the Arab-Israeli peace process, stability in Lebanon and Iraq, terrorism, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan--have become increasingly intertwined, understanding the policies and perspectives of Iran's neighbors could be crucial during the consideration of options to address overall U.S. policy toward Iran.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that as the Administration and Congress move forward to pursue engagement, harsher sanctions, or both, regional actors are evaluating their policies and priorities with respect to Iran. Iran's neighbors share many U.S. concerns, but often evaluate them differently than the United States when calculating their own relationship with or policy toward Iran. Because Iran and other regional concerns--the Arab-Israeli peace process, stability in Lebanon and Iraq, terrorism, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan--have become increasingly intertwined, understanding the policies and perspectives of Iran's neighbors could be crucial during the consideration of options to address overall U.S. policy toward Iran.
Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RL32048/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that President Obama has said his Administration shares the goals of previous Administrations to contain Iran's strategic capabilities and regional influence. The Administration has not changed the previous Administration's characterization of Iran as a "profound threat to U.S. national security interests," a perception generated not only by Iran's nuclear program but also by its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that President Obama has said his Administration shares the goals of previous Administrations to contain Iran's strategic capabilities and regional influence. The Administration has not changed the previous Administration's characterization of Iran as a "profound threat to U.S. national security interests," a perception generated not only by Iran's nuclear program but also by its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah.
Global Trends in NGO Law, “Survey of Arab NGO Laws
URL: http://www.icnl.org/knowledge/globaltrends/
Source: The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law
This issue addresses the NGO laws of the Middle East / North Africa (MENA), and includes:
* A brief history of the development of NGO laws in the region,
* A review of the current status of NGO laws in the MENA countries, and
* A review of the most recent initiatives to revise the region’s NGO laws.
Source: The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law
This issue addresses the NGO laws of the Middle East / North Africa (MENA), and includes:
* A brief history of the development of NGO laws in the region,
* A review of the current status of NGO laws in the MENA countries, and
* A review of the most recent initiatives to revise the region’s NGO laws.
European Union Enlargement: A Status Report on Turkey's Accession Negotiations
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RS22517/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that October 2009 marked the fourth anniversary of the European Union's decision to proceed with formal negotiations with Turkey toward full membership in the Union and launched the annual period when all three European Union institutions, the Council, Commission, and Parliament, would be required to assess the progress Turkey had made or failed to accomplish in the accession process and to issue recommendations on whether and how the process should continue. Many "Turkey-skeptics" saw the end of 2009 as a deadline for Turkish action that would have marked a critical juncture for the future of Europe's relationship with Turkey.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that October 2009 marked the fourth anniversary of the European Union's decision to proceed with formal negotiations with Turkey toward full membership in the Union and launched the annual period when all three European Union institutions, the Council, Commission, and Parliament, would be required to assess the progress Turkey had made or failed to accomplish in the accession process and to issue recommendations on whether and how the process should continue. Many "Turkey-skeptics" saw the end of 2009 as a deadline for Turkish action that would have marked a critical juncture for the future of Europe's relationship with Turkey.
Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance
http://opencrs.com/document/RS21922/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes in the context of a review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan during September-November 2009, the performance and legitimacy of the Afghan government figured prominently. In his December 1, 2009, speech on policy in Afghanistan going forward, President Obama stated that the Afghan government would be judged on performance, and "The days of providing a blank check are over." The policy statement was based, in part, on an August 2009 assessment of the security situation furnished by the top commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, which warned of potential mission failure unless a fully resourced classic counterinsurgency strategy is employed.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes in the context of a review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan during September-November 2009, the performance and legitimacy of the Afghan government figured prominently. In his December 1, 2009, speech on policy in Afghanistan going forward, President Obama stated that the Afghan government would be judged on performance, and "The days of providing a blank check are over." The policy statement was based, in part, on an August 2009 assessment of the security situation furnished by the top commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, which warned of potential mission failure unless a fully resourced classic counterinsurgency strategy is employed.
Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RL30588/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that upon taking office, the Obama Administration faced a deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan, despite a steady increase in U.S. forces there in recent years. Signs of deterioration included an expanded area and greater intensity of militant operations, higher levels of overall violence, Afghan and international disillusionment with corruption in the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and the ease of infiltration of Taliban militants from safe havens in Pakistan.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that upon taking office, the Obama Administration faced a deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan, despite a steady increase in U.S. forces there in recent years. Signs of deterioration included an expanded area and greater intensity of militant operations, higher levels of overall violence, Afghan and international disillusionment with corruption in the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and the ease of infiltration of Taliban militants from safe havens in Pakistan.
Uruguay: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/R40909/
Source: Congressional Research Service
On November 29, 2009, Senator José "Pepe" Mujica of the ruling center-left Broad Front coalition was elected president of Uruguay, a relatively economically developed and politically stable South American country of 3.5 million people. Mujica, a former leader of the leftist Tupamaro urban guerilla movement that fought against the Uruguayan government in the 1960s and 1970s, defeated former President Luis Alberto Lacalle (1990-1995) of the center-right National Party in the country's sixth consecutive democratic election since its 12-year dictatorship ended in 1985. Mujica was forced to contest a runoff after he failed to win an absolute majority of the vote in the October 2009 first-round election.
Source: Congressional Research Service
On November 29, 2009, Senator José "Pepe" Mujica of the ruling center-left Broad Front coalition was elected president of Uruguay, a relatively economically developed and politically stable South American country of 3.5 million people. Mujica, a former leader of the leftist Tupamaro urban guerilla movement that fought against the Uruguayan government in the 1960s and 1970s, defeated former President Luis Alberto Lacalle (1990-1995) of the center-right National Party in the country's sixth consecutive democratic election since its 12-year dictatorship ended in 1985. Mujica was forced to contest a runoff after he failed to win an absolute majority of the vote in the October 2009 first-round election.
Honduran General Elections: Final Report of NDI's International Election Assessment Mission
URL: http://www.ndi.org/node/16060
Source: The National Democratic Institute (NDI)
NDI released its final report on the Nov. 29, 2009, general elections in Honduras, reiterating the opportunity and responsibility of President Porfirio Lobo and other newly-elected leaders to do everything possible to overcome divisions in the country. NDI’s hope is that the report can provide Hondurans and the international community with an impartial and independent analysis of those elections to assist in the process of national reconciliation.
Source: The National Democratic Institute (NDI)
NDI released its final report on the Nov. 29, 2009, general elections in Honduras, reiterating the opportunity and responsibility of President Porfirio Lobo and other newly-elected leaders to do everything possible to overcome divisions in the country. NDI’s hope is that the report can provide Hondurans and the international community with an impartial and independent analysis of those elections to assist in the process of national reconciliation.
Democracy Survey Shows Opportunities, Ongoing Challenges for Political Participation in El Salvador
URL: http://www.ndi.org/node/16020
Source: The National Democratic Institute (NDI)
The survey uncovered a number of unexpected attitudes among women and young people, which prompted NDI’s former country director for El Salvador, Alison Miranda, to think about new ways to increase Salvadorans’ levels of political and civic engagement.
Source: The National Democratic Institute (NDI)
The survey uncovered a number of unexpected attitudes among women and young people, which prompted NDI’s former country director for El Salvador, Alison Miranda, to think about new ways to increase Salvadorans’ levels of political and civic engagement.
Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/R40193/2010-01-13/download/1013/
Source: Congressional Research Service
Cuba remains a hard-line communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country’s political succession from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. Fidel stepped down from power temporarily in July 2006 because of health reasons, and Raúl assumed provisional control of the government until February 2008, when he officially became President.
Source: Congressional Research Service
Cuba remains a hard-line communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country’s political succession from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. Fidel stepped down from power temporarily in July 2006 because of health reasons, and Raúl assumed provisional control of the government until February 2008, when he officially became President.
The Post-Communist Generation in the Former Eastern Bloc
URL: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1467/post-communist-millennial-generation-more-positive-democracy-free-market
Source: Pew Research Center
This report notes that members of the post-communist generation, who are now between the ages of 18 and 39, offer much more positive evaluations of the political and economic changes their countries have undergone over the past two decades than do those who were adults when the Iron Curtain fell.
The younger generation is also more individualistic and more likely to endorse a free market economy than are those who are ages 40 or older.
Throughout 2010, the Pew Research Center will release a series of reports that explore the values, attitudes and behavior of America's Millennial Generation, which first came of age around the time of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and played an important role in the election of President Barack Obama. The Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project's contribution to this project focuses on a somewhat different age group: the post-communist generation in the former Eastern bloc. The generation gap on attitudes about democracy and capitalism in Eastern Europe reflects a divide among the past, present and future. Concerns about the way things are going span all ages, but while the older generation looks back longingly, often saying that people were better off financially under communism, the younger generation expresses more confidence that democracy can solve their countries' problems.
Source: Pew Research Center
This report notes that members of the post-communist generation, who are now between the ages of 18 and 39, offer much more positive evaluations of the political and economic changes their countries have undergone over the past two decades than do those who were adults when the Iron Curtain fell.
The younger generation is also more individualistic and more likely to endorse a free market economy than are those who are ages 40 or older.
Throughout 2010, the Pew Research Center will release a series of reports that explore the values, attitudes and behavior of America's Millennial Generation, which first came of age around the time of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and played an important role in the election of President Barack Obama. The Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project's contribution to this project focuses on a somewhat different age group: the post-communist generation in the former Eastern bloc. The generation gap on attitudes about democracy and capitalism in Eastern Europe reflects a divide among the past, present and future. Concerns about the way things are going span all ages, but while the older generation looks back longingly, often saying that people were better off financially under communism, the younger generation expresses more confidence that democracy can solve their countries' problems.
Footprint of Financial Crisis in the Media
URL: http://soros.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=52d98944f5466486ab8567329&id;=2273cd24bd&e;=9a5e83b51b
Source: Open Society Institute
This study explores the impact of the financial crisis on media and news delivery in 18 countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Source: Open Society Institute
This study explores the impact of the financial crisis on media and news delivery in 18 countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Democracy's plight in the European Neighbourhood
URL: http://www.fride.org/publication/666/democracys-plight-in-the-european-neighbourhood
Source: FRIDE
This report notes that in recent years many analysts have focused their attention on an apparent ‘backlash’ against democracy and democracy promotion. FRIDE and CEPS have previously cooperated on exploring the general nature of this ‘backlash’. In this volume we turn to a more specific European neighbourhood focus, and explore the general issues relating to democracy’s travails in more detail in the countries to the south and east of the European Union. The underlying question is whether, in an era of democratic pessimism, the European neighbourhood can offer any more optimistic conclusions.
Source: FRIDE
This report notes that in recent years many analysts have focused their attention on an apparent ‘backlash’ against democracy and democracy promotion. FRIDE and CEPS have previously cooperated on exploring the general nature of this ‘backlash’. In this volume we turn to a more specific European neighbourhood focus, and explore the general issues relating to democracy’s travails in more detail in the countries to the south and east of the European Union. The underlying question is whether, in an era of democratic pessimism, the European neighbourhood can offer any more optimistic conclusions.
Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RL33458/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that U.S. policy toward the Central Asian states has emphasized maximizing their assistance in U.S. and NATO stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and in helping them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms and drug trafficking. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the forging of east-west and Central Asia-South Asia trade links. Such policies aim to help the states become what various U.S. Administrations have considered to be responsible members of the international community rather than to degenerate into xenophobic, extremist, and anti-Western regimes that contribute to wider regional conflict and instability.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that U.S. policy toward the Central Asian states has emphasized maximizing their assistance in U.S. and NATO stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and in helping them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms and drug trafficking. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the forging of east-west and Central Asia-South Asia trade links. Such policies aim to help the states become what various U.S. Administrations have considered to be responsible members of the international community rather than to degenerate into xenophobic, extremist, and anti-Western regimes that contribute to wider regional conflict and instability.
Arrest the Violence: Human Rights Violations Against Sex Workers in 11 Countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia
URL: http://soros.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=52d98944f5466486ab8567329&id;=25cb1c4576&e;=9a5e83b51b
Source: Open Society Institute
This first report document the human rights violations that sex workers face throughout Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Source: Open Society Institute
This first report document the human rights violations that sex workers face throughout Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Abkhazia: Deepening Dependence
URL: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=6550&l;=1
Source: International Crisis Group
This report gives a snapshot of the current situation, particularly the extent of Russian economic, political and cultural dominance in the Black Sea entity that has long been a favourite winter holiday resort for the Moscow elite.
Source: International Crisis Group
This report gives a snapshot of the current situation, particularly the extent of Russian economic, political and cultural dominance in the Black Sea entity that has long been a favourite winter holiday resort for the Moscow elite.
Understanding China's Political System
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/R41007/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that opaque and shrouded in secrecy, China's political system and decision-making processes are mysteries to many Westerners. At one level, China is a one-party state that has been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since 1949. But rather than being rigidly hierarchical and authoritarian, which is often the assumption, political power in China now is diffuse, complex, and at times highly competitive. Despite its grip on power, the Party and its senior leaders (the Politburo and its Standing Committee) are not always able to dictate policy decisions as they once did. Instead, present-day China's political process is infused with other political actors that influence and sometimes determine policy.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that opaque and shrouded in secrecy, China's political system and decision-making processes are mysteries to many Westerners. At one level, China is a one-party state that has been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since 1949. But rather than being rigidly hierarchical and authoritarian, which is often the assumption, political power in China now is diffuse, complex, and at times highly competitive. Despite its grip on power, the Party and its senior leaders (the Politburo and its Standing Committee) are not always able to dictate policy decisions as they once did. Instead, present-day China's political process is infused with other political actors that influence and sometimes determine policy.
The Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora after the LTTE
URL: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=6545&l;=1
Source: International Crisis Group
This report examines political dynamics within the Tamil diaspora since May 2009, as Tamils abroad adapt to the LTTE’s defeat. It also looks at the potential for new forms of militancy within the diaspora, especially among the younger generations, radicalised by the deaths of thousands of Tamil civilians in the final months of the war. 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.
Source: International Crisis Group
This report examines political dynamics within the Tamil diaspora since May 2009, as Tamils abroad adapt to the LTTE’s defeat. It also looks at the potential for new forms of militancy within the diaspora, especially among the younger generations, radicalised by the deaths of thousands of Tamil civilians in the final months of the war. 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.
Reforming Pakistan’s Civil Service
URL: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?l=1&id;=6528
Source: International Crisis Group
This report analyses the structure and functioning of Pakistan’s civil bureaucracy. It identifies critical flaws as well as measures to make it more accountable and able to provide essential public services. 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.
Source: International Crisis Group
This report analyses the structure and functioning of Pakistan’s civil bureaucracy. It identifies critical flaws as well as measures to make it more accountable and able to provide essential public services. 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.
Prospects for Democracy in Hong Kong: The 2012 Election Reforms
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/R40992/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that support for the democratization of Hong Kong has been an element of U.S. foreign policy for over 17 years. The Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-383) states, "Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of United States foreign policy. As such, it naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong. This will remain equally true after June 30, 1997." The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-8) provides at least $17 million for "the promotion of democracy in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan –" The democratization of Hong Kong is also enshrined in the Basic Law, Hong Kong's quasi-constitution that was passed by China's National People's Congress (NPC) prior to China's resumption of sovereignty over the ex-British colony on July 1, 1997.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that support for the democratization of Hong Kong has been an element of U.S. foreign policy for over 17 years. The Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-383) states, "Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of United States foreign policy. As such, it naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong. This will remain equally true after June 30, 1997." The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-8) provides at least $17 million for "the promotion of democracy in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan –" The democratization of Hong Kong is also enshrined in the Basic Law, Hong Kong's quasi-constitution that was passed by China's National People's Congress (NPC) prior to China's resumption of sovereignty over the ex-British colony on July 1, 1997.
Laos: Background and U.S. Relations
URL: http://opencrs.com/document/RL34320/
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that the United States and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) cooperate in important areas despite ideological differences and U.S. concerns about alleged human rights abuses against the ethnic Hmong minority. The U.S. government has gradually upgraded its relations with the communist state, which has strong ties to Vietnam and growing economic linkages with China.
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report notes that the United States and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) cooperate in important areas despite ideological differences and U.S. concerns about alleged human rights abuses against the ethnic Hmong minority. The U.S. government has gradually upgraded its relations with the communist state, which has strong ties to Vietnam and growing economic linkages with China.
Bangladesh: The Threat from Jammat-ul Muj ahideen
URL: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=6552&l;=1
Source: International Crisis Group
This report assesses the ongoing danger JMB poses to the state. 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. Its past and present ties to Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Tayyba (LeT), the organisation responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack and for a foiled December 2009 plot to target embassies in Dhaka, reinforce that threat.
Source: International Crisis Group
This report assesses the ongoing danger JMB poses to the state. 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. Its past and present ties to Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Tayyba (LeT), the organisation responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack and for a foiled December 2009 plot to target embassies in Dhaka, reinforce that threat.
Audiovisual Media Policy, Regulation and Independence in Southeast Asia
URL: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/media/articles_publications/publications/audiovisual-policy-20100126
Source: Open Source Institute (OSI)
The media systems of Southeast Asia are extraordinarily diverse in terms of professional standards, economic models, political engagement, and technology. They range from Vietnam, where private media are not allowed, to Thailand, where all broadcasters are somehow public in character, to Indonesia and the Philippines, with their vibrant and commercialized broadcast sectors.
Source: Open Source Institute (OSI)
The media systems of Southeast Asia are extraordinarily diverse in terms of professional standards, economic models, political engagement, and technology. They range from Vietnam, where private media are not allowed, to Thailand, where all broadcasters are somehow public in character, to Indonesia and the Philippines, with their vibrant and commercialized broadcast sectors.
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