Indian Ocean
President Expands US Drone Campaign in Yemen to Combat al-Qaeda Rise
- Wednesday, 09 May 2012
President Obama has expanded the US drone campaign in Yemen, granting the CIA and US military the authority to attack targets deemed a threat to US interests. The policy shift comes amid concerns that the Arabian Peninsula is fast becoming a safe haven for terrorism. Senior US officials are claiming that Yemen now poses a greater threat to US interests than do militants in Pakistan.
Iran Risks Alienating Key Regional Ally in Latin America Background
- Wednesday, 09 May 2012
On May 5th, Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, addressed the American Jewish Committee’s Global Forum in Washington, arguing that further isolation of Iran would be a mistake. These comments highlight one of Iran’s strongest diplomatic relationships, and the cornerstone of its relations in South America. Iran, much to its own making, faces mounting challenges in its relations with Brazil, which may have regional implications.
Iran: The Continuing Decline of Ahmadinejad’s Power and Influence
- Wednesday, 09 May 2012
The nationalist conservative faction, led by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, suffered a major loss in Iran’s 4 May parliamentary runoff elections.
This confirms a trend that sees him losing his influence, but does little to suggest how Iran will tackle the forthcoming talks over its nuclear ambitions.
UN Chief and EU Foreign Affairs Boss Complete Burma Visits
- Wednesday, 02 May 2012
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has completed a landmark visit to Burma, designed to encourage the further removal of international sanctions as reforms continue in the formerly isolationist South-East Asian country. Also in Burma was the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton, who met with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Sudan-South Sudan: Border Tension Continues
- Thursday, 26 April 2012
Clashes along the unresolved border between Sudan and South Sudan are easing – for now, at least – but tensions and distrust remain high. South Sudanese forces withdrew from the disputed oil town of Heglig on 22 April, following an earlier reprimand from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. Unrest continues elsewhere, however, and, while international officials have expressed concern that the conflicts will escalate into full-scale war, a continuation of the current pattern of incursions, air strikes and rhetoric seems more likely.
The Cocos Islands Plan and Indonesia’s “Dynamic Equilibrium”
- Thursday, 26 April 2012
In March 2012, the Australian Government hinted at “a longer-term option” to host United States’ aerial surveillance assets in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. While Beijing is likely to view this plan as part of recent moves by Washington to contain China, Jakarta fears that the bilateral plan will inevitably pose challenges to Indonesia’s strategic interests.
Indian Ocean: Don’t Militarise the “Great Connector”
- Wednesday, 18 April 2012
The Indian Ocean is Australia’s back yard – at least if one lives in the West. It also plays a major role in transporting energy from the oil- and gas-rich Persian Gulf to Australia’s principal trading partners, China and Japan. With each passing year, these and other East Asian powers become more dependent on the free passage of oil across the Indian Ocean.
Singapore Builds China Military Ties but US to Remain ‘Closest Security Partner’
- Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Even as his country begins to deepen defence links with China, Singaporean Defence Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen, confirmed that the United States will continue to be Singapore’s ‘closest security partner’. As part of Washington’s defence “pivot” towards the Asia-Pacific, Singapore is considering a US request to boost its regional presence by basing up to four new Littoral Combat Ships in the city-state. These moves speak of Singapore’s wish to encourage an expanding Chinese military to adopt a co-operative posture within the framework of the US-led security architecture.
Aung San Suu Kyi Triumphs in Burma By-Elections
- Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Leading Burmese democracy campaigner and head of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), Aung San Suu Kyi, has secured a seat in Burma’s military-dominated parliament in by-elections held on 1 April. While the future of Burma’s nascent democracy remains uncertain, the change that has taken place to date is nothing short of remarkable. If successful, it will see Burma reintegrated into the international community and reduce the country’s dependence on long-time ally, China.
The Lord’s Resistance Army: A Profile
- Thursday, 29 March 2012
- The Lord’s Resistance Army is a terrorist organisation and active rebel group that has operated within Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
- The LRA’s overall profile has undergone significant transformation over the last two decades, with its modus operandi, strength, overall fighting capabilities and support having changed since its formation.
- Although it is not as potent a force as it once was, it still has the ability to inflict violence and continues to be a destabilising force within the region.
- The recent decision of the United States to send military advisors to aid Uganda in eradicating the LRA has serious implications for the future of the LRA, the region and South Sudan’s newfound independence.