South African Youth Leader Aims Crosshairs at Zuma
Background The eyes of Africa-watchers will be on Bloemfontein, when South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), holds its party conference next year. Predictions indicate that the meeting will determine the future of ANC leadership, and specifically whether incumbent President Jacob Zuma will stay in power to contest the 2014 general election. A...
India: High Court Bombing Arrests Made; Govt and Rebels Sign Peace Accord
Background Three men have been arrested in Kashmir over the bombing of the High Court in New Delhi on 7 September 2011. The men are reported to have links with the terrorist group Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HUJI) and were detained after an e-mail, claiming responsibility for the attacks, was traced to their village. Comment HUJI is...
India-Mongolia Co-operation Continues to Increase
Background Indian Army Chief Vijay Kumar Singh finished a three-day visit to Mongolia on 8 September, preceding a two-week joint military exercise between the two countries, due to run from 15-29 September. This new development in Indo-Mongolian relations follows the July visit of Indian President Pratibha Patil, the first such visit in 23 years. Relations...
Russia Strengthens Military Presence in Central Asia
Background Last week, Russia further entrenched its sphere of influence in Central Asia. How? By extending its military presence in Tajikistan for at least another 49 years. In announcing the deal, neither Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, nor his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon, disclosed details, but the relevant documents are to be prepared and signed early...
Mozambique Open for Mining Business: Minister
Background The Indian Ocean littoral state of Mozambique is making moves to capitalise on its underdeveloped resources sector. Although a small number of Australian miners are already active in the country, the Mozambican Government is aiming to attract more mining companies by finetuning its foreign investment regime. Comment Speaking at day two of the Africa...
Rumours of South African Mine Nationalisation Causing Uncertainty
Background In South Africa, great debate has arisen over the prospect of a state takeover of the mineral resources industry. Julius Malema, leader of the youth wing of South Africa’s ruling ANC Party, has become one of its most vocal advocates. The uncertainty caused by the nationalisation rumours has harmed investment and development in the...
Indonesia Proposes Foreign Debt Restrictions
Background Bank Indonesia (BI) has flagged the idea of setting rules to limit local private companies’ exposure to foreign debt. BI Governor Dr Darmin Nasution has spoken of a possible need for regulation, to prevent firms that do not have foreign currency revenue streams from borrowing in foreign currencies. Comment The comments come as Indonesian...
Indian Military Modernisation Continues
Background The second of three Indian Navy Shivalik-class stealth frigates, the INS Satpura,was commissioned on 20 August 2011 in Mumbai. The Indian Defence Minister, A.K. Antony, has also announced that the Indian Government has signed a deal to procure 40 Hawk trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force and 17 for the Indian Navy, from...
Japanese Defence White Paper Shows Concern over Rising China
Background Japan’s thirty-seventh annual Defence White Paper, released on 2 August, has expressed concern at the strengthening and expansion of China’s naval capabilities in recent years. The report specifically displays unease over increased Chinese military spending and development, as well as an increase in “assertive” naval activity, likely a reference to territorial disputes, such as...
Karachi Violence Continues to Weaken Pakistan
Background Ongoing political and ethnic violence in Karachi has exploded again. Eighty-seven people have been killed since 17 August, many of them innocent bystanders caught up in conflict between rival political parties. With a population of 18 million, Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and the centre of the country’s economic activity. It represents...