3 Basic Questions for South Asia

The whirlwind of activities involving South Asia the past few weeks have placed economic and security affairs of the region front and center. Highlights include the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Sigh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in Russia. Then the Prime Minister met Pakistani PM Yousaf Raza Gilani in Egypt. Next, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to India and the launching of a new nuclear submarine by India had interesting symmetry given the budding US-Indian relationship on economic and security affairs. All of this on top of ongoing military operations in Afghanistan, the conflict in Pakistan, protests in Kashmir and the return of refugee’s to the SWAT Valley. The interrelated links between all regional issues, would suggest a cohesive strategy is in place with the level of discourse between acting states. Unfortunately, the strategies are scattered rather than seamless, and in definite need of strong leadership, regardless of which country fills that leadership role.

When analyzed on a case-by-case basis, positive signs begin to emerge, and regional cooperation appears legitimate, attainable and a sustainable strategy. However, due to the ‘bi-lateral’ approach of dialogue between states, the long term regional goals will continue mired in short term failures. Until historical differences, engagement of civil society and regional cooperation between states becomes a reality; a new conflict will always loom on the horizon. The US, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have to ask each other three basic questions that encompass the overarching problems, and necessitating a more robust and seamless strategy for the region as a whole. The starting points are:

1. How do India, Pakistan and Afghanistan come together to for a coherent security strategy?
2. How will the US be involved, if at all? Moreover, is a US presence in facilitating dialogue welcomed by the three parties, or are they just a ‘meddling outsider’?
3. Will civil society have voice to ensure communal cooperation, or, will discussions become just another façade of dialogue without verifiable progress on the ground for the people in the greatest need of assistance and security?

Indo-Af-Pak Regional Security Cooperation

Security in South Asia hinges on greater cooperation and trust among India, Pakistan and Afghanistan as a united body in order to fully address the litany of complex issues each country faces. This will necessitate tangible and realistic goals and benchmarks. Historically, the idea of cooperation between the three regional neighbors was laughable at best, due to unresolved historical tensions in addition to the modern complex problems such as poverty, education, hunger and security.

Unless India, Pakistan and Afghanistan can properly address these complex problems and end the tired arguments of old, improvements in regional security will continue to fail. It is time India assert itself and prove that the so-called “worlds largest democracy’ is much more than a propaganda slogan. India needs to take the lead and show greater maturity, realistically addressing the hard questions that are found within each issue across the board, and address the shared historical legacy that continues to haunt them. Afghanistan and Pakistan need a strong regional partner to prevent succumbing to internal turmoil that threatens their very existence. India’s failure to be a larger than life partner with their neighbors will adversely impact their own internal development goals and overall security as a whole.

US Regional Involvement…Is it welcomed or meddling?

Without question the United States Government has a heavy interest in regional security with the continued war in Afghanistan. Moreover, the prospering relationship with India and continued partnership with Pakistan has the US as deeply entrenched in South Asia as it is in the Middle East. However, despite the necessity of US military and monetary assistance, is the USG’s input on regional security and development matters welcomed by all parties, or are they considered a meddling outsider?

India, Pakistan and Afghanistan reliance on USG military and monetary assistance should allow the USG at least serve the role as mediator or facilitator between the neighboring states on all issues. However, the USG continues to only hold bi-lateral discussions rather than regionally, and enabling each state to continue old grievances, and hindering any chance of success on any level.

For instance, India and Pakistan want all the fruits of energy, monetary and military assistance with the USG, but when the USG offers to help in diplomacy, especially regarding Kashmir, the continued response remains, “these are bi-lateral and internal issues that are not up for discussion.” Considering the nature in which the Kashmir issue is inextricably linked to resolving issues of poverty, education, security and development for the entire region, the time has come for the USG to utilize its reputation of fostering dialogue, compromise and agreement. The cost of the Indian occupation of Kashmir and Pakistan keeping the majority of troops on the Line of Control with India, development goals continue to stall greater regional prosperity.

Can civil society trump political corruption and deception?

Given the democratic values proclaimed by India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, civil society is the key stakeholder in all discussions, and should have a seat at the table. Survival of all three states rests in a strong civil society and social structure. Unfortunately, political leadership continues to marginalize and ignore civil society, whether an internal development matter, or larger regional issues such as Kashmir. Once the voice of civil society receives recognition as a legitimate stakeholder to the issues plaguing the region, tangible evidence of progress will begin to appear. Moreover the level in which political corruption continues to upset the social fabric of civil society will begin to dissipate. A strong communal order exists within the cultural framework of the region as a whole. The tribal and/or religious differences are exacerbated in the political sphere via corruption and manipulation. The single greatest asset the region possesses is the communal structure. Yet, it remains the most underutilized.

Until civil society is accepted as a legitimate stakeholder, regional insecurity will continue and development will suffer in the long term. Due to the historical legacy of the caste and tribal systems, the ability for policy makers to understand the needs of civil society remains unattainable. Only the input of civil society can bridge this gap, but it will require policy makers to once and for all recognize their concerns as legitimate.

If these three very general questions are properly addressed, the South Asian region will become a much more influential in international affairs, rather than a flashpoint.

Continuing Down Ghandi’s Path

The steadfast campaign of non-violence conducted by Ghandi and his colleagues for independence from colonial England was the reason for India’s independence. Regardless of the extreme violence perpetrated by their British occupiers, they remained non-violent. This broke the back of the British stance that they were the more civilized based on Judeo Christian orthodoxy of enlightenment, peace and justice. Just as Britain did to the Indians, the Indian Hindu hardliners, are following down the same path as their former colonial master, and justifying the Kashmiri call for self-determination. The Indian hardliner claims that Kashmiri Muslims are violent militants has shown to be shortsighted and racist in general. The abuse of the past year has eclipsed that of any other, yet the Kashmiri population refrains from taking up arms. Unfortunately, the world is not watching. After all, how could a country born out of the stance of non-violence, become even more ruthless than the former Garrisons of colonial Britain?

Today, the tenth body of a raped and murdered woman was recently discovered in the Kupwara District of Kashmir. Confirmed by investigators, due to the proximity of the crimes to military instillations and the circumstances regarding how the victims were killed, the perpetrators are either members of the police force (CPRF) or military personnel. The results of the past six weeks are testing the limits of the Kashmiri leadership’s ability to maintain their stance of non-violence. Due to the lack of press coverage of all things Kashmir, these are obvious attempts by the occupying forces to break the back of the non-violence movement, and gain the sensational press coverage regarding ‘radical Muslim militants’.

This all began on May 30^th, when two women, one being pregnant, were discovered in a canal raped and killed in the village of Shopian. The CPRF claimed that the women had not been raped or killed, then said they “died from an accident.” Following the autopsy, it was determined that the two women were raped and murdered. Given the proximity to the military instillation, there could be no other conclusion other than the perpetrator being from the occupying forces. This has been confirmed as of late, yet an arrest has not been made. Since then, there have been confirmed reports of murdered young boys and girls throughout the Valley in similar fashion, which raises the question, why?

The non-violent movement of the Muslim majority Valley, occupied by more than 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary personnel (1 troop per 13 Kashmiri) has taken hold in the Valley. The success of the movement led by three separatist leaders, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik, and the leaders of the All Parties Hurryiet Conference, yet separate factions, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Sheikh Syed Ali Geelani has Indian authorities in Kashmir reeling. Their combined organization skills for peaceful protest and steadfast leadership must have Ghandi himself smiling. Moreover, just like Britian did with Ghandi and his colleagues, India has placed under house arrest, jailed or limited the movements of the three separatist leaders. One jailing almost resulted in the death of Mr. Malik, whose appendix burst while jailed without charge and was refused medical treatment until the judiciary stepped in and forced the state to give him the medical treatment and operation necessary to save is life. If India really wants to understand why they are losing this battle, they must look at their own history.

India has always justified the troop levels as necessary to combat an invasion by their prickly neighbor Pakistan and the militants that Pakistan does send across the borders to fight Indian soldiers. Make no mistake, there is violence perpetrated against the Indian military in Kashmir by groups based in Azad Kashmir, or Pakistani Occupied Kashmir. Moreover, the Mumbai attacks perpetrated by Pakistani’s and more than likely funded by the Pakistani Intelligence Services (ISI) and hardline factions of the Pakistani Military; do have camps in Azad Kashmir. However, these militants are not Kashmiri. They are Pakistani’s, or to be more specific, Punjabi, residents from the district of Punjab. Regardless, the violence perpetrated by these Pakistani militants has continued as justification for the campaign of violence against the Kashmiri population in Indian Occupied Kashmir.

Due to his former days as a militant, Mr. Malik knows first hand that picking up the gun and turning to a life of hatred and violence is the easy path. Fortunately, he continues to keep the youth population from turning to the same life he did as a young student in the 1980’s. Violence in most conflict zones has a cyclical dynamic in which violence perpetrated by one side tends to be reciprocated out of a need or desire for vindication and honor. Mr. Malik and Mr. Farooq have instilled in the youth the non-violent teachings of Sufi Islam. Specifically, that the greatest form of martyrdom and access to the kingdom of God is found through peaceful resistance. The unjustified killing of young men in Kashmir by the military and CPRF was nothing new. However, the raping and killing of women at such a high frequency is new and the most treacherous in the human psyche. A crime typically used to justify reciprocity.

The ability to stay the course and condemn any violent action is a testament to all of the leadership. Typically associated with Mahatma Ghandi or His Holiness the Dali Lama, the consistent calls for non-violence by Mr. Malik, Mr. Farooq and Mr. Geelani must be commended. Moreover, the time has come that these three leaders get their due recognition as Muslims leaders practicing non-violence and appealing to the masses to do the same via Islamic teachings, especially Mr. Malik and Mr. Geelani. Mr. Malik being a former militant and Mr. Geelani historically being known as a ‘hardliner’, who at one time advocated violence and militancy, are a testament to the Ghandian path of non-violence, and understand now the power that this stance holds. Hopefully it will continue.

Will Pakistan Understand Responsibility?

Historically, the Government of Pakistan (GoP) and the idea of security and responsibility are synonymous with contradiction and excuses. The situation that the GoP currently finds itself in the SWAT Valley and Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) comes as no surprise to anyone in the intelligence and human security arena. Since the creation of Pakistan in 1947, following the partitioning of the sub-Continent, Pakistan has utilized militias, radicals and insurgent groups to do the dirty work in order to maintain relations with nation states free of blame due to the actions of 'independent' groups. This approach afforded the GoP an ability to blame others rather than take the necessary responsibility nation states must accept when groups emanating from their territory threaten, kill and terrorize another nation states security. Of course, the majority of this practice took place during the Cold War, where Pakistan was aligned with the United States and India with the Soviet Union despite New Delhi’s stance that they were ‘neutral.’ The lack of understanding of the term ‘responsibility’ in the psyche of the GoP finally has come at a price.

The Beginning – Kashmir

Despite the countless human rights violations from India’s abuse of the Kashmiri people, what gets lost in historical reality is that it was the father of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who initially sent mountain tribes into the Valley of Kashmir in order to prevent the Kashmiri their right to self determination, and forcing India’s hand to militarize the region. Moreover, the three wars fought since were the result of militant groups trained, funded and given logistical support by the GoP terrorizing the Indian Military. The last major military skirmish between the two rivals, the Kargil War, started when Pakistani based militants engaged the Indian Military which escalated to the brink of nuclear war between the two states. Today, the GoI maintains the reason for the 700,000 troops stationed in the Valley of Kashmir are specifically to defend India from what GoI refers to as “raiders.”

Following the Mumbai tragedy of a year ago, India tightened their grip on the Kashmiri people, despite denials by the GoP regarding the level of involvement from the military and intelligence service (ISI). Unfortunately, the people of Kashmir continue to pay the price for Pakistans misdeeds in the form of rapes, murders and custodial killings. Most recently, the double rape and murder in the village of Shopian.

Failures of SWAT and NWFP

The current situation in SWAT and NWFP was the result of the GoP empowering anarchic militant groups by cutting deals with the likes of the Taliban. The current war in this region of Pakistan has come at a severe cost. The displacement of over a million people is a humanitarian nightmare. Moreover, the daily suicide bombings, kidnappings and assassinations of officials proves that groups like the Taliban, despite their ties to the ISI and military establishment, have no allegiance to a government who since the mid 1990’s gave financial, militaristic and logistical support. All of this culminating in a complete lost of the publics trust that the government will provide adequate security from these militant organizations, let alone from the perceived threat from India.

The current situation in SWAT and NWFP requires more military aid from the international community, most notably the United States, and an increase in boots on the ground. However, the United States just last year granted the GoP its largest military appropriations in history to fight the Taliban and Al Qaeda in SWAT and NWFP, and the GoP put the money into buying equipment to fight a war with India. Moreover, despite the necessity of an increase in military personnel in SWAT and NWFP, the GoP still maintains a position of leaving troops on the LoC. This only creates instability with India which is negligible at best. If Pakistan would dismantle the militant factions in Azad Kashmir and Punjab, the fear of a war with India would dissipate and basically be eliminated because India would no longer have the excuse that their troops are necessary to fight militants who come across the border.

Responsibility is the Best Confidence Building Measure (CBM)

In order for Pakistan to rid themselves of this self-inflicted damage, the GoP must finally accept responsibility and stop financing the ‘chickens who have come home to roost.’ By turning over those involved in the Mumbai tragedy to India, this will be a major CBM with the GoI. Next, the GoP must cut all ties and dismantle the militant camps in Azad Kashmir and Punjab who wreak havoc on the Indian Military in IJK, who respond by taking out their frustrations on the Kashmiri people. Finally, by shifting military personnel from the borders of India to fight in the NWFP and SWAT, this would create an undeniable CBM with their own people. The people of Pakistan know all to well where the origins of the their security problems begin. Unfortunately, their confidence in the GoP doing the right thing is minimal at best.

So, at what point does this irresponsibility begin to be fundamentally addressed? Well, it appears that just like a spoiled child refused a lollipop to learn a lesson so will the GoP. Due to struggles in the Af-Pak border region, and the GoP's reluctance to seal their own borders, dismantle the safe havens for the Taliban and deal with the militants, the USG has cut the military off once and for all. The new aid package for Pakistan from the USG will again be the largest in history. However, the aid is specifically for education, food and development; and not a penny for the military. The Government of Japan is considering a $20 billion dollar investment into Pakistan for construction of civil nuclear energy plants and technological transfer. However, unless the GoP shows accountability and responsibility for what happens within their own borders and ensure that another A.Q Khan won’t resurface, this deal will ultimately fail as well.

Much has been made of the democratic steps Pakistan has made in the last year and a half. However, until Pakistan learns to accept responsibility and be accountable for problems created within their own institutions, Pakistan will remain dysfunctional and untrustworthy. The greatest lesson Pakistan must begin to learn is responsibility.

Nuclear Power May Turn on the Lights to Peace in South Asia

In July, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will make her first trip to India as the United States top diplomat. The speculation surrounding her trip has many within the Indian establishment wrangling over what message she may bring from President Barack Obama. Earlier this month, Undersecretary of State William Burns delivered a message to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh directly from President Obama. Undersecretary Burns was very coy about the contents of the letter, only stating that he did not know what the contents of the letter contained, but hinted that it could be in preparation for Secretary of State Clinton’s upcoming journey. Moreover, when asked whether or not the letter included Kashmir, he stated that the policy of the United States still maintains the view that the “wishes” of the Kashmiri people must be a part of the solution.

This came on the heels of mixed reports from India regarding the possibility of troop reduction and/or withdrawal from not only the Line of Control, the border between India and Pakistan, but from the Valley of Kashmir as well. Due to the timing of such open discussions within the Indian establishment, one can only conclude that the letter delivered by Undersecretary Burns contained a possible roadmap to peace between India and Pakistan, and that this strategy would allow US Foreign Policy to kill two birds with one stone. The first bird would come in the form of ending the fear of the Kashmir dispute resulting in nuclear holocaust. The other affording Pakistan the ability to remove troops from the LoC and focus their efforts primarily in the brutal struggle with the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the SWAT Valley and Northwest Frontier Province. In order to accomplish such lofty ambitions, there appears to be a two-pronged approach with the aid of Japan-Pakistan relations serving as means to provide the necessary safeguards.

US Nuclear Leverage

The controversial US-India nuclear deal in mid-2008 came under considerable criticism, especially in non-proliferation circles. The agreement not only rewarded India for disregarding the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but also gave them access to US nuclear technology that on the surface may appear to amount to technological transfer of US civilian standards and practices. These practices can easily lead to robust gains in reprocessing fissile materials. However, when the Obama Administration took office, regardless of ratification by Congress and the signing by President Bush, President Obama has the right to revisit the contents of the package. Moreover, the deal itself undercuts US efforts in negotiations with Iran regarding it’s own nuclear aspirations, as well as negotiating a new arms reduction treaty with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

By revisiting the agreement with PM Singh, President Obama has a valuable negotiating tool to curtail nuclear weapons production in India through greater transparency requirements, as well as India becoming a signatory to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). India’s current development necessitates the need for more energy. Moreover, by bringing India once and for all out of the “nuclear shadows”, India will become a useful ally when dealing with Iran, who India maintains close relations.

The Japanese Nuclear Front

Currently, there are negotiations between the Japanese and Pakistani governments regarding a similar civilian nuclear pact where Japan would invest $20 Billion (USD) in helping construct new civilian nuclear plants, as well as technological transfer of Japanese innovation which continues as one of the worlds most innovative. According to one anonymous source involved in the discussions, “the deal is very close to being completed. However, Pakistan must come to the realization that the security guarantees that Pakistan will not use the technology for reprocessing materials for the creation of weapons is non-negotiable.” However, skeptics in Japan already exist due to the A.Q. Khan nuclear syndicate that includes the likes of North Korea, whom Japan in all likelihood is in greater danger than that of South Korea. This deal would make for interesting bedfellows to say the least. Pakistan is in dire need of new forms of energy, and receiving aid from Japan with regards to nuclear power for civilian purposes would be of incredible assistance.

Japan is the only country to have actually experienced the destruction of nuclear or atomic weapons first hand. Moreover, for Japan to aid a country that gave their greatest threat, North Korea, the ability to possibly relive that horrific experience, will require an amazing amount of trust. However, as the United States closest ally in Asia, Japan can place itself at the forefront of regional diplomacy via assisting an end to the worlds longest and possibly most dangerous conflict. Furthermore, Japan can limit the nuclear threat that Pakistan poses regionally by requiring the same safeguards the United States will require of India. Finally, the US can provide the necessary pressure on Pakistan given the current level of cooperation the US and Pakistan currently share.

The Kashmir Dynamic

Of course, all of this hinges on the belief that both the US and Japan can use their influence by offering this technological transfer in exchange for bringing to a close the dispute between India and Pakistan. The most complex issue of course involves the disputed territory of Kashmir. The problem is the fact that Kashmir long ago stopped being a land dispute, but a dispute regarding water rights. Both countries need access to not only the Siachen Glacier region for drinking water, but also the Jhelum River for hydroelectric power. Given the direct impact in energy availability domestically, the Governments of India and Pakistan will no longer have a legitimate excuse for the continued waste of both human and monetary capital inside the Kashmir region. Of course, it will require engagement with the Kashmiri Separatist movement. However, the prospect of creating an autonomous zone with an irrelevant border could become appealing to all sides. Finally, nuclear technology can be a weapon of peace, rather than a weapon of mass destruction.

The Cairo Syndrome

Following President Barack Obama’s Cairo speech directed at the “Muslim World”, the reactions of pundits in the United States and Europe were extreme on both sides. Those on the left called the speech a landmark achievement. In the case of people on the right, their analysis is that the speech made the United States appear to be ‘weak’ and threatened our security. In fact, just this week at a Republican fundraiser in Washington DC, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich declared, “I am not a citizen of the world, I am a citizen of the United States.” Moreover, the MC of the evening, John Voigt, declared President Obama a “false prophet that must be stopped.” Unfortunately, both the right and the left are completely wrong in their assessments, and have displayed such a misunderstanding of the intention of the speech, that at least in the United States, the purpose has been lost.

First of all, this speech was intended to show the respect and acknowledgment that Muslims throughout the world have sought since the fall of the Ottoman Empire. An empire that kept the lights on during the dark ages of Europe, the Inquisition and European monarch’s who would restrict the usage of math, science and other forms of scholarship with the intent of keeping the masses under strict control and manipulation by declaring these practices as ‘evil’ or ‘heresy’. For this reason, it is ironic that the West now claims to be bringing Islamic nations out of the ‘dark ages’ when it was Muslims who saved the West from their own misguided religious moral authority. Obviously, the so-called ‘sons and daughters of Moses and Abraham’ need each other in order to prevent the demise of us all.

Next, the intent of the speech was to ask the greater Muslim Diaspora to take responsibility for their own actions, their own nation-states and most of all their own identities. This was above and beyond the most important aspect of the Cairo address. The impression that many non-Muslims have of the Muslim people is a misunderstood belief that Islam in some way condones terrorism, misogyny and intolerance of all things ‘non-Islamic.’ This could not be any further from the truth. Extremists such as the Taliban and al-Qaeda have hijacked the Muslim bully pulpit and used the platform to express their hatred of the ‘infidel’ and allow the unassuming non-Muslim to conclude that these beliefs are fundamental to Islam. Furthermore, Neoconservatives, Zionists and fundamentalist Christians have gone the extra mile to convince the general public at large that this point of view is the heart of Islam.

Unfortunately, for the likes of Newt Gingrich, Gov. Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh who refuse all things international, non-Christian and/or non-white, their short sidedness continues to bolster the President and his agenda. Their inability to understand that President Obama was encouraging and voicing support for the majority of moderates getting ready to take the polls in Lebanon, Iran, Palestine and Afghanistan, and appealing to their sensibility baffles the mind. If the outcome in Lebanon is any indication, you could assume that President Obama’s strategy worked given the beating that Hezbollah took in the polls last week. If reports and polling are correct coming out of Tehran, the same is about to happen to Mahmoud Ahdmenijad.

As painful as it is to say, President Bush was correct in his belief that by spreading Democracy, despot leaders and tyrannical systems will fall to the will of the people. What he failed to understand from his own doctrine by the undemocratic pre-selection of who the ‘good democratic’ candidates were, and the ‘extremists’ that were elected in protest against the Bush policies. It kind of contradicts the ‘anti-tyranny’ angle. Then again, George W. Bush was not known to think things through 100%.

Finally, the greatest impact of President Obama’s speech is found in Pakistan believe it or not. In the SWAT Valley and parts of the Northwest Frontier Province, we are starting to see a major change in just how much the locals are willing to accept from the extremist point of view. Now, this does not pre-suppose that it was President Obama’s speech that inspired the local population to take up arms, form militias and openly hunt down and kill Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters. However, according to many anonymous sources in Punjab province, specifically Lahore, the speech did serve as inspiration that Obama was at least offering a sense of empathy, support and acknowledgment that the US had made mistakes, and was not an enemy of Islam. This has paid dividend and what was thought to once be a concern that Pakistan would fall to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda has now turned into a rout at the hands of the local people and not the military.

Make no mistake the acknowledgement, respect and contribution of Muslim peoples around the world is long over due. The only way in which the United States can truly secure their way of life and belief system is to accept that we are a unique country in the fact that we acknowledge all points of view, respect all religions and allow dissenting voices a chance to be heard. For those who say we are a Christian nation, defy the very foundation of our country as set forth by Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Hobbes, Franklin and the rest of the founding fathers. Separation of church and state is a fundamental foundation in the United States. However, showing respect for religion and its contributions are something completely different. Those are based in acknowledgement that without it, regardless of the faith, has saved humanity a time or two from extinction. Anything to the contrary is just revisionist history.

IRIN Asia Updates 5/31-6/05

PAKISTAN: Afghans caught up in conflict face uncertain future LAHORE, 31 May 2009 (IRIN) - Nazir Khan, a 40-year-old Afghan refugee, recently began working as a watchman at a private house in Lahore, capital of Pakistan's Punjab province. "I am lucky I found work; now I can support my family at least," he told IRIN. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84631> AFGHANISTAN: Aid agencies win NATO concession on vehicle markings KABUL, 1 June 2009 (IRIN) - International forces under NATO command in Afghanistan will stop using white vehicles from 1 June in response to calls from NGOs for clearer markings to distinguish between civilian and military vehicles. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84634> BANGLADESH: Cyclone leaves trail of contaminated water sources DHAKA, 2 June 2009 (IRIN) - One week after Cyclone Aila struck southern Bangladesh, survivors in some areas are facing acute shortages of drinking water after many water sources were contaminated. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84650> AFGHANISTAN: Fighting and natural disasters increase displacement FARAH, 2 June 2009 (IRIN Radio) - The number of internally displaced in Afghanistan is increasing due to conflict, air strikes, natural disasters, and poverty, government officials and the UN say. IRIN's Ahmad Zia Entezar reports. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84651> TIMOR-LESTE: Challenge to shift youth from resistance to development DILI, 2 June 2009 (IRIN) - Disenchantment among young people who fought for independence during Timor-Leste's resistance years could lead to unrest if they are not included in the country's development process, analysts warned. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84659> PAKISTAN: Separated IDP families - the agony of not knowing MARDAN, 3 June 2009 (IRIN) - "My wife and I clung onto the back of a truck to get out. At one point our three-year-old son nearly slipped to the ground because we were also trying to manage two other small children and a few small parcels of food and clothing. We would have had no way of picking him up if he had slipped from our arms." full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84673> INDONESIA: Trafficking fuels commercial sex work SURABAYA, 3 June 2009 (IRIN) - Among the alleyways of Dolly, in Indonesia's second-largest city, it is not difficult to find thousands of young women lured by the prospects of a better life working as commercial sex workers (CSWs). full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84678> AFGHANISTAN: Over 110,000 affected by floods in past two months KABUL, 3 June 2009 (IRIN) - The number of households affected by flash floods in different parts of Afghanistan over the past two months has increased from 10,000 (50,000-60,000 people) to about 22,000 (110,000-132,000 people), according to new assessments by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) contained in OCHA Afghanistan's Floods Update No 5. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84682> MYANMAR: New IRIN photo gallery now live BANGKOK, 4 June 2009 (IRIN) - A new IRIN photo gallery is now live. It accompanies IRIN's coverage of Burmese refugees in western Thailand. Over 100,000 refugees who fled conflict and alleged persecution in Myanmar live in nine camps in often remote parts of western Thailand. Unable to return to Myanmar, their lives are tightly curtailed. A new generation has grown up in the camps. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84696> PAKISTAN: Mingora town struggling to get back to normal PESHAWAR, 4 June 2009 (IRIN) - "We are living in hell. There is no other word for it," said Muhammad Nazir Khan, 30, speaking to IRIN from Mingora, the principal city of Swat Valley in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84697> AFGHANISTAN: Health officials call on HIV positive to be alert over TB KABUL, 4 June 2009 (IRIN Radio) - People living with HIV and with suspected tuberculosis symptoms are being urged by health officials to go to hospital for quick diagnosis and treatment. TB can be devastating for those infected by HIV, though the stigma surrounding the virus deters patients from coming forward. IRIN's Masooma Mohammadi reports. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84699> AFGHANISTAN: Sharp rise in attempted illegal migration to Europe KABUL, 4 June 2009 (IRIN) - Azizullah Ahmadi told IRIN in Kabul how his son Majid, aged 25, paid US$10,000 to a smuggler to take him to a European country where he wanted to start a better life. But his son drowned in the Mediterranean before reaching Greece in 2008. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84704> PAKISTAN: Raising awareness on water conservation KARACHI, 5 June 2009 (IRIN) - "Using a full tank when flushing consumes up to 45 litres of water per flush; water left running while brushing teeth 13 litres; a shower kept running till hot water reaches the showerhead - 35 litres; long showers - 10 litres; water left running while washing dishes - 50 litres; washing a car with a hose - up to 180 litres," said water conservation activist Simi Kamal. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84706> ASIA: The Gathering Storm - the human cost of climate change ASIA, 5 June 2009 (IRIN Film & TV) - Following its successful series of short films on the human cost of climate change in Africa, IRIN Films is pleased to announce the launch of the first series of new short films on climate change in Asia. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84716> SRI LANKA: Growing concern over nutrition of displaced children COLOMBO, 5 June 2009 (IRIN) - Concerns are growing that the number of malnourished children is higher than earlier estimated among thousands of recently displaced in Sri Lanka. full report <http://www.IRINnews.org/Report.aspx?Reportid=84722>

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Programming Note

Up until this point, International Realities focused primarily on the Kashmir issue, as well as India-Pakistan relations. This will no longer be the case. There will still be postings regarding these issues. However, it will cease to be focused on one specific issue or region. I have an understanding and well as currently active in many other arenas that should not be overlooked. Also, this will widen the discussion with possible readers who actually have something relevant to say.

David