Koreas
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1. Inter-Korean Relations
Inter-Korean talks aimed at reviving reconciliation broke off without a deal on November 14, with the DPRK blaming the ROK of provoking it by putting its forces on alert. The ROK media on Thursday intensified their criticisms of ROK President Kim Dae-Jung’s policy and chastised the DPRK for the talks’ failure.
“Inter-Korean Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 16, US)
“Inter-Korean Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, ROK)
“Inter-Korean Talks Fail” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, US)
“Inter-Korean Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, ROK)
“Inter-Korean Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 13, US)
“Inter-Korean Talks Extended” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, US) “Reunion of Separated Families” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, US)
“Inter-Korean Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, ROK) |
2. DPRK on US Terror Sponsor List
The DPRK’s official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) called on the US on Tuesday to respond to the DPRK’s decision to sign key anti-terrorism treaties by dropping the country from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.
“DPRK on US Terror Sponsor List” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 13, US) |
3. US-DPRK Relations
US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said that the DPRK poses a “very real” threat to the US. However, he re-affirmed support for resumed security talks. DPRK ambassador to the UN Ri Hyong-chol said that the DPRK will resume dialogue with the US only when the incumbent US administration returns to the level of relations which is at least similar to that of the previous administration.
“US-DPRK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 16, US)
“DPRK Foreign Policy” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, ROK) |
4. DPRK Envoy to UN Appointment
A diplomatic source in the ROK said that the DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil-yon will replace Ri Hyong-chol as ambassador to the United Nations after Ri’s four-year term expires this month.
“DPRK Envoy to UN Appointed” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, ROK) |
5. DPRK Winter Drill
A military source said that there are signs that DPRK soldiers have started their winter training since early November.
“DPRK Winter Drill” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 13, ROK) |
6. Trans-Korean Railway
Voice of Russia (VOR) said on November 13 that the ROK and the DPRK along with Russia are to hold a trilateral meeting on linking the Trans-Korean Railway (TKR) with the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR).
“Trans-Korean Railway Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, ROK) |
7. ROK Support for War Against Terrorism
The ROK Defense Ministry said on November 15 that the US has requested that the ROK dispatch liaison officers and medical support personnel to Afghanistan to help assist the ongoing campaign against terrorism.
“ROK Support for War Against Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 16, ROK) |
8. US-ROK Defense Ministers Talks
The ROK Defense Ministry said the ROK and the US will hold their annual Security Consultative Meeting on November 15 in Washington. The two sides are expected to discuss ROK defense cost-sharing for the maintenance of US soldiers stationed on the Korean Peninsula in 2002, the proposed land readjustment plan for the US military, and the ROK’s proposed dispatch of non-combat troops to support the US military campaign against terrorism
“US-ROK Defense Ministers Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, ROK) |
9. ROK Purchase of Fighter Jet
A controversy is expected ahead as the US shows signs of pressuring the ROK to purchase its weapons for the ROK’s F-X project. According to informed sources, ROK Defense Minister Kim Dong-shin reported to ROK President Kim Dae-jung last week that the ministry would not be able to choose the contractor until the end of next March.
“ROK Purchase of Fighter Jet” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 16, ROK)
“ROK Military Purchase” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, US) |
10. US Military Support for ROK
The US has pledged to provide the ROK with military support aimed at deterring terrorist attacks during the World Cup finals and the Pusan Asian Games in May and September 2002.
“US Military Support for ROK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, US) |
People’s Republic of China
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1. PRC Anti-Terror Efforts
PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao criticize the US media for give the false impression that the Chinese media blames the September 11 attacks on the hegemony of the United States. Zhu said that these false reports have left an indelible impression on the US public and overseas Chinese. The PRC sought again to link a rebellion in its Xinjiang region with global efforts against terrorism.
“PRC Position on Anti-terrorism and Afghanistan Issue” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, PRC)
“PRC Anti-Terror Efforts” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, US) |
2. PRC View of Afghan Government
The PRC repeated its call on Thursday for a broad-based government in Afghanistan representing all ethnic groups, but declined to say whether the Taliban should be included. PRC Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said that the PRC, as a neighboring country of Afghanistan, has always been very much concerned over the situation in the country.
“PRC View of Afghan Government” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, US)
“PRC Position on Anti-terrorism and Afghanistan Issue” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, PRC) |
3. PRC-DPRK Relations
PRC Defense Minister Chi Haotian met with a delegation from the Korean People’s Army of the DPRK led by deputy army commander Kim Song Un. Chi said the traditional friendship between the two countries has withstood the test of time and shown a strong vitality amid the drastic changes in the international situation over the past few decades.
“PRC-DPRK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, PRC)
“DPRK-PRC Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, ROK) |
4. PRC Entry into WTO
After waiting 15 years, the PRC on November 10 joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
“PRC Entry into WTO” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, US)
“PRC’s Entry into WTO and Across-Taiwan Straits Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, PRC) |
5. Taiwan Entry into WTO
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) approved Taiwan’s entry a day after welcoming the PRC. The PRC’s foreign trade minister welcomed Taiwan’s entry but ruled out direct trade links unless Taiwan acknowledged PRC sovereignty.
“Taiwan Entry into WTO” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, US) |
6. Cross-Strait Relations
Former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui on November 7 said the so-called “1992 consensus” never existed. Lee said those who claim to possess documents proving that a “consensus” was actually reached never took part in the 1992 cross-strait talks
“Cross-Strait Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, US) |
7. PRC Business with “Rogue Nations”
According to the New York Times, aside from the PRC’s dealings with Iraq, which were a violation of UN sanctions and were halted by the PRC government after the US complained, PRC companies have done nothing that violates international trade agreements or diplomatic strictures. Industry analysts and US trade officials report that the PRC government has been responsive to efforts by the US State Department to help them set up a rigorous system of export controls.
“PRC Business with Rogue Nations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, US) |
Japan
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1. Japanese Military Support to US
Japan was poised on Friday to approve a plan for its military to provide non-combat support for the US-led war in Afghanistan. It is the first plan outlining what would be Japan’s first overseas deployment of its forces in a war situation since World War Two. Japanese and US defense officials were slated to meet Wednesday in Tokyo to review the plans.
“Japanese Military Support in US Led Action” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 16, US)
“Japanese Contribution to War on Terror” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, US) |
2. Japanese Military Deployment
Japan sent warships toward the Indian Ocean on November 9 to support the US-led campaign against terrorism. The three ships will scout sea lanes and gather information that will be used by military planners to dispatch other Japanese units who are providing non-combat assistance for the US-led campaign in Afghanistan. Japanese government officials said that intelligence gathering may not be a formal part of the mission. Director-general of Japanese Defense Agency Gen Nakatani said that Japan may dispatch SDF doctors to aid Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
“Japanese Military Deployment” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, US)
“Japanese Logistical Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, Japan) |
3. Opinion on Japanese Support for US
The Asahi Shimbun carried an interview with Democratic Party of Japan leader Yukio Hatoyama about the US terrorist attacks on September 11, Japan’s dependency on the US, the new anti-terrorism law, and Japan’s role in the fight against terrorism.
“Opinion on Japanese Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, Japan)
“Analysis of Japanese Logistical Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, Japan)
“Opinion on Japanese Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, Japan) |
4. Revision of Peacekeeping Operations Law
The three Japanese ruling parties agreed on November 12 to revise the 1992 Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Law during the current Diet session to enable the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to use weapons to protect foreign troops during operations.
“Opinion on Japanese Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, Japan)
“Revision of Peacekeeping Operations Law” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, Japan) |
5. Reconstruction of Afghanistan
Japan plans to jointly host an international conference with the US in New York on November 20 to discuss measures to assist Afghanistan’s recovery. The Japanese government is negotiating with European nations and Russia for ministerial-level participation. A number of nations, including Britain, France, Italy and Russia have agreed with the planned meeting.
“Reconstruction of Afghanistan” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 12, Japan) |
6. Japan-EU Nuclear Energy Treaty
Japan and the European Union (EU) have reached a basic agreement on a treaty aimed at promoting cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
“Japan-EU Treaty on Nuclear Energy” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, Japan) |
7. Pro-DPRK Koreans in Japan
Inside sources said on November 11 that the Chogin Tokyo Credit Union, which collapsed in May 1999, extended 2.6 billion yen in loans over a 20-year period to Kang Yong-gwan, a member of Chongryun’s Central Standing Committee and former financial chief of the organization.
“Chogin Tokyo Credit Union and Chongryun” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, Japan) |
Nuclear Issues
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1. Al-Qaeda and Nuclear Weapons
During an interview with Hamid Mir, editor of Islamabad-based Urdu Daily, Osama bin Laden claimed that his organization has acquired nuclear and biological weapons. Documents and notes explaining how to detonate explosives to compress plutonium and trigger a thermonuclear reaction were found in an abandoned house in Kabul.
“Al-Qaeda and Nuclear Weapons” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
“Al-Qaeda Nuclear Capability” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
2. Pakistan Nuclear Safety
In an interview with Ted Koppel of ABC Television, President Pervez Musharraf revealed that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are “not in a condition in which a button has to be pressed to fire them.”
“Pakistan Nuclear Safety” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
3. India Nuclear Safety
Dr. R. Chidambaram, the newly appointed Principal Scientific Adviser to the Indian Government, has ruled out any need to review the country’s nuclear policy. A P J Abdul Kalam, often referred to as the father of India’s nuclear program, stated that, “every weapon is made not for storing but for deployment.”
“India Nuclear Safety” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
“India Nuclear Safety” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
4. US WMD Policy
Writing for the Indian daily The Hindu, N. Gopal Raj criticized the United States for blocking the acceptance of a protocol designed to improve the effectiveness of Biological and Toxin Weapons Conventions. The United States has also refused to attend the conference on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
“India Nuclear Safety” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
“Related News and Analysis” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
5. US and Russia Nuclear Weapons Reduction
US President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir V. Putin pledged on November 13 to cut their nuclear stockpiles by roughly two-thirds over the next decade, leaving each side with fewer than 2,200 warheads. However, the two countries still seemed far apart on missile defenses.
“US and Russia Reduces Nuclear Weapons” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 14, US)
“US-Russian Summit” (NAPSNet Daily Report, November 15, PRC) |
Afghanistan War and Implications
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1. Afghanistan: Current Situation
Following the capture of Kabul, the Northern Alliance’s foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah has invited Afghan groups for negotiations on the future of the country. The supreme commander of the Taliban Mullah Mohammad Omar claimed that his real goal is “the extinction of America.” The Pakistani government has denied a report on Iranian radio claiming that Mullah Omar and Osama bin Laden have crossed into Pakistan.
“Afghanistan: Current Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
Talking to a press agency, Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir recounted his personal impressions of Osama bin Laden.
“Afghanistan: Current Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
2. Afghanistan: Future Prospects
Afghanistan’s victorious Northern Alliance forces have come under strong international pressure to seek a broad-based interim government. Pakistan, Iran and the United States have also reiterated their support for a broad based and multi-ethnic setup in Kabul. Umer Farooqi suggested that “in the fast-changing scenario of Afghanistan, most of the options, including the one aimed at bringing Zahir Shah into power, for a broad-based post-Taliban government are losing relevance.” Iran’s President Mohammad Khatami has warned that the anti-terror campaign, if conducted incorrectly, may lead to the expansion of terrorism. Asia Times columnist Pepe Escobar argues that the Northern Alliance victory is “the beginning of the balkanization of Afghanistan.”
“Afghanistan: Future Prospects” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
“Afghanistan: Future Prospects” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
3. Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has expressed “extreme fears” that 9000 displaced Afghans in the Makaki camp could become human shields or hostages. Pakistan has again announced its opposition to the idea of opening its border to Afghanistan to allow Afghan refugees to enter the country.
“Humanitarian Crisis” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47) “Humanitarian Crisis” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
4. Pakistan
The fate of Pakistani volunteers who had crossed into Afghanistan to join the Taliban militia remains uncertain. The Pakistani government has approached the United Nations relief agencies to verify the number of Pakistanis killed in Afghanistan. Pakistan has suggested that the Northern Alliance may be open to establishing friendly relations with Pakistan.
“Pakistan” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
Responding to the fall of Taliban from Kabul, the Pakistani government has called for an international force to take over the city. President Pervez Musharraf outlined his government’s view of the political strategy that would best serve the interests of Afghanistan and the region.
“Pakistan” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
5. India
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee applauded the victories of the Northern Alliance over the Taliban.
“India” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47) |
6. US Role
Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki Al-Faisal gave details of the arrangement between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan to supply the Afghan Mujahideens with weapons to support Afghan resistance against the Soviet invasion.
“United States’ Role” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
7. General Assessments
Alam examines the strategic and tactical “blunders” committed by the Taliban. Ahmad Rashid argued that the Taliban’s retreat from northern Afghanistan has set the stage for new military battles while accelerating the “challenge of finding a legitimate leadership in a country where war is a way of life.” Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has stated the war against terrorism is “beginning to look more and more like a war against Muslims.”
“General Assessments” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has indicated his government’s openness to accepting a future Afghan government that may include “liberal” Taliban as long as “the Taliban, as a name” is not used in any “new dispensation.”
“India” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46)
A.H. Amin argues that many “myths and misconceptions” about Afghan military history have gained credence because of the war. Manabi Majumdar suggests that “peace activism” is the most effective course of action for preventing the “carnage being perpetrated by either rogue ‘warlords’ or ‘rogue states.'” Shahid Javed Burki argues that Pakistan must fight on two fronts simultaneously; “on the battlefield and in the cities, towns and villages on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border. The other war must involve economic development, social improvement and nation-building in both Afghanistan and in the Pakistani areas along the border.”
“General Assessments” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
Pakistan
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1. Pakistan: Domestic Situation
Pakistani law enforcements agencies have been put on high alert to track down “as many as 96 most wanted sectarian terrorists” who have been hiding in Afghanistan, and may try to “enter Pakistan in the disguise of Afghan refugees.” Kamran Khan discusses Pakistan’s security concerns after the fall of the Taliban government.
“Pakistan: Domestic Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf indicated his intentions to stay as the president of the country after the scheduled general elections in October 2002. Meanwhile, the Pak-Afghan Defense Council, an alliance of militant Islamic parties, has announced plans for more anti-government demonstrations in the country.
“Pakistan Domestic Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
2. US-Pakistan Relations
Pakistan and the United States have signed an agreement under which the US will provide US$600 million in direct budget and balance of payment support to Pakistan. According to the United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca, the events of the last two months have opened “new possibilities for recasting Indo-Pak relations and reducing tensions.” Pakistani media have reported general disappointment with the U.S. aid package. President Pervez Musharraf has also expressed his disappointment at the United States’ refusal to release F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan.
“US – Pakistan Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
“US-Pakistan Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46)
“US India Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47) |
3. India-Pakistan Relations
President Pervez Musharraf indicated his government’s willingness to formalize a nuclear test ban treaty with India.
“India-Pakistan Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
India
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1. India: Domestic Situation
Indian opposition politicians have criticized the Indian government’s performance at the Doha trade talks. The representatives of Indian industries, however, expressed satisfaction with the results.
“India: Domestic Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
Two former Indian Chief Justices have opposed the promulgation of the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance.
“India Domestic Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
2. Pakistan-India Relations
Indian army officials have suggested that the possibility of a war between India and Pakistan cannot be ruled out. An editorial in The Hindu criticized India for its “disinclination to engage Pakistan bilaterally,” therefore giving “the propaganda advantage” to Pakistan.
“Pakistan-India Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46) |
Kashmir
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1. Internal Situation
Nine people, including four Indian army soldiers, were killed in continuing clashes in the valley. Unnamed Indian army officers stationed in Kashmir have expressed fears that the Taliban fighters fleeing Afghanistan might find their way to Jammu and Kashmir. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has called for a ceasefire by all groups, including the Indian forces and the Mujahideen.
“Internal Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #47)
“Internal Situation” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #46)
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