Hamas coup in Gaza |
Political realities in Palestine have changed fundamentally following the Hamas takeover in Gaza. Hamas is now too strong and embedded, Fatah too fragmented and enfeebled, and the emergency government too lacking in control of the Israeli-occupied West Bank for the new situation to be reversed in the foreseeable future. The Gaza coup has presented the international community with difficult options, with the risk that in the absence of any prospect of resolution of the Israel–Palestine issue, jihadist militancy could be given further room to grow. |
| China in Africa |
China’s relentless commercial advance in Africa has altered the dynamics of development across the continent, as well as Africa’s relationship with the rest of the world. Beijing’s ‘no-strings’ approach contrasts with Western efforts to link aid to improvements in governance. However, China has recently shown, particularly in diplomacy over the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, signs of pragmatic accommodation of Western pressure. |
| Central Asia’s energy |
Russia moved dramatically in May to improve its position as the main transit country for Central Asian gas and oil. It signed agreements with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan under which a higher proportion of their energy exports will flow through Russia. This was a blow to Europe’s hopes of new pipeline arrangements through which Central Asian supplies would bypass Russia. While questions remain about the likelihood of implementation, the agreements would increase Europe’s dependence on Russia for energy supplies. |
| Thailand’s political turmoil |
Important obstacles remain in the way of restoring democracy following the military coup of September 2006. The interim government insists that elections will be held in December. But a referendum in September could reject the proposed constitution. Even if it is accepted, it is unclear whether the elections can be held on time, whether the ousted Thai Rak Thai party can be re-established in a new form, and what level of support it would receive – and whether a cohesive government could emerge. |
| South Asia’s water |
Cooperation between South Asian countries in the management of their shared river systems lags far behind efforts in the rest of the world. Tensions carry a risk of conflict, with disputes within states having already taken violent forms. Scarcity and inefficient use of water could undermine economies and disrupt societies. However, new dialogues have begun and could in time be followed by steps to improve cooperation and shape new policies. Full text HTML & PDF (subscribers only) >>> |
