|
Iran's foreign policy agenda |
|
The surprise election of Mohammed Khatami as President of Iran on 23 May 1997 has prompted much speculation about a change in the country’s domestic agenda. Change in Iran’s foreign-policy agenda is likely to be determined by internal rivalries between moderates and radicals and by the reactions of Iran’s neighbours to the new President’s moves. Although Khatami’s freedom of manoeuvre is limited, modest improvements in relations with pro-Western Saudi Arabia and Egypt might eventually herald some movement in Iran’s relations with the US.
Full text & PDF (free to all users) >>>
|
|
Cyprus: any deal in sight? |
|
An unprecedented flurry of diplomatic activity over Cyprus has given rise to hopes that a political settlement might be in sight. The resumption of UN-sponsored negotiations, the involvement of Richard Holbrooke, improved relations between Athens and Ankara, and the imminent opening of talks regarding Cyprus’ accession to the European Union have been powerful external incentives for Greeks and Turks on the Mediterranean island to settle their differences. A reduction in the political temperature is not enough, however, for an agreement, and the two sides remain far apart on fundamental issues of freedom of movement, sovereignty and the right of return.
Full text & PDF (subscribers only) >>>
Buy this article online >>>
|
|
Towards a global ban on anti-personnel land-mines |
|
Progress towards a global ban on anti-personnel land-mines appears to have accelerated in recent months with the election of more sympathetic governments in the UK and France and the second stage of the Ottawa Process, a Canadian-sponsored initiative to prohibit the use of land-mines. The Brussels Conference on 25–27 June succeeded in bringing together 155 countries, 97 of whom signed the final Declaration committing them to a legally binding treaty. The Ottawa Process is now widely seen as the most credible approach to prohibiting anti-personnel land-mines.
Full text & PDF (subscribers only) >>>
Buy this article online >>>
|
|
The civil war in Tajikistan |
|
Of all the successor states to the Soviet Union, Tajikistan has had perhaps the most difficult transition to independence. Riven by ethnic and regional differences, the civil war that has raged in the country since 1992 has claimed the lives of an estimated 50,000 people. The signing of a peace accord in Moscow on 27 June 1997 has raised substantial hopes of a lasting peace. Economic and humanitarian aid are urgently needed to repair the ravages of the past.
Full text & PDF (subscribers only) >>>
Buy this article online >>>
|
|
South-east Asia's naval build-up |
|
The first non-US aircraft carrier in East Asian waters since the Second World War, the Royal Thai Navy’s Chakri Naruebet, is the harbinger of a significant build-up in South-east Asian naval capabilities. Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are also engaged in an impressive round of acquisitions which will bring a new generation of weaponry to the region. Impressive though these acquisitions are, they are overshadowed by the naval forces of the region’s large neighbours, China, Japan and India.
Full text & PDF (subscribers only) >>>
Buy this article online >>>
|
