Nuclear Issues

1. Pakistan Nuclear Safety
2. India Nuclear Safety
3. China and Pakistan

Nuclear Issues

General Musharraf reiterated that Pakistan will not let any country pressure it to change its nuclear weapons policy. During his visit to Islamabad, the U.S. Under Secretary of State Alan Larson said that the U.S. continues to be concerned about Pakistan's nuclear weapons.
No compromise on N-plan: Musharraf
"Larson unfolds parameters of Pak-US ties"

India strongly rejected a Washington Post report that India might - under certain conditions - launch a preemptive strike against Pakistan's nuclear sites. Meanwhile, the Indian Minister for State, Omar Abdullah, raised concerns about Pakistan's first use of nuclear weapons against India. The Indian Department of Atomic Energy also beefed up security at its nuclear plants.
"New Delhi slams speculation on N-site attack"
"Pak. might use n-weapons in war: Omar"
"Move to put nuclear plants under restricted zone"

China reportedly has refused a U.S. request for a list of missile parts and missile-making technology that Beijing would stop exporting to Pakistan.
"China rejects US demand on N-tech exports to Pakistan"

Afghanistan War and Implications

Reports in Pakistani newspapers suggest that the Taliban has shown greater cohesion and resistance than some observers expected.
"Stiff resistance by Taliban gunners"
"Afghan tribal chiefs, clerics meeting today"
"Afghans give surprise to US-led coalition"

The Pakistani government once again supported the idea that any future government in Kabul should be broad based. Well-known columnists for Pakistani newspapers examine the complexities of setting up a new government in Kabul.
"Support for broad-based govt reiterated"
"If and when Taliban are gone"
"Oh! For a bit of commonsense"

President Pervez Musharraf wants the U.S to end its war before the start of Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims, which begins by mid November. Pakistani government officials, while estimating that the war in Afghanistan will cost the country about US$2.5 billion, have also suggested that foreign aid may be less than what is generally expected. A newspaper reports two cases of Anthrax attack in Karachi. There are also reports that 26 members of Pakistani groups which have been fighting along with Taliban have been killed. The influx of Afghan refugees into Pakistan continues despite the closure of the border between the two countries. Author and columnist Shahid Burki suggest that Pakistan should seek longer-term relief and assistance in order to get the economy moving again.
"Musharraf wants end to war before Ramazan"
"Afghan war can cost Pakistan $2.5bn: Shaukat"
"Officials caution against optimism"
"Biggest ever US military presence in Pakistan"
"US company in Pakistan hit by anthrax"
"23 Jihadis killed in Afghanistan"
"Influx of Afghan refugees"
"Pakistan in time of need"

India says that a friendly, stable government in Kabul is critical to its security. An Indian columnist wonders whether India has been sidelined in the new global situation after September 11.
"India says it has long-term stakes in Afghanistan"
"Has India been sidelined?"

Military contingents from Turkey and Bangladesh could be leading a future international peace-keeping force, according to "informed sources" in India.
"Turkey, Bangladesh may lead peace force in Afghanistan"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the present Taliban regime can have no role to play in a post-Taliban government..
"Putin rejects Taliban role in future govt"

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klabanov said that Russia was maintaining the "closest" interaction with India over the developments in Afghanistan
"Russia in touch with India on Afghan situation"

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell played down the notion of a massive reconstruction program on the order of the Marshall Plan for Afghanistan.
"No Marshall plan for Afghanistan: Powell"

Northern Alliance leaders suggested that they will keep their troops outside Kabul only if the United States ensures that 'other groups' do the same
"Northern Alliance demand puts US in dilemma"

Ayaz Amir considers the ramifications if the U.S.-led war fails to dislodge Taliban from Kabul.
"A happy assumption waiting to be tested"

Debate in the Islamic world between modernism and revivalism has become distorted in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
"The ideological paradox"

Defense experts reportedly suggest that the US war against global terrorism threatens to trigger a new arms race in the Middle East and Asia.
"War threatens to trigger arms race"

Pakistan

Numerous reports note the increasing tension between religious political parties and President Pervez Musharraf's government.
"JI to struggle for removal of govt"
"20 injured as protesters, police clash in Jacobabad"
"200 JUI, JI workers arrested"
"JUI warns of civil disobedience"
"Pakistan faces threat of polarisation in society"

A Dawn editorial argues that the current crisis should not be used to postpone scheduled national elections.
"Election on schedule"

Irfan Hussian writes that conspiracy theories about the September 11 attacks are a way for the people of Muslim countries to avoid taking a hard look at the conditions in their societies.
"Pipedreams and daydreams"

India and Pakistan have exchanged hostilecomments.
"India to be paid back in same coin"
"Pakistan takes necessary measures: Indian troop movement"
"Pak. 'demarche' to India"
"Spasms of bellicosity"

Various reports describe the U.S. economic support package for Pakistan.
"US assures Pakistan of immediate debt relief: Larson, Shaukat hold talks"
"Support for Pakistan to continue, says Larson"
"US to reduce tariff, increase quota for Pakistan"
"Islamabad offered $800m immediate cash grant"
"Washington mulls over new military ties with Islamabad"
"US to offer $ 673m grant, no hint of debt waiver"

India

George Fernandes, after being forced to resign as a result of a corruption scandal, has returned as India's Defence Secretary.
"Fernandes is right person for Defence: Jaswant Singh"
"Fernandes gets back Defence"

The Union Cabinet tonight approved the promulgation of the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, 2001, which is expected to replace the infamous, but already lapsed, Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).
"Ordinance on terrorism approved"

Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee told a news conference that he "feels as if there is no point in talking to Pakistan". He also described Pakistan as an "untrustworthy neighbor" at a gathering of Sikh community. Responding to a question about recent statements by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India did not wish to enter into a "sterile debate" with Islamabad.
"Vajpayee rejects talks with Musharraf"
"Choose peace or animosity, Vajpayee tells Pak."
"India not for `sterile' debate"

An Indian foreign ministry spokesperson ruled out the need for assistance from the United States in solving the Kashmir issue.
"Delhi rejects Powell offer"

India and Russia have discussed a deal for India to lease four supersonic reconnaissance aircraft under a contract that may be signed next month.
"India to acquire reconnaissance aircraft from Russia"

Kashmir

Reports on continuing violence in Jummu and Kashmir.
"4 die as airbase in Valley attacked"
"11 killed in Kashmir"
"Three Jaish activists killed in Kashmir"
"Eighteen die in held Kashmir"

Pakistan does not want the U.S. to equate the violence in Kashmir with terrorism.
"Pak. against J&K 'struggle' being termed 'terrorist'"

Indian Home Minister LK Advani and Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes issued tough statements on Kashmir.
" 'Centre can tackle J&K terrorism on its own'"
"India warns of 'specific action' in Kashmir"

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell urged both India and Pakistan to act with "enormous restraint" in spite of the tensions over Kashmir. Powell also stated that the Kashmir issue was "central" to Indo-Pakistan relations.
"Powell tells India, Pak. to observe restraint"
"Kashmir central to Indo-Pak. relations, says Powell"

Produced by the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainable Development in partnership with the Monash Asia Institute.

Wade L. Huntley, Security Program Director: SANDNet@nautilus.org
Berkeley, California, United States