Nuclear Issues

1. News and Analysis

Nuclear Issues

India's Defense Minister George Fernandes has reiterated that his country is committed to the doctrine of 'no first use' of nuclear weapons.
"Uncalled for concerns: Fernandes"

Afghanistan War and Implications

Media reports indicate poor law and order situation in Kabul and other areas. Two World Food Program (WFP) trucks carrying emergency food supplies in northern Afghanistan were robbed at gunpoint. Drug traffickers moving heroin from Afghanistan to Europe via Pakistan reportedly possess sophisticated weapons including surface to air missiles. The interim Afghan government has set a deadline for the handover of illegal weapons in Kandahar.
"Crime wave grips Kabul"
"Food supplies looted in Afghanistan"
"Drug traffickers using modern techniques"
"Afghan police set deadline for handover of illegal arms"

According to Mullah Naqibullah, a veteran Afghan guerrilla leader, Mullah Omar was offered amnesty in return for a peaceful surrender. Naqibullah maintains that Hamid Karzai, the leader of Afghanistan's interim government, directed the deal.
"Naqibullah says he had made deal with Mulla Omar"

The Zhawar camps in Khost, Afghanistan, recently came under heavy bombing by US warplanes. These camps were built with US assistance during the war against the Soviet Union. The US Marines have reportedly established a checkpoint in Spin Boldak area and have launched a de-weaponization campaign in neighboring villages.
"Zhawar al-Qaeda base under heavy US attack"
"US bombing Afghan camps built with its assistance"
"US forces begin clean-up drive in Spin Boldak"
"US Marines establish check-post near no-man's land"

According to a UN official, only $3 million of the promised $17 million for the Start Up Fund has been received so far. The fund was established following last month's Bonn meeting. Ahmed Fawzi, a spokesman for U.N. Afghanistan envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, has appealed to the international community to "stop talking and start delivering help."
"Donors doing very little for Afghanistan, admits UN"
"United Nations seeks urgent Afghan aid"

Despite appeals by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Pakistan has refused to change its policy of not allowing any more new Afghan refugees into the country. There are approximately 13,000 Afghans stranded on Pakistan-Afghan border near Chaman, Pakistan. Of these 13,000 Afghans, the Pakistan government has allowed about 600 "vulnerable" Afghans to cross into Pakistan. UNHCR has also moved over 100,000 Afghan refugees living in squatter settlements to refugee camps. Over 35,000 Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan returned home in the last two weeks. Cold weather is causing greater hardships for refugees.
"Govt. not to allow more Afghan refugees"
"Over 100,000 Afghan refugees in Pakistan"
"Only 600 refugees admitted to Killi Faizo camp"
"35,000 refugees return home"
"Heavy rains, cold torment refugees at camps"

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson has asked the US authorities to respect the human rights of Afghan prisoners. Her appeal followed the transfer of prisoners from Afghanistan to the US military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In its "2002 World Report" Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that the 'war against terrorism' is undercutting efforts to build broad support for human rights.
"UN assails US over treatment of Afghan prisoners"
"Watchdog lambastes Washington's 'hypocrisy'"

According to a report in the daily News, Pakistan, the bombing of Zhawar town and its surrounding areas in eastern Afghanistan has forced Pakistanis living close to the border to leave their homes. 58 Pakistani Taliban are reportedly been held at a remote prison in upper Panjshir valley in northern Afghanistan.
"US raids force Pakistanis to flee Afghan border town"
"58 Pakistani Taliban held in Hindu Kush prison"

John Gershman's essay in the Asia Times, and a report in the daily News, Pakistan, examines the US military's involvement in the Philippines.
"US takes anti-terror war to the Philippines"
"Low-key start to US mission in Philippines"

Indian writer and scholar Achen Vanaik writes that "what is extraordinary (about the 'war on terrorism') is not that the U.S. should seek to selectively define who the terrorists are, and what terrorism is... But that this has met with so little resistance." He goes on to outlines the basic features of what he calls the "Pax Americana."
"Building a world empire - I"
"Building a world empire - II"

India-Pakistan Tensions

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has asked Pakistan and India to start a dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. He, however, added that it is up to India to make the decision. Colin Powell is visiting South Asia in an attempt to diffuse border tensions between India and Pakistan. The Pakistan government has indicated that it might hand over non-Pakistani criminals and terrorists in the list of 20 whose extradition India has demanded. The Indian government has reportedly supplied additional evidence against the 20 alleged terrorists that it wants extradited from Pakistan. Reports indicate that the situation on the India-Pakistan border is becoming less tense.
"US asks India to hold talks on all issues"
"India gives more evidence to Pakistan"
"Musharraf may hand over non-Pakistanis: Powell"
"Indo-Pak border firing wanes"

The Indian government welcomed Pakistan's decision to suppress militant Islamic groups involved in violent activities in Kashmir. External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh has suggested that India would consider direct talks with Pakistan only after the Pakistan government has taken conrete actions against militant Islamic groups. Earlier in the week, Pakistani and Indian officials exchanged threats. Pakistan reportedly moved some of its short-range missiles closer to its border with India.
"Match words with action, India tells Pak."
"Navy is always ready"
"We are prepared: Army chief"
"Limited war with Pakistan possible: Indian COAS"
"Pakistan moves Hatf missiles near border with India"

A report in the daily News, Pakistan, describes the effects of troop mobilization by India and Pakistan on the population living near the India-Pakistan border.
"On India's front line, war clouds bring ruin"

In a wide-ranging interview with Tehelk.com, an Indian internet magazine, historian Mushirul Hasan expressed his belief that Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is genuinely trying to "reverse the fundamentalist agenda."
"General Musharraf is India's best bet under the circumstances"

Writing for the daily Dawn, Pakistan, M.H.Askari suggests that India's 'wait and see' reaction to President Pervez Musharraf's crackdown on Islamic militants is prompted by the compulsions of India's domestic politics.
"This game of wait-and-see?"

Pakistan

In a speech televised live both in India and Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf announced a wide-ranging crack down on five militant Islamic groups. Political parties in Pakistan had mixed response to the President's speech. The Pakistan police has shut down the offices and arrested the leaders of the five banned groups. Over 1,900 members of militant religious groups have been arrested so far.
"Crackdown on banned religious groups"
"Lashkar, Jaish, TJP, TNSM & SSP banned; ST under watch"
"Pakistan may ban Al Badar,"
"PPP, PML-N criticise speech, others hail"
"Religious parties, Jihadi outfits assail ban"

According to a report in the daily News, Pakistan, supporters of the five banned militant groups have moved underground.
"Jihadi outfits going underground"

A government building in Islamabad, Pakistan, that housed offices of several federal ministries, including the Home Ministry, was completely destroyed in a fire. There have been speculations that the fire might have destroyed, among other government papers, records on extremist religious groups kept by the Home Ministry. According to Syed Saleem Shahzad of the Asia Times, the fire "sends a very strong message of just what the reform process in Pakistan can expect."
"Terrorism feared in fire"
"Confidential record of militant groups not destroyed in fire"
"Not all are in step with the general"

Uwe Parpart, editor of the Asia Times, believes that Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf "wants to transform Pakistan into a modern secular and prosperous state."
"Musharraf: Can this man change Pakistan?"

Writing for the Far Eastern Economic Review, journalist and author Ahmad Rashid reports on President Musharraf's crack down on militant Islamic groups.
"Tackling the militants"

Muzaffar Iqbal, a freelance journalist, argues that reforming religious schools is not enough; rather the whole education system of Pakistan needs to be reformed. In his essay for the daily Dawn, Pakistan, Shahid Javed Burki suggests various steps to improve education in Pakistan.
"Madaris reform"
"Saving education sector"

The Pakistan government has announced basic changes in the country's electoral system.
"Next polls on basis of joint electorate"

The US military is reportedly trying to reduce its presence at air bases in Pakistan.
"US shifting presence from Pakistani airbases: report"

India

According to Power Minister Suresh Prabhu, the power sector in India has "reached a do or die situation and it needs to be rapidly and systematically restructured to make it commercially viable."
"It's a do or die situation in power sector: Prabhu"

The US and India have signed an agreement under which the two countries would protect technology secrets in any weapons deal between them.
"US, India move to resume arms transfers"

Kashmir

Newspaper reports on violence in Kashmir.
"12 killed in Kashmir gunbattles"
"16 killed in Kashmir violence"
"One killed, eight injured in Jammu blast"
"Two Dutch among 14 killed in Valley"

All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has accused Indian military of violating the human rights of Kashmiris.
"APHC flays tyrannies of Indian forces"

Essays in various newspapers and magazines argue that Pakistan's crack down on the militants it has supported in the fight for Kashmir would not solve the Kashmir Problem. Rather, the Indian government will now have to take political steps to find a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue.
"Shaping peace in Kashmir, unilaterally"
"Absence of Kashmir policy"
"Kashmir beyond terrorism"
"Ensure free and fair polls in J&K"
"Sights Set On Freedom"

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

Zulfiqar Ahmad, South Asia Program Officer: SANDNet@nautilus.org
Berkeley, California, United States