Nuclear Issues

1. Pakistan Nuclear Safety
2. Related News and Analysis

Nuclear Issues

A team from Landau Network, an Italian Arms Control institution, recently visited Pakistan. Their report on the visit discusses, among other issues, security problems concerning Pakistan's nuclear weapons and nuclear material.
"Nuclear safety, nuclear stability and nuclear strategy"

India tested a variant of Agni missile with a range of 700 km. The Pakistan government has termed the test as "prejudicial" to regional stability.
"India tests nuke capable Agni missile"
"Agni test threatens regional stability: Pak"

President General Pervez Musharraf has stated that Pakistan wants a denuclearised South Asia and is willing to sign a no-war pact with India. In response, the Indian government rejected the proposal stating that denuclearisation of South Asia alone would have "no meaning."
"Pakistan backs denuclearisation of South Asia"
"India shoots down Pak no-war pact proposal"

Afghanistan War and Implications

According to US officials, their special forces killed more than a dozen Islamic militants and captured 27 others after a fight in southern Afghanistan. Meanwhile, there were reports of fighting between various Afghan warlords in different parts of the country. Al Ahram, an Egyptian weekly, reported on deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf believes that Osama bin Laden is dead.
"15 killed in US raid on al-Qaeda compounds"
"Dostam forces take control in Qala Zaal"
"Return to lawlessness"
"Think Osama is dead: Musharraf"

Delegates from 61 countries and 21 international organizations attending an international conference in Tokyo, Japan, to help rebuild Afghanistan have pledged about four billion dollars in aid.
"Donors pledge $4bn for Afghans"
"Afghanistan: Arranging the building blocks"

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan's interim Prime Minister Hamid Karzai held talks with Saudi King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. Saudi Arabia has offered Afghanistan $20 million as a first installment of an emergency aid package.
"Karzai, Saudi leaders discuss assistance"
"$20m Saudi grant for Afghanistan"

A report in the Far Eastern Economic Review argues that "without a proper mechanism to establish security and manage development, the country could dissolve into well-funded anarchy rife with corruption and violence." Journalist and author Ahmad Rashid examines some of the challenges of rebuilding Afghanistan.
"Money Is Not Enough"
"Vying for a piece of the pie"

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is about to complete relocating refugees from Jalozai camp in northwest Pakistan to other sites. The living condition in the makeshift Jalozai camp has been deteriorating following the post September 11th refugee influx. According to UNHCR, over 6000 new Afghan refugees have been allowed to enter refugee camps in Pakistan.
"Jalozai camp to be vacated"
"6,000 new Afghan DPs arrive"

According to a report in Asia Times, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to allow the deployment of US troops is causing him his "biggest political headaches." Another report in Asia Times suggests that Russian officials are becoming wary about America's increasing influence in Central Asia. India has protested to the US and Britain over Pakistan's airlifting of its nationals and Taliban fighters after they were cornered in Kunduz during the war in Afghanistan.
"Battle lines drawn in the Philippines"
"Central Asian nations choose their sides"
"India protests airlifting of Pak nationals"

G. Parthasarathy's essay in Frontline, an Indian magazine, argues that the US would regret its decision to seek the cooperation of Pakistani military establishment in the 'war against terrorism'.
"An exercise in doublespeak"

Azmi Bishara's article in the Egyptian weekly Al Ahram argues that "it is important to open this discussion (on what is terrorism) at the global level, avoiding exaggerations that will discredit the overall narrative while substantiating it thoroughly."
"On terrorism, again"

India-Pakistan Tensions

During his visit to Pakistan, the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan suggested a two track approach to resolving India-Pakistan conflict that would consist of "a sustained and determined action against armed extremist groups and an equally sustained dialogue to resolve all differences." Kofi Annan dropped his plans to visit New Delhi after the Indian government indicated that the "proposed dates are not convenient." Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf believes that tensions between Pakistan and India would not translate into a war."
"Withdraw troops from frontline, Annan tells India"
"Annan drops India visit"
"Tension easing, says President"

The Frontline, an Indian magazine, published a short description of the 20 terrorists whose extradition from Pakistan India has demanded. Pakistan has also given India a list of people allegedly involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan demanding their extradition. India's Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh has stated that India would return these alleged terrorists to Pakistan.
"India's most wanted"
"Pakistan to seek extradition of its suspects"
"Delhi will hand over Pakistani criminals: Jaswant asks for list"

Four unidentified armed men on motorcycles opened fire outside the American Center in Kolkata, India, killing five policemen and injuring 20 people. India's Union Home Minister L. K. Advani claimed that Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) was responsible for the attack. The US government, however, has stated that it is not certain if the assault was targeted at its interests. Pakistan condemned the assault as an act of terror. According to a report by Sultan Shahin in Asia Times, under pressure from the US, India is moving away from holding Pakistan responsible for the assault.
"Gunmen attack US Center in Kolkata: Five cops killed"
"Advani sees ISI link to attack"
"US unsure if shooting aimed at its interests"
"Islamabad condemns terrorist assault"
"US forces Delhi to backpedal"

According to a report in Asia Times, troop movements ordered by an Indian corps commander Kapil Vij brought India and Pakistan dangerously close to war. The corps commander was subsequently removed. The Indian government, however, has issued a statement that the removal of Lt. Gen. Kapil Vij was a routine matter.
"All is well that ends with Powell"
"Corps commander replaced"
"Lt Gen Vij not shifted under any pressure: Ministry"

Writing for the Far Eastern Economic Review, Teresita C. Schaffer argues that "the U.S. now has both the leverage and the relationships to influence the course of events in a healthy direction in South Asia."
"U.S. Must Engage South Asia"

A report in Asia Times examines the human and financial costs of war or a longer-term mobilization of forces by India and Pakistan.
"Wars don't come cheap"

Pakistan

In a public speech, Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf reaffirmed his commitment to holding general in the country by October 2002. He also outlined objectives that are part of his idea of restoring the 'true essence of democracy' in Pakistan. Hafizur Rahman's essay in the daily Dawn, Pakistan, examines the implications of joint electorates for religious minorities in the country.
"Democracy with checks, balances, says Musharraf"
"Minorities & joint electorates"

Writing for Frontline, an Indian magazine, Aijaz Ahmad closely examines the choices faced by Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf.
"Pakistan's time of reckoning"

During his visit to Pakistan, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Robert S Mueller stated that the US wants to expand its cooperation with Pakistan "beyond counter-terrorism to include cyber-crimes, human trafficking and other crimes."
"FBI seeks greater cooperation with Pak agencies"

India

A report in the daily Hindu, India, examines political maneuvering around the upcoming election in Uttar Pradesh.
"BJP faces uphill task in U.P."

Harish Khare essay in the daily Hindu, India, argues that India "would soon be resembling Pakistan if the present inclination to concede a centrality to the armed forces remains unchecked."
"A General and a Minister"

A report in Asia Times examines Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's recent visit to India.
"Sino-Indian relations: A new beginning"

Kashmir

South Asian newspapers carried various reports on protest and violence in Kashmir.
"11 of a family shot dead in Valley"
"Eight militants among 12 killed in held Kashmir"
"Strike in parts of Srinagar"

A report by Joanna Slater of the Far Eastern Economic Review describes daily life in Srinagar, Kashmir.
"Out in the Cold"

An essay in Asia Times argues that the renunciation of militancy by the All-Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) - an umbrella organization of 23 political parties in Kashmir - will help in finding a political solution to the Kashmir issue. A report in the daily Hindu, India, suggests that political parties in India believe that designating the current Line of Control dividing Indian and Pakistani sections of Kashmir as the international border is the only feasible solution to the Kashmir problem.
"Boost for political process in Kashmir"
"It's time to draw the line"

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