FRIDE Peace, Security & Human Rights

Afghanistan, the limits of counter-insurgency

fride — 2008-08-20T16:16:57+01:00

Getty Images

As the conflict in Afghanistan worsens and extends, a series of debates is unfolding in NATO and the need for discussion about the political options available to the international community and the political forces within Afghanistan is becoming increasingly urgent.

Bolivia: a national clash over multiple worlds

fride — 2008-08-20T16:16:57+01:00

Rodrigo Buendia/AFP/Getty Images

Two and a half years into his presidency, Evo Morales' reform programme has stalled, and Bolivia is in political deadlock. A crucial vote looms on August 10th which could help resolve the crisis - or prolong it. But while Bolivia remains embroiled in an immediate conflict over gas revenues and land redistribution, wider possible consequences of Morales' attempts to construct a "plurinational" state have gone underexamined.

IBSA: An International Actor and Partner of the EU?

fride — 2008-08-20T16:16:57+01:00

Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images

Emerging powers and south-south cooperation are beginning to alter the foundations of the international system and to challenge the traditional power structure within multilateral organizations.

Latin American's new conflict zones

fride — 2008-08-20T16:16:57+01:00

Marco Millán/AFP/Getty Images

Mexico’s attempts to combat drug cartels along its border with the United States and the dispute between Ecuador and Colombia over the bombardment of a FARC camp have shown the extreme difficulties in establishing state control over Latin America's frontiers, and the different views over how this should be done.

Disengagement or delusion?

fride — 2008-08-20T16:16:57+01:00

Peter Muhly/AFP/Getty Images

Irish voters’ rejection of the Lisbon Treaty has sent shockwaves through the EU.

In this Comment article Irish Times journalist Tony Kinsella explores the political blunders which made it possible for the “No” camp to secure victory, despite all five of the main political parties throwing their support behind the treaty.

The food crisis in Haiti: a ruptured process?

fride — 2008-08-20T16:16:57+01:00

Secondhand/Flickr

The crisis in Haiti is nothing less than a giant step backwards for the peace stabilisation and consolidation process which began back in 2004. In April, violent disturbances took place throughout Haiti, causing the whole country to grind to a halt, and the Prime Minister was ousted. As Haiti sank deeper into chaos, neither the government nor the United Nations Mission (MINUSTAH) was able to do anything to check the unrest. In this article Amélie Gauthier explores the ongoing economic and political factors that have led to the crisis and asks what can be done to move forwards towards a sustainable solution.

Europe, USA and Middle East

fride — 2008-08-20T16:16:57+01:00

The opening of negotiations between Syria and Israel over the Golan Heights and the appointment of a new president in Lebanon are both important political developments for the Middle East. And although the region remains devastated by conflict, forthcoming events in both the US and the EU open certain possibilities.