Author Archives: Daniel J Gerstle 
Central African Republic Votes Amid Fighting
What is at stake in the Central African Republic elections, taking place this week.
Why Western Military Contractors are a Terrible Idea for Somalia
The Somali transitional government is committing yet another dangerous political blunder in the African Horn by contracting Western paramilitary contractors.
Lebanon’s Political Confrontation Continues as Indictment Remains Sealed
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon delivered its much anticipated indictment regarding the 2005 killing of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and others to Lebanese justice officials yesterday, sealed. The controversy over how the indictment was crafted and whom it may allege played a role in the killing caused the fall of the government last week.
Lebanon’s Party of God Challenges the Prime Minister
Hezbollah, “The Party of God“, has led a walk out in Lebanon’s parliament, causing the collapse of the government while Prime Minister Saad Hariri was meeting with President Obama. What’s new about this latest political confrontation?
Slavery Battle Turned Upside Down in Mauritania
Why is Mauritania jailing anti-slavery activists, rather than slave owners?
Iraq’s Invisible Refugees
The tragic flight of minorities from central Iraq to the north has not only been a larger crisis than anyone anticipated. It has also created a new, secondary crisis for host communities that governments, donors, and aid agencies are only beginning to figure out how to address.
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The SC; HRC; DPRK; South Sudan
The SC: The Security Council today held its last consultations under the Council Presidency of ROK. Tomorrow, Russia will take over the rotating Presidency of the Security Council for March under Ambassador Vitaly Churkin.
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The SG; Mali; Middle East; Palestine
The SG: At the Fifth Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Vienna, Austria today, the SG emphasized the role of youth in ensuring a “prosperous, equitable and peaceful future.”
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The SG; DRC; HRC; Palestinian Prisoner
The SG: In Ethiopia over the weekend, the SG is now in the United Arab Emirates. Today he met with Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, where the two discussed developments in the region, including Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, and in the Middle East Peace Process.
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