Welcome to Morning Coffee, brought to you by Lindsay Beyerstein with additional links from the UN Dispatch team. Every morning we survey foreign affairs and foreign policy news so you don't have to. We begin with the "Starting Five" items of the day -- these may not always appear on A-1, but they *are* the kinds of stories that will be buzzing in foreign capitals, the UN and wherever foreign policy minds roam.
Starting Five
- UN DEBATES PIRACY STRATEGY
The UN Security Council met yesterday to discuss the piracy crisis off the coast of Somalia. Over the past few weeks vessels from the U.S., North Korea, and Spain have been attacked or seized by pirates. Two weeks ago, the International Maritime Organization announced plans to help Somalia combat piracy by assisting it in the creation of a legitimate coast guard. In addition to their more predatory activities, the pirates gain the support of local people by acting as a kind of informal militia that protects the coast from foreign overfishing and toxic waste dumping.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/11/18/somalia-pirates-un-security.html?ref=rss
Link - IPOD BLAMED FOR SUB CRASH
A new report says that "complancency" and poor leadership were responsible for a nuclear submarine crash that injured 15 submariners. The USS Hartford, a nuclear powered sub, plowed into a Navy ship in March of 2009. A report found that the ship's navigator was taking an exam while listening to his iPod. "Sleeping, slouching and a radio room with music speakers were tolerated on board the submarine," according to the report. No word on how poor posture may have contributed to the accident.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8367564.stm
Link - BLACKWATER FACES STIFF FINES OVER GUNS
The private security firm formerly known as Blackwater could face stiff fines for gun running in Iraq. Company executives are reportedly in high stakes talks with government regulators to determine how big a fine Blackwater will have to pay for violating arms export laws. Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry has said the violations "went beyond weapons for personal use."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/world/middleeast/19blackwater.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Link - BLOWN DEADLINE
President Obama acknowledged that the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo will not close by the end of the year. Obama promised, upon taking office, that he would close the facility during his first year in office. In an interview with FOX in Bejing, Obama voiced support for the decision to try Khalid Sheik Mohammed and other alleged terrorists in civilian court.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/11/18/obama-guantanamo.html?ref=rss
Link - SCIENTOLOGY ACCUSED OF TORTURE, FORCED ABORTION
Australia's prime minister, Kevin Rudd, has said he would consider an inquiry into the Church of Scientology, following serious allegations made by Australian senator Nick Xenophon against the sect. Xenophon has produced letters from high-ranking church officials alleging criminal misconduct, including involvement in forced abortions, assault, torture, false imprisonment, covering up sexual abuse, embezzlement, and blackmail.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/18/scientology-torture-allegations-australia
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