US Secretary of Defence Ash Carter made his final trip to Afghanistan on 9 December as President Barack Obama winds down his presidency
COUNTRY REPORTS
Afghanistan
Ash Carter visits US troops
United States Secretary of Defence Ash Carter made his final trip to Afghanistan on 9 December as President Barack Obama winds down his presidency. Carter, who arrived unannounced, met with US soldiers at the Bagram Air Base thanking them for their service and meeting with President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul. In a joint appearance
Ashraf Ghani, Carter said the U.S. cannot afford to give up on Afghanistan after more than 15 years of involvement, adding that "the interests we are pursuing here are clear and enduring”.
For more information, see: “Defence Secretary Carter offers assurances to Afghan leaders”, ABC News
Vice President Dostum accused of torture
Afghan Vice-President Abdul Rahid Dostum is being accused of kidnapping and torturing political rival Ahmad Ishchi. Ishchi said that after being badly beaten Dostum allegedly stood on his throat and raped him with a weapon. Multiple witnesses reported seeing General Dostum personally beating Mr. Ishchi and having his men drive away in northern Afghanistan last month. Despite repeated requests, General Dostum and his staff would not comment on the accusations.
For more information, see: “Afghanistan vice president accused of torturing political rival”, The New York Times
30 refugees return home
Thirty Afghan asylum seekers arrived back in the country after being deported from Germany in a contentious new agreement between both governments. A plane carrying 34 Afghans from
Germany touched down in Kabul on 15 December, making them the first to be affected by the deal that allows EU to deport unlimited numbers of rejected Afghan asylum seekers.
For more information, see: “First wave of Afghans expelled from EU states under contentious migration deal”, The Guardian
Bangladesh
PM to identify terror sources
Reiterating her determination to eradicate militancy and terrorism, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for identifying their cause and source of money to defeat these social vices. "Militancy and terrorism is a global concern ... to eliminate such an evil practice against civilization, we need to identify the reason and sources of money. We also have to find out a way for preventing these menaces," she said. Prime Minister made her comments while addressing the Graduation Ceremony of National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) -2016 in Dhaka.
For more information see:
“PM seeks to identify cause, resources of militancy”, The Daily Star
Bank ‘responsible’ for $81-m heist
The Philippine’s Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC), the bank through which $81 million stolen from Bangladesh's central bank was channelled in February, informed that the central bank was responsible for the heist and so any liability should not be passed on. Earlier Bangladesh Bank had demanded RCBC to compensate for the loss. In February this year, the unidentified hackers used the SWIFT network to send fake orders requesting the transfer of nearly $1 billion from Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Federal Bank.
For more information, see: “Bangladesh Bank responsible for $81 million heist: RCBC”, The Daily Star
Tributes to war heroes
The nation paid homage to heroes of the liberation war as 46th Victory Day was celebrated on 16 December. As part of the celebration President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the National Monument at Savar. On 16
th of December 1971 Bangladesh gained victory against Pakistan army.
For more information see:
“President, PM pay tributes to war heroes on Victory Day”, The Daily Star
Bhutan
Demonetisation blues
The Central Bank has informed all banks in the country to freeze, until further notice, withdrawals of Ngultrums in exchange for demonetised INR notes of Rs 500 and 1,000 by Bhutanese individuals and companies, Kuensel has learnt.
For more information, see:
“RMA freezes Ngultrum withdrawals for demonetised INR notes”, Kuensel
Egg exports to India
The agriculture ministry is going to send more consignments of eggs to Kolkata after it sold the first consignment fetching good prices. The first batch of local eggs exported to Kolkata on a trial basis fetched Nu 8 an egg, which is Nu 2 short of the best price for eggs in the city.
For more information, see:
“Exported eggs fetch good prices in India”, Kuensel
Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya
More than 200 Bhutanese set off on their journey to Bodhgaya in Bihar, India from Phuentsholing on December 12. This time, the Dungkhar Wangchen or the Kalachakra initiation teaching will also be conducted in January 2017 and many more Bhutanese are expected to travel to Bodhgaya.
For more information, see:
“The pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya begins”, Kuensel
India
Security ties with Indonesia
Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrived in New Delhi on a two-day official visit. India and Indonesia signed a joint statement on Maritime cooperation as well as two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on cooperation in the areas of youth and sports, and standardisation. Both PM Narendra Modi and President Widodo have agreed to ensure safety and security of the sea lanes while prioritising defence and security cooperation. It has been nearly six year since the visit of then President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in January 2011.
For more information, see: “India, Indonesia to cooperate on sea lanes security, defence”, Business Standard
India warns Russia on engaging with Taliban
On Thursday, India issued a warning to Russia and Iran against engaging with the Taliban on political terms. MEA spokesperson Vikas Swaroop stated that “In so far as the Taliban is concerned, they have to respect the internationally agreed red lines, give up terrorism and violence, sever all ties with al-Qaida, agree to follow democratic norms and not do anything which will erode the gains of the last 15 years”. According to Russia, it regards Taliban as a "national military-political movement" while as Iran has been reaching out to the Taliban in order to keep IS out of the Afghan region.
For more information, see: “India cautions Russia and Iran against engaging with Taliban”, The Times of India
Road to Myanmar, Thailand
As part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand international highway, India has undertaken a number of infrastructural projects with Myanmar along with construction of 69 bridges. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh mentioned that the bridges and road projects under the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway will benefit both Myanmar and the north eastern states.
For more information, see: “India to build 69 bridges in Myanmar as part of international highway”, The Times of India
Rahul Gandhi meets Modi
Rahul Gandhi, Congress vice-president along with other senior party leaders met PM Modi on Friday and handed him a memorandum on farmer issues. As per reports, the memorandum included farmers’ demand like loan waiver schemes and other issues. The memorandum also listed the problems faced by the farmer community due to the government’s decision to demonetise high value currency notes.
For more information, see: “Rahul Gandhi, other Congress leaders meet PM Modi, hand over memorandum on farmer issues”, The Indian Express, 16 December, 2016 and “After corruption barb at PM, Rahul meets Modi over UP farmers’ loan issue”, Hindustan Times
Maldives
Row over human rights
Opposition political parties and activists have criticised Aishath Eenas, president of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), for reportedly giving a clean-chit to the Yameen Government’s record on the HR front. Separately, critics also targeted the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for ruling out irregularities in the award of a $ 140-m hospital-expansion contract in capital Male to a Singapore-based company.
For more information, see: “Uproar after watchdog head ‘lauds’ Maldives human rights situation”, Maldives Independent, 12 December 2016; “Anti-graft watchdog prompts criticism for ruling out corruption in biggest ever property deal”, Maldives Independent, 13 December 2016; “ACC requests State prosecute Ziyath, seize property bought with embezzled money”, SunOnline
Myanmar
UNFC for inclusiveness
The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) issued a statement on December 13 demanding an atmosphere for negotiations, the building of a federal union and inclusiveness. The UNFC’s statement also pledged to publicise updates on peace talks and warfare by government troops and ethnic armed groups, reviewed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and called the National League for Democracy government to pay attention to the details that cause conflicts.
For more information, see:
“UNFC makes more demands”, Eleven
ASEAN to talk Rakhine
Foreign ministers from ASEAN nations are to be invited to discuss matters concerning the controversial Rakhine State and other developments within Myanmar, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
For more information, see: “Aung San Suu Kyi calls meeting of Asean foreign ministers to discuss situation in Rakhine State”, Eleven
‘Stray bullets’ worry China
China hopes Burma will ensure peace and stability along their border and keep stray bullets out of its neighbour’s territory, the defence ministry said on Wednesday, after a senior Chinese military commander visited the Southeast Asian country this week.
For more information, see: “Stray bullets,’ border stability worry Chinese military”, DVB
Nepal
Energy sufficient nation
Nepal is on track of energy sufficiency for both household and industrial consumption. It can produce as much as 10,000 MW in the next 10 years, if the policy environment remains stable. Although the installed capacity of hydropower projects that have come online to date is negligible compared to domestic demand, Nepal can have energy surplus if the under-construction and under-consideration projects are completed by the scheduled date.
For more information, see:
“Power Summit puts spotlight on Nepal’s 10,000MW in 10 yrs goal”, The Kathmandu Post
Statute Bill put off
The ruling parties have changed their plan to table the constitution amendment bill in Parliament on December 15 after the main opposition CPN-UML threatened to intensify its protests both within and outside the legislature. Following strong protests by the opposition camp, Speaker Onsari Gharti did not convene the scheduled House meeting on December 15 and informed lawmakers that the next meeting will take place December 18.
For more information see: “Ruling parties defer amendment bill”, Republica
Proposal scrapped
The Department of Roads (DoR) has scrapped the Request for Proposal (RfP) issued to hire a Nepali consultant for the India-funded Hulaki Rajmarga (Postal Highway) after southern neighbour’s insistence that an Indian consultant be hired for the project. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd had taken the responsibility of consultancy service of 11 postal roads to be funded by India. Of the total 17 remaining postal roads, which need to be upgraded, six have to be constructed by Nepal itself.
For more information, see: “Postal Road Projects: DoR scraps RfP for Nepali consultant at India’s call”, The Kathmandu Post
Pakistan
Maritime force for Gwadar
Pakistan has inaugurated ‘Task Force-88’, a special maritime force that will ensure the security of Gwadar port in Balochistan. Pakistani civilian and military officials travelled to Gwadar city on 13 November for the inauguration of the force by the Pakistan navy. China is investing around $50 billion in the Gwadar Port, developing the port as part of the China-Pakistan-Economic Corridor or CPEC that will connect China’s Xinjiang province to the Arabian Sea. The new maritime force will be in addition to the ‘Special Security Division’ that has 20,000 security personnel dedicated for the protection of Chinese workers.
For more information, see: “Pakistan forms special maritime force to secure Chinese-built port, projects”, VOA
New ISI chief
Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa has appointed a new Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) chief on 11 November. Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar was appointed as the Director General of the ISI after having served as the commander of the V Corps in Karachi. Lt. Gen Rizwan Akhtar who served as ISI chief under Raheel Sharif will move to the National Defence University as their new president.
For more information, see: “Pakistan names new ISI chief”, The Economic Times
PM vows of action
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Qamar Bajwa offered prayers at the national memorial service for the second anniversary of the Army Public School, Peshawar attack. Nawaz Sharif vowed to take militancy to its logical conclusion, ensuring a peaceful and stable Pakistan and called the attack the most painful “tragedy of our lives.” General Bajwa who laid a wreath at the ceremony said that, Pakistan “can never forget these children, I have photos of them in my office and keep looking at them periodically to remind me of our losses.” The memorial service was held to mark the tragedy in December 2014 where 150 students and teachers were massacred by terrorists.
For more information, see: “Pakistan marks second anniversary of Peshawar school carnage; Nawaz Sharif vows action”, The Hindu
Sri Lanka
UNP for status quo
The working committee of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe-led United Naitonal Party (UNP) favours a PM-centric administration and power-devolution for the (Tamil) Provinces even while continuing with the existing Executive Presidency and the ‘unitary State’. A desired by President Maithiripala Sirisena, PM Ranil meanwhile met with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa along with TNA Leader of the Opposition, R Sampanthan, to discuss related issues, where ‘nay’ was mostly the answer.
For more information, see: “UNP to retain Executive Presidency”, The Island, 11 December 2016; “UNP for continuing with special powers conferred on Prez by 19 A”, The Island, 9 December 2016; “UNP ready for any election: PM”, Daily Mirror Online, 11 December 2016; “PM presents CA’s sub committee report”, The Island, 11 December 2016; “PM, Sampanthan discuss constitutional reforms with MR”, Daily Mirror Online, 12 December 2016; “NPC has no legal standing to bar Buddhist temples– Govt.”, The Island
PRIMARY DOCUMENTATION
Bangladesh
Press Releases
Statement of Hon’ble Foreign Minister for the Closing Session of the 9th Summit of Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) 12 December 2016, Dhaka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bhutan
Press Releases
Foreign Minister Lyonpo Damcho Dorji met H.E. Dr. Martin Ney, Ambassador of Germany in New Delhi, Kuensel, 14 December 2016
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion pieces
Sune Engel Rasmussen, “Relations between US and UN strainted over Afghanistan war reports”, The Guardian, 4 December 2016
Emran Feroz, “Trump inherits the good war”, The Atlantic, 15 December 2016
Editorials
“Scenes from Ashton Carter’s trip to Afghanistan”, The Economist, 9 December 2016
Bangladesh
Opinion pieces
Joyeeta Bhattacharjee, “India and Bangladesh need to bring the Teesta out of muddled waters”, Hindustan Times.Com, 10 December 2016
- Binodkumar Singh, “Bangladesh War Crimes Trial: Saga of rare courage and justice”,South Asia Monitor, 15 December 2016
Bhutan
Opinion Pieces
Dashey Kinley Dorji, “Bhutan through the years: One Nation, One Vision”, Kuensel, 10 December
Editorials
“We remain ever greatful”, Kuensel, 15 December 2016
India
Opinion pieces
Gautam Mukhopadhaya, “The Indo-Pacific potential”, The Hindu, 13 December, 2016
- Raja Mohan, “Raja-Mandala: The challenge of automata”, The Indian Express, 13 December, 2016
Arun Kumar Singh, “Red alert: Chinese ships in our backyard”, The Asian Age, 16 December, 2016
Maldives
Opinion Pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Is India ‘indifferent’ to Indian Ocean neighbourhood?”, www.orfonline.org, 16 December 2016
Myanmar
Opinion pieces
Bertil Lintner, “Militancy in Arakan state”, Irrawaddy, 15 December 2016
Shine Zaw-Aung, “Myanmar-India Relations – Trade and Economic Perspectives”, Mizzima, 10 December 2016
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Sushant Singh, “India-Pakistan 1971 war: 13 days that shook the subcontinent”, The Indian Express, 16 December 2016
Tariq Mahmud, “Grim December”, The Express Tribune, 15 December 2016
Hafsa Khaled, “Come to sense neighbour”, The Express Tribune, 14 December 2016
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
Kusal Perera, “Chaos in Hambantota: Indicator of workers rights of future”, Daily Mirror Online, 16 December 2016
Lasanda Kurukulasuriya, “Labour and environmental concerns in Hambantota investment plan”, Daily Mirror Online, 16 December 2016
Gomin Dayasiri, “Politics is for the selfish How the UNP looks at elections or undone by moles from within”, Daily Mirror Online, 15 December 2016
W A De Silva, “Ethnic conflict and reconciliation”, Daily Mirror Online, 14 December 2016
Laksiri Fernando, “Duplicity of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s statement on constitutional reforms”, The Island, 14 December 2016
Jehan Perera, “Preparing the ground for constitutional reform”, The Island, 13 December 2016
N Sathiya Moorthy, “For whom does the bell toll, when, why and for how long?” The Sunday Leader, 11 December 2016
Interviews
N Ram, “We’re all patriots, we’re all nationalists”, Interview with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, The Hindu, 15 December 2016
Kelum Bandara, “TNA always comes up with impractical demands: Douglas Devananda”, Daily Mirror Online, 15 December 2016
Kelum Bandara, “Autonomy to North East under federalism is our demand: Maavai Senathiraja”, Daily Mirror Online, 15 December 2016
Contributors:
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Kriti M. Shah
Bangladesh: Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Sabah Ishtiaq
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Sreeparna Banerjee
Coordinator: Mihir Bhonsale
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