October 2007
World
Blackwater Faces Criticism and Monitoring (Oct. 1): House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform finds that employees of Blackwater USA, the security firm involved in the deaths of 17 Iraqi civilians in September, have been involved in some 200 shootings in Iraq. The report says the company paid some families of victims and tried to cover up other incidents. According to the report, Blackwater's use of force has been "frequent and extensive, resulting in significant casualties and property damage." (Oct. 5): The State Department announces that its own monitors will accompany Blackwater employees on all security convoys. (Oct. 23): Two separate reviews of security practices by private companies in Iraq and Afghanistan under State Department control find disarray, a lack of coordination, and accountability.
North Korea Agrees to Disable Its Nuclear Facilities (Oct. 3): As part of the breakthrough deal, North Korea will disclose details about its nuclear facilities, including how much plutonium it has produced, and dismantle all of its nuclear facilties by the end of 2007. In exchange, it will receive some 950,000 metric tons of fuel oil or financial aid. The Bush administration will also start the process of removing North Korea from its list of nations that sponsor terrorism.
Musharraf Breezes to Victory (Oct. 6): Pakistani president is easily reelected to a third term by the country's national and provincial assemblies. The opposition boycotts the vote, however, and only representatives from the governing party participate in the election. In addition, the Supreme Court has yet to rule if he was constitutionally eligible to run for president while still head of the military.
Britain to Sharply Reduce Force in Iraq (Oct. 8): Prime Minister Gordon Brown announces that half of the 5,000 British troops stationed in Basra will be removed by the end of 2008.
Turkish Parliament Authorizes Incursion into Iraq (Oct. 17): Votes, 507 to 19, to allow the deployment of troops into northern Iraq to deal with attacks on Turkey by Kurdish rebels in Iraq. (Oct. 21): Kurdish militants in northern Iraq, members of the Kurdistan Workers Party, attack and kill 12 Turkish soldiers about three miles inside Turkey.
Former Prime Minister Returns to Pakistan (Oct. 18): Benazir Bhutto arrives in Pakistan after eight years in exile to much fanfare and jubilation by her supporters. The triumphant mood gives way to panic when a suicide bomber attacks her convoy, killing as many as 135 people. Bhutto survives the attack.
Bush Administration Extends Sanctions on Iran (Oct. 25): U.S. designates Iran's military, the Quds force of the Revolutionary Guard, and four state-owned Iranian banks sponsors of terrorism and accues the Guard of exporting weapons of mass destruction.
First Lady of Argentina Is Elected President (Oct. 28): Cristina Fernández de Kirchner takes 45% of the vote. Elisa Carrió, a congresswoman, comes in second, with 23%. De Kirchner is the first woman in Argentina to be elected president. She succeeds her husand, Néstor Kirchner.
Suicide Bomber Attacks Police Brigade (Oct. 29): Bomber on a bicycle blows himself up in Baquba, killing 29 people, including 26 police officers.
Nation
Benazir Bhutto demands US-UK assistance on terror probe IRNA 29 Oct 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto formally asked the government of Pakistan through a letter asking it to request assistance from the US and the Britain in carrying out investigations in the October 19 bombing of her rally.
Pakistan Army and militant groups agree ceasefire RIA Novosti 28 Oct 2007 -- Militants and government troops in northwestern Pakistan have agreed a ceasefire in the mountainous region of Swat, where over 50 extremists died over the weekend in clashes, Pakistan TV said Monday.
At least 20 killed in bomb attack on army convoy in Pakistan RIA Novosti 25 Oct 2007 -- At least 20 soldiers were killed and 25 injured in a bomb attack on an army convoy in northwest Pakistan on Thursday, national TV reported.
Blast Targeting Military in Northwest Pakistan Kills 30 VOA 25 Oct 2007 -- Local officials in Pakistan's northwestern Swat district say a roadside blast targeting a military transport has killed at least 30 people
Pakistan/Iran: The Baluchi Minority's 'Forgotten Conflict' RFE/RL 25 Oct 2007 -- The Baluchi minority in southwestern Pakistan and southeastern Iran is increasingly marginalized, discriminated against by the state, and suffers from limited access to the benefits of citizenship, according to political observers and human rights groups.
Pakistani deploys troops to fight pro-Taliban militants RIA Novosti 24 Oct 2007 -- Around 2,500 Pakistani troops have been sent to Swat, a northeast mountain valley, following a roadside bomb explosion injuring four soldiers late on Tuesday, an army spokesman said on Wednesday.
Pakistan Sends Troops to Counter Pro-Taliban Militants VOA 24 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's military says it has sent more than 2,000 paramilitary troops to reinforce security forces in Swat district, a stronghold of pro-Taliban groups in the country's northwest
Analysis: Pakistan's Riddles cfr.org 23 Oct 2007 -- Serious questions loom over Pakistan’s efforts to return to a democratic form of government as its inability to rein in violent militants and its dissident security institutions grow increasingly apparent
Pakistani Investigators Suspect Two Suicide Bombers in Bhutto Attack VOA 22 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani investigators now suspect two suicide bombers were responsible for Thursday's attack on the procession of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
PAKISTAN: Thousands displaced by renewed fighting in Waziristan IRIN 21 Oct 2007 -- After over a week of fierce fighting in and around the town of Mirali, in Pakistan’s tribal North Waziristan Agency, lying along the country’s mountainous north-western border with Afghanistan, some semblance of normal life is returning slowly.
Pakistan's Bhutto Seeks International Help for Bomb Investigation VOA 21 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is calling for international assistance in the investigation into the bomb attack that killed more than 130 of her supporters in Karachi on Friday
India, Pakistan reiterate to uphold 4 year old cease-fire agreement IRNA 20 Oct 2007 -- India and Pakistan have reiterated their commitment to uphold the four year old bilateral cease-fire agreement in place.
The ISI and Terrorism: Behind the Accusations cfr.org 19 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has long faced accusations of meddling in the affairs of its neighbors
Fallout From Karachi Bombing Felt In Afghanistan RFE/RL 19 Oct 2007 -- Between Karachi and Kabul stand the vast deserts and mountains of Balochistan
Pakistan's Bhutto Undeterred by Deadly Attacks VOA 19 Oct 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says the deadly bomb attacks targeting her motorcade will not dissuade her struggle to bring democracy to Pakistan.
Blasts cause carnage as ex-premier Bhutto returns to Pakistan RIA Novosti 19 Oct 2007 -- Up to 140 people died and hundreds were injured in two explosions early on Friday that overshadowed the return of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistan's Bhutto Says She Had Forewarning of Attack VOA 19 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says she had prior warning of an assassination plot against her, but insisted on carrying through with her homecoming on Thursday
Can Bhutto's Return To Pakistan Boost Afghan Security? RFE/RL 18 Oct 2007 -- Defying threats from Taliban militants, former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has returned home after eight years of exile, vowing to help push Pakistan in a democratic direction -- and win the war on terrorism.
Pakistan's Bhutto Ends 8-Year Exile with Jubilant Homecoming VOA 18 Oct 2007 -- Hundreds of thousands of supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto are cheering her homecoming after eight years in self-imposed exile
Bhutto Pledges Return to Democracy on Eve of Homecoming VOA 17 Oct 2007 -- Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says her arrival in Pakistan on Thursday will mark the country's transition from dictatorship to democracy
Putin: US May Be Softening Its Position on Missile Defense VOA 16 Oct 2007 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the United States may be ready to soften its position on plans for a missile defense system in Europe and stressed that talks on the issue should continue.
Pakistan lifts curfew in tribal town IRNA 16 Oct 2007 -- Authorities in Pakistan's tribal region on Tuesday lifted curfew from a major town after 10-day of clashes with militants, which has killed more than 200 people, the army spokesman said.
Pakistan's Bhutto Prepares to Return Home VOA 16 Oct 2007 -- The political turmoil that has gripped Pakistan for weeks could take several more turns this week, with key hearings in the nation's Supreme Court and the expected return of exiled former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
Army backs Musharraf's civilian president plan RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2007 -- The Pakistani Army supports General Pervez Musharraf's decision to become a civilian president if elected to a new term, an Army spokesman said Monday.
Pakistan does not know whereabouts of Osama bin Laden RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan has no information on where terrorist No. 1 Osama bin Laden, the head of the al-Qaeda terrorist network, is hiding, the chief spokesman of the Pakistani Army told RIA Novosti.
Pakistan's PM Defends Government's Anti-Terrorism Efforts VOA 14 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's prime minister says a recent surge in fighting in the country's tribal regions bordering Afghanistan is the result of the government's more aggressive stance against terrorists
Pakistan's Parliamentary Elections Viewed as Credibility Test for Musharraf VOA 11 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's parliamentary elections scheduled for early January are expected to be a key indicator of the country's political future and an important credibility test for Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf
Analsysis: Pakistan’s Tribal Warfare cfr.org 10 Oct 2007 -- Violent clashes with militants in the mountainous border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan come at a politically sensitive time for Pakistan’s embattled president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf
Pakistani Jets Bomb Militants in Border Clash VOA 09 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani jets have bombed Islamic militants near the border with Afghanistan bringing a four-day death toll to 250 people killed in fierce battles
Civilians Flee Fighting in Pakistan's Northwest as Warplanes Target Militants VOA 09 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani families are fleeing their homes in North Waziristan as government warplanes pound the restive tribal region on the fourth day of fighting with militants.
More than 175 Dead as Militants Clash With Troops in Northern Pakistan VOA 08 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's military say at least 130 militants and 45 soldiers are dead after three days of clashes in the troubled tribal region of North Waziristan.
Helicopter escorting Pakistan president crashes in Kashmir RIA Novosti 08 Oct 2007 -- Four soldiers were killed on Monday when an army helicopter escorting President Pervez Musharraf crashed over the Pakistan-controlled portion of Kashmir, local television said.
Pakistan army copter crashes, 4 troops die IRNA 08 Oct 2007 -- At least four Pakistani security officers of were killed when an army helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Monday, the army spokesman said.
Army says 60 militants, 20 soldiers killed in Waziristan clashes IRNA 08 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani security forces have killed have killed around 60 pro-Taliban militants in fighting in North Waziristan, the military spokesman said on Monday.
At Least 50 Soldiers Missing After Violent Clashes in North Pakistan VOA 08 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's military says at least 50 soldiers are missing Monday after clashes with Islamic militants in the North Waziristan tribal region.
Musharraf Wins Presidential Vote as Expected, Victory Not Yet Official VOA 06 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani legislators have cast their votes for president in a controversial election, and President Pervez Musharraf is the victor, as expected
Musharraf Wins Presidential Vote as Expected, Victory Not Yet Official VOA 06 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani legislators have cast their votes for president in a controversial election, and President Pervez Musharraf is the victor, as expected
Pakistan Politics Mired in Uncertainty VOA 05 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, signed an order dropping corruption charges against former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Friday, paving the way for her to return home from self-imposed exile
Bhutto, Musharraf strike last-minute deal before polls RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), headed by exiled ex-premier Benazir Bhutto, reached a national reconciliation deal on the eve of polls slated October 6, local press said Friday.
Pakistan's Presidential Election, Power-Sharing Deal Set to Proceed VOA 05 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has rejected requests to postpone Saturday's presidential election, but says the results will be kept secret until the court decides whether President Pervez Musharraf can legally run for re-election
Analysis: A Rough Ride for Pakistan cfr.org 04 Oct 2007 -- Gen. Pervez Musharraf, by most accounts, appears set to win (Reuters) a new term as president
President Musharraf ready to launch reconciliation policy RIA Novosti 04 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf is ready to resign as Armed Forces chief next month and launch a national reconciliation policy if re-elected president, Pakistani media said on Thursday.
Former Pakistan PM Bhutto Hints at Power-Sharing Deal VOA 04 Oct 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says she expects to reach a power-sharing agreement with President Pervez Musharraf by the end of the day.
Weinbaum: On Eve of Reelection Musharraf Has Bought Some Time cfr.org 03 Oct 2007
Pakistan Re-Opens Red Mosque Three Months After Deadly Raid VOA 03 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan has re-opened a mosque where a raid three months ago against militants left more than 100 people dead
Bhutto Says Charges Against Her Remain, Talks With Musharraf Stalled VOA 03 Oct 2007 -- Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto says there is no agreement on granting her amnesty from corruption charges and that power-sharing talks with Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf are totally stalled
Pakistan to Grant Amnesty to Benazir Bhutto VOA 02 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's government has agreed to drop corruption charges against former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
President Musharraf names his Army chief successor RIA Novosti 02 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf has nominated a new Army commander, Pakistani television reported on Tuesday.
Musharraf Opponents Resign From Parliament, File Last-Minute Challenge VOA 02 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani lawmakers have resigned and opposition lawyers filed a last-minute petition against General Musharraf's re-election bid as president
Pakistan Court Orders Suspension of Top Police Chief, Other Officials VOA 01 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of Islamabad's police chief and other city officials in the wake of a widely condemned crackdown that wounded dozens of journalists and lawyers on Saturday.
Business/Science/Society
Track Star Admits Steroid Use (Oct. 5): Marion Jones, who won five medals at the 2000 Olympics, three of them gold, pleads guilty to making false statements to federal agents about her use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Utility Settles Lawsuit with States and Environmental Groups (Oct. 9): American Electric Power agrees to spend $4.6 billion to cut 813,000 tons of emissions each year from its coal-powered facilities. The settlement ends an 8-year-old lawsuit brought by eight states and 14 environmental groups. It is the largest-ever environmental settlement.
Gore Shares Nobel Peace Prize (Oct. 12): Former vice president Al Gore and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are awarded the prize for their work educating the world about human-caused climate change and for outlining ways to reverse global warming.
Wildfires Devastate Southern California (Oct. 21): Fifteen wildfires in seven counties are fanned by 50 to 60 m.p.h. winds burning over 267,000 acres. Nearly 600 homes and 100 commerical buildings are destroyed. One person dies and at least 20 firefighters and 25 civilians are injured. More than 500,000 people evacuate their homes.
Space Shuttle Heads for Space Station (Oct. 23): Discovery takes off for a 14-day mission to the International Space Station where astronauts will add a "room" to the station and move a 17.5-ton solar array and truss.