2008
January 2008
World
Hundreds Die in Tribal Violence in Kenya (Jan. 1-4): After incumbent president Mwai Kibaki is declared the winner in the presidential election over opposition candidate Raila Odinga, who had a wide lead in preliminary results, about 50 Kikuyu who sought refuge in a church in Kiambaa die when a mob of mostly Luo burn down the church. Odinga is Luo, and Kibaki is Kikuyu. Nearly 500 people die in fighting across the country. (Jan. 8): Odinga refuses Kibaki's invitation to discuss the political crisis after Kibaki appoints his cabinet, which does not include any members of Odinga's Orange Democratic Party.
Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens in Baghdad (Jan. 1): In the worst attack in Iraq in months, a suicide bomber kills 30 people at a home where mourners were paying their respects to the family of a man killed in a car bomb.
Pakistani Government Postpones Elections (Jan 1): In the wake of the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, parliamentary elections, which were scheduled for Jan. 8, are postponed until February 18.
U.S. Attorney General Opens Investigation into Destroyed Tapes (Jan. 2): Michael Mukasey orders a formal criminal investigation into the destruction in 2005 of CIA videotapes of the interrogation of two al-Qaeda suspects. The tapes, from 2002, reportedly included agency operative using harsh interrogation techniques. Federal prosecutor John Durham is chosen to head the inquiry.
President of Georgia Is Reelected (Jan. 4): Mikhail Saakashvili wins 52.% of the vote over his nearest challenger, Levan Gachechiladze, who tallies 27%. Saakashvili called for early elections in November 2007, after massive protests during which demonstrators accused him of abusing power and stifling dissent.
War Crimes Trial of Former President of Liberia Reopens (Jan. 7): The trial of Charles Taylor, who's charged with crimes against humanity for supporting rebel troops in Sierra Leone's brutal civil war that claimed the lives of about 300,000 people in the 1990s, resumes at the Hague.
Insurgents Kill Several U.S. Soldiers in Iraq (Jan. 9): Six soldiers die in Diyala Province when they enter a home that had been booby-trapped.
U.S. Drops Dozens of Bombs Near Baghdad (Jan. 10): Air attacks, in which about 40,000 pounds of bombs are dropped, target insurgents linked to al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia on the outskirts of southern Baghdad.
Suicide Bomber Targets Police in Pakistan (Jan. 10): Attacker blows himself up outside a courthouse in Lahore, where a rally of opposition lawyers was set to occur. About 25 people, mostly police officers, are killed.
Iraqi Parliament Passes Law to Allow Some Baathists to Resume Jobs (Jan. 12): Measure creates a new committee to determine if lower-level Baathists, former members of Saddam Hussein's party, are eligible to be reinstated to their government jobs. It also will pay pensions to many former Baathists who will not be permitted to return to their positions. Most Baathists lost their posts after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. If passed by the presidential council, it would be the first major benchmark of political progress reached by the Iraqi government. The law, called the Justice and Accountability Law, was criticized for being vague and confusing, and its many loopholes may exclude more Baathists from government jobs than it allows.
Israeli Strike Kills Several Palestinians in Gaza (Jan. 15): As many as 20 Palestinians, many member of Hamas, die in the attack. The Israeli operation was in retaliation to the firing of Qassasm rockets and mortar bombs into Israeli towns by Palestinian militants. (Jan. 18): Israel closes all border crossings into the Gaza Strip in response to the Palestinian attacks. Aid and fuel shipments are affected by the border closing. (Jan. 22): Facing criticism for shutting off fuel deliveries to Gaza, Israel resumes oil shipments.
Palestinian Militants Break Through Border Fence (Jan. 23): After members of Hamas destroy parts of a wall that separates the Gaza Strip from Egypt, tens of thousands of Palestinians pass into Egypt to buy food and supplies that are either unavailable in Gaza or are exorbitantly priced.
Italy's Government Collapses (Jan. 24): Prime Minister Romano Prodi resigns after losing a no-confidence vote in the senate. He survived one a day earlier in the lower house.
Popular Kenyan Opposition Politician Is Murdered (Jan. 29): Melitus Mugabe Were, a member of Parliament representing the Orange Democratic Movement who has worked to mend the ethnic strife in Kenya and help the poor, is dragged from his car and shot. Members of the opposition said the killing was a political assassination. The ethnic violence that has dragged on for a month since President Mwai Kibaki was narrowly re-elected in a race deemed tainted by international observers, has spun out of control throughout the country. (Jan. 31): A second member of the Orange Democratic Movement, David Kimutai Too, is shot and killed by a police officer. His supporters say his death was a political assassination. The police, however, call it a "crime of passion," saying the police officer who shot Too was upset that Too was traveling with his girlfriend.
U.S. Strike Kills al-Qaeda Leader (Jan. 31): The United States announces that Abu Laith al-Libi, a senion commander of al-Qaeda who recruited and trained operatives, was killed in a missile strike in northwest Pakistan.
Report on Israeli Offensive in Lebanon Finds Failures (Jan. 31): Final report by an Israeli-government-appointed panel, the Winograd Commission, on Israel's 2006 war against the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, calls the operation a "large and serious" failure and criticizes the country's leadership for failing to have an exit strategy in place before the invasion. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is spared somewhat, as the commission says that in ordering the invasion, he was acting in "the interest of the state of Israel."
Nation
Suspected US Air Strike Kills Militants in Pakistan VOA 31 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani intelligence officials are blaming a suspected U.S. missile strike for killing up to 13 foreign militants in the country's volatile North Waziristan region this week.
PAKISTAN: Government aims to close more Afghan refugee camps in 2008 IRIN 31 Jan 2008 -- The government of Pakistan is considering provincial plans to close a number of Afghan refugee camps, according to officials.
Kidnapped Pakistani Soldiers Found Dead in Volatile Northwest VOA 30 Jan 2008 -- The Pakistani army says it has recovered the bodies of 13 paramilitary soldiers who were kidnapped by militants near the northwestern city of Peshawar.
Pakistan: Shari'a Courts Spark Fears Of 'Taliban-Like State' On Afghan Border RFE/RL 30 Jan 2008 -- Fearing the creation of a Taliban-like state near the Afghan border, Pakistani rights activists are up in arms over plans to set up a hard-line Islamist judicial system in Pashtun-populated parts of the country's Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP).
Missile strike kills 12 militants in Pakistan's tribal region IRNA 29 Jan 2008 -- A missile strike in Pakistan's tribal region has killed 12 suspected militants, local tribesmen and TV channels reported on Tuesday.
Pakistani Police Battle Militants in Karachi VOA 29 Jan 2008 -- Police in Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, say at least two police officers and two militants have been killed in an intense gunbattle.
Pro-Taliban commander among 66 captured militants in Pakistan RIA Novosti 28 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani troops have captured a pro-Taliban commander among 66 alleged militants in the northern Swat valley during an offensive against followers of a radical cleric, an Afghan news agency said Monday.
Pakistani Forces Retake Control of Key Tunnel in Northwest VOA 27 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani security forces say they have retaken control of a key highway tunnel in the country's Northwest Frontier Province, killing at least 24 militants who had blocked the tunnel since Friday.
Pakistan Tightens Security at Nuclear Facilities VOA 26 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan says it has tightened security around all its nuclear facilities following a surge of militant attacks within its borders.
Pakistan test fires nuclear-capable medium-range missile Hatf-4 IRNA 25 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan on Friday successfully test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile Hatf-4 Shaheen-1 at the conclusion of the army's annual field training exercises, the military said.
Gunmen hijack 3 trucks load of weapons of Pakistani forces IRNA 25 Jan 2008 -- Suspected militants have hijacked three trucks loaded with arms of Pakistani security forces in a tribal region, a senior official said.
Pakistani President, in Britain, Rejects US Offer of Troops VOA 25 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf took his diplomatic offensive to Britain Friday at the start of a four-day visit. Speaking in London, the president quickly rejected any U.S. offer to send combat troops into Pakistan, and he chided the West for not acknowledging Pakistan's efforts to fight terrorism and for judging the country only on western notions of human rights and democracy
Pakistan test fires medium-range ballistic missile RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan conducted on Friday a successful test launch of a medium-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile, national media said, citing military sources.
Pakistani Army Says Up to 30 Militants Killed in Northwest VOA 25 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani military officials say troops have killed up to 30 militants during an operation in the country's northwest tribal region.
Pakistan Tests Nuclear Capable, Medium Range Missile VOA 25 Jan 2008 -- The Pakistani military says it has successfully test-fired a medium-range, nuclear capable ballistic missile.
U.S. ‘Ready, Willing, Able’ to Assist Pakistan, Gates Says AFPS 24 Jan 2008 -- The United States remains “ready, willing and able” to assist Pakistan and partner with the nation as it takes on al Qaeda, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a Pentagon news conference today.
Defense Chief: US Ready for Military Operations in Pakistan, If Asked VOA 24 Jan 2008 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the United States is prepared to conduct joint military operations with Pakistani forces, inside Pakistan, to fight increased al-Qaida activity there.
Pakistan Army Says Scores of Islamic Militants Killed, Captured VOA 24 Jan 2008 -- The Pakistani army says it killed 40 Islamic militants and arrested 30 during two days of fighting along its border with Afghanistan.
US Plans More Training of Pakistani Forces Fighting Islamic Militants VOA 24 Jan 2008 -- U.S. defense and military officials say they want to step up the training of Pakistani forces in the country's fight against a growing insurgency.
Pakistan army launches major operation in tribal region IRNA 23 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani army on Wednesday launched a major operation against the local Taliban of Baitullah Mehsood group in the country's South Waziristan tribal region, locals said.
Pakistan Sends Military Reinforcements to Fight Militants in South Waziristan VOA 23 Jan 2008 -- The Pakistani military says it is sending reinforcements to the South Waziristan region on the Afghan border to target a rebel commander accused of involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Musharraf Says Al-Qaida and Taliban No Threat to Pakistan VOA 22 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf downplayed fears Tuesday that Islamist militants are gaining strength in Pakistan
Pakistan starts mass production of JF-17 fighters - national TV RIA Novosti 22 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan began on Tuesday the mass assembly of a JF-17 fighter at an aircraft-manufacturing plant in the northwest of the country, national television reported.
Top US Military Leader Arrives in Pakistan as Violence Escalates in Tribal Region VOA 22 Jan 2008 -- A top U.S. military commander has arrived in Pakistan for talks, as Pakistani forces continue to battle al-Qaida-linked militants along the Afghan border.
Musharraf Pledges to Hold Free Elections, Honor Results of Next Month's Vote VOA 21 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has opened a four-nation tour of Europe, pledging that his country's legislative elections next month will be free and fair.
Pakistan's Musharraf Seeks European Support RFE/RL 19 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is due to start a four-nation tour of Europe on Sunday, during which he is expected to seek to bolster his credibility with the West
Pakistan Arrests Teenage Suspect in Bhutto's Assassination VOA 19 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani security officials say they have arrested a teenager allegedly linked to last month's assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistan army kills over 90 militants in tribal region: spokesman IRNA 18 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani security forces on Friday killed over 90 militants in two incidents in the country's tribal region, an army statement said.
CIA Blames Islamic Militants for Bhutto's Death; Pakistan Steps Up Security VOA 18 Jan 2008 -- The CIA has blamed al Qaida-linked militants operating in Pakistan's mountainous tribal region for the assassination last month of former Prime Minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
Suicide Blast at Mosque in Pakistan Kills at Least 9 VOA 17 Jan 2008 -- Authorities in Pakistan say a suicide bomb attack at a Shiite mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar has left at least nine people dead and many others injured.
Pakistan Militants Abandon Captured Army Fort VOA 17 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani military officials say Islamic militants have abandoned a fort they captured near the Afghan border earlier this week.
Explosion Rocks Shi'ite Mosque in Northern Pakistan VOA 17 Jan 2008 -- At least four people have been killed and 20 wounded in an explosion at a Shi'ite mosque in northwestern Pakistan.
Islamic Militants Capture Military Base in NW Pakistan VOA 16 Jan 2008 -- Islamic militants have captured a remote military outpost in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border.
US to extend $43 million for Pakistan tribal regions IRNA 15 Jan 2008 -- The United States has extended $43 million for the capacity building program to improve economic and social conditions in Pakistan tribal regions, the U.S embassy said on Tuesday.
Bomb in Southern Pakistan Kills at Least 10 VOA 14 Jan 2008 -- A bomb blast in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi has killed at least 10 people.
PAKISTAN: NGOs worried about "volatile" security situation IRIN 14 Jan 2008 -- Insecurity continues to dominate the concerns of non-governmental organisation (NGO) staff in Pakistan, a country still reeling from last month's assassination of opposition figure Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistani Troops Kill Militants Along Afghan Border VOA 13 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani troops have killed a number of militants in the restive tribal region bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan says IAEA ElBaradei's misquoted IRNA 12 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan said on Friday that the IAEA has informed the country's Mission in Vienna that the Director General's remarks about nuclear program safety had been quoted out of context.
US Military 'Extremely' Concerned About Al-Qaida Safe Havens in Pakistan VOA 11 Jan 2008 -- The top U.S. military officer says he is extremely concerned about the presence of al-Qaida safe havens in Pakistan.
Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 20 in Pakistan VOA 10 Jan 2008 -- At least 20 people were killed and dozens more were injured when a suicide bomber struck outside a courthouse in the Pakistani city, Lahore.
Pakistan denies U.S troops, intelligence agents operating in tribal areas IRNA 09 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan has said that U.S troops and intelligence agencies are not operating inside its tribal areas and described American media reports as baseless.
Musharraf vows to find Benazir's killers IRNA 08 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday said his government is committed to finding those behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.
British detectives meet Pakistan police in Benazir's murder probe IRNA 06 Jan 2008 -- British investigators on Sunday continued their probe into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed last month in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan Rejects US Plans to Strike Terrorists on its Soil VOA 06 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan says it will not permit the United States to unilaterally hunt terrorists on its soil, despite a common desire to defeat radical Islamist militants.
Bhutto's assassination an attempt to destabilize Pakistan IRNA 05 Jan 2008 -- Visiting Iran's Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki while offering condolences over death of former Prime Minister Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto, said her death was ''an attempt to destabilize Pakistan and derail ongoing democratic process.
Pakistan rejects International Crisis Group's report IRNA 05 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan Friday rejected a report released by International Crisis Group's (ICG), saying it is patently biased and reflects a complete lack of understanding and appreciation of the environment and ground realities in Pakistan.
Musharraf rejects intelligence agencies role Benazir's assassination IRNA 04 Jan 2008 -- President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday rejected the impression that Pakistan's military or intelligence agencies were involved in the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto.
PAKISTAN: Country slowly returns to normal IRIN 03 Jan 2008 -- An uneasy calm has returned to Pakistan one week after the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistan Opposition Demands UN Investigation of Bhutto Assassination VOA 03 Jan 2008 -- The party of the slain Pakistani opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, is demanding the United Nations lead the investigation into Ms. Bhutto's assassination.
Analysis: Pakistan's Frayed Politics cfr.org 02 Jan 2008 -- Following former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination on December 27 and the ensuing violence and social unrest, Pakistan’s parliamentary elections have been rescheduled (AFP) for February 18.
Haass: Pakistan Faces ‘Prolonged Difficult Future’ cfr.org 02 Jan 2008
Analysis: U.S.-Pakistan Policy After Bhutto cfr.org 02 Jan 2008 -- The assassination of Pakistan’s former prime minister and iconic opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, and the ensuing violence (NYT) there threatens the stability and the political future of the country.
Pakistan says UK, US, France offer help in Benazir's assassination probe IRNA 02 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan said on Wednesday that a number of countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France have offered help in the probe.
Pakistan Postpones National Elections RFE/RL 02 Jan 2008 -- The head of Pakistan's Election Commission today announced the postponement of parliamentary elections until February 18, following last week's assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistan Accepts Help From Britain to Probe Bhutto Assassination VOA 02 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says a team from Britain's Scotland Yard will assist in an investigation into the death of opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Musharraf Calls Bhutto Assassination a 'Great Tragedy' VOA 02 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says a team from Britain's Scotland Yard will assist in an investigation into the death of opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistan Elections Delayed Until February 18 VOA 02 Jan 2008 -- Officials in Pakistan say parliamentary elections will be delayed until next month.
Pakistani Troops Kill At Least 25 Militants Near Afghan Border VOA 02 Jan 2008 -- Pakistani officials say troops have killed at least 25 militants in fighting near the border with Afghanistan.
India, Pakistan exchange lists of nuke installations IRNA 01 Jan 2008 -- India and Pakistan on Tuesday exchanged the lists of their installations and facilities, taking forward their 17-year-old confidence building measure in the field.
Pakistan, India exchange lists of nuclear installations IRNA 01 Jan 2008 -- Pakistan and India on Tuesday exchanged lists of their nuclear installations under a special agreement prohibiting them from attacking each other's nuclear facilities, officials said.
Business/Science/Society
Tornadoes Ravage Midsection of the U.S. (Jan. 7-8): A series of winter tornadoes caused by record-breaking temperatures kill at least six people, including two children, destroy houses, and flood roads in Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Markets Plunge Around the World (Jan. 21): Responding to fears that the U.S. is headed for an imminent recession, stock markets fall drastically in Frankfurt, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Paris, London, and other major cities in Europe and Asia.
Federal Reserve Slashes Interest Rates (Jan. 22): In response to the plunge in markets around the world, the Federal Reserve bank cuts interest rates by .75%, the largest single-day reduction in the bank's history.