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March 2008




World

Colombian Forces Kill Rebel Leader in Ecuador (March 1): Colombian troops cross into Ecuadorean territory and kill FARC's Raúl Reyes and 23 other rebels. In response, Venezuela and Ecuador break off diplomatic relations with Colombia and send troops to the Colombian border.

Fighting Between Israel and Hamas Continues (March 2): More than 100 Palestinians are killed in five days as members of Hamas and the Israeli military trade rocket fire. The violence intensifies after Hamas begins to launch longer-range rockets at Israel and as the fighting enters the West Bank. In response to the mounting civilian deaths, Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas suspends peace talks with Israel.

Putin's Choice for President Is Easily Elected (March 2): As expected, Dmitri A. Medvedev, a former aide to Russian president Vladimir Putin who has never held elected office, wins the presidential election in a landslide. Putin will remain in a position of power, serving as Medvedev's prime minister.

Security Council Imposes Third Round of Sanctions on Iran (March 3): Resolution, the third since December 2006, punishing Iran for refusing to stop uranium enrichment allows inspections of cargo leaving and entering Iran that officials suspect is carrying banned materials, expands monitoring of financial institutions, and bans the travel and freezes the assets of people and businesses involved in Iran's nuclear program.

Eight Students Killed at Jerusalem Seminary (March 6): A Palestinian gunman from East Jerusalem fires hundreds of rounds of automatic weapons fire at the Mercaz Harav yeshiva in Jerusalem, killing eight students. The attack is the most deadly on Israeli citizens in two years.

Pakistani Leaders Agree to Limit Musharraf's Power (March 9): The two political parties that dominated February's parliamentary elections, the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-N, agree that once the new Parliament is seated, they will reinstate the Supreme Court justices Musharraf ousted in late 2007 and pass legislation voiding the law that Musharraf passed legalizing the firings. The Supreme Court, once reinstated, could reverse the ruling that legitimized Musharraf's controversial reelection as president when he was still the military chief.

China Cracks Down on Protests by Monks in Tibet (March 10): Some 400 Buddhist monks participate in a protest march in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, to commemorate the failed uprising of 1959, that resulted in the Dalai Lama fleeing to India. (March 14): The protests, the largest in two decades, turn violent, with ethnic Tibetans reportedly attacking Chinese citizens and vandalizing public and private property. Chinese police use force to suppress the demonstrations. Tibetan leaders say that more than 100 Tibetans are killed, but Chinese officials say there are only 16 fatalities and deny that police had used lethal force. The demonstrations and violence spill into Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan Provinces in western China. Chinese officials accuse the Dalai Lama of masterminding the protests, a charge the spiritual leader denies.

Body of Iraqi Archbishop Is Found (March 13): Paulos Faraj Rahho, who led Mosul's Chaldean Catholic Church, had been kidnapped in February. His remains were recovered in Mosul.

Bush Acknowledges Toll of War on Anniversary of War (March 19): On the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, President Bush insists that the outcome will be worth the sacrifice, yet he admits the cost of war had exceeded expectations in money and loss of life. "Five years into this battle, there is an understandable debate over whether the war was worth fighting, whether the fight is worth winning, and whether we can win it," he said. "The answers are clear to me. Removing Saddam Hussein from power was the right decision, and this is a fight that America can and must win."

Taiwan Elects New President (March 22): Ma Ying-jeou, of the Nationalist Party, prevails over Frank Hsieh, of the Democratic Progressive Party, 58.4% to 41.6%. Ma favors closer ties to mainland China.

Pakistan Leader Nominates a Prime Minister (March 22): Asif Ali Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People's Party, selects Yousaf Raza Gilani, who served as speaker of Parliament in the 1990s under Benazir Bhutto, as prime minister. (March 24): On the same day that Parliament approves Gilani as prime minister, Gilani releases the Supreme Court justices that President Pervez Musharraf ousted and detained in late 2007. (March 31): Musharraf swears in the new cabinet, which is comprised of his political opponents.
U.S. Suffers 4,000th Death in Iraq (March 23): A roadside bomb in Baghdad kills four U.S. soldiers, bringing the death toll of American troops to 4,000. President Bush said of the losses, "I have vowed in the past, and I will vow so long as I'm president, to make sure that those lives were not lost in vain, that, in fact, there is an outcome that will merit the sacrifice."

Iraqi Troops Attack Militants in Basra (March 25): About 30,000 Iraqi troops and police, with air support from the U.S. and British military, attempt to oust Shiite militias, primarily the Mahdi Army led by radical cleric Moktada al-Sadr, that control Basra and its lucrative ports in southern Iraq. Sadr declared a cease-fire in August 2007, but has allowed his forces to fight in self defense. (March 29): The Mahdi Army maintains control over much of Basra, despite the assault by Iraqi troops. The operation, ordered by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, is criticized for being poorly planned and executed. (March 31): After negotiations with Iraqi officials, Moktada al-Sadr orders his militia to end military action in exchange for amnesty for his supporters, the release from prison of his followers who have not been convicted of crimes, and the government's help in returning to their homes Sadrists who fled fighting. The compromise is seen as a defeat to Maliki.

Zimbabwe Votes in Presidential Election (March 29): President Robert Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980, faces his toughest challenge yet from Morgan Tsvangirai, of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. Zimbabwe has been in economic collapse since 1980, with an inflation rate of more than 100,000%.



Nation


Analysis: A Balancing Act in Pakistan cfr.org 31 Mar 2008 -- The new government in Islamabad has wasted little time making clear its disapproval of Washington’s policy toward Pakistan and its strategy on counterterrorism.

Pakistan's 24-member central cabinet sworn in IRNA 31 Mar 2008 -- A 24-member Pakistani cabinet was sworn-in on Monday, which marks the completion of the transfer of power to the new government after the February 18 parliamentary elections.

Pakistan names Shaha Mehmood Qureshi as new Foreign Minister IRNA 31 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan on Monday named Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi as the country's new foreign minister.

CIA Chief Says Al-Qaida Found Safe Haven in Pakistan VOA 30 Mar 2008 -- The head of the US Central Intelligence Agency says al-Qaida has established a safe haven in the tribal areas near the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and that it presents a "clear and present danger" to the West.

Pakistan: With Confidence, New Prime Minister Vows To Fight Terrorism RFE/RL 29 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan's parliament has given incoming Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani its unanimous backing, in a vote of confidence
Top US diplomat told govt to hold dialogue with local militants IRNA 28 Mar 2008 -- A Pakistani political leader told the visiting top US diplomat on Friday that the incoming government of North West frontier province will hold dialogue with the local militants to establish peace in the province.

Possible Pakistan Policy Shift Worries US VOA 27 Mar 2008 -- A newspaper report published Thursday says the United States has stepped up its unilateral air strikes on al-Qaida fighters holed up in Pakistan's rugged tribal areas.

US Envoy says US Not Interested in Dictating Pakistan's Policies VOA 27 Mar 2008 -- Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte has dismissed suggestions the United States is trying to dictate anti-terrorism policy to Pakistan's new government.

Musharraf's Future in Hands of New Pakistani Government VOA 26 Mar 2008 -- The advent of a new elected civilian government in Pakistan effectively ends the military rule of Pervez Musharraf. However, Mr. Musharraf still remains president, at least for now.

Pakistani PM Advocates Political Approach to US War on Terror VOA 26 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan's new prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, has told President Bush he wants a broader approach to fighting terrorism in Pakistan.
Pakistan to pursue a comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism: President IRNA 26 Mar 2008 -- The US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte called on President Pervez Musharraf at the Aiwan-e-Sadr here Tuesday.
Pakistan new Prime Minister sworn in IRNA 25 Mar 2008 -- Makhdoom Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani was sworn in as Pakistan's new Prime Minister on Tuesday.

Musharraf renews support to new Prime Minister IRNA 25 Mar 2008 -- President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday renewed his support to the new government shortly after he administered oath to the new Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani.

Pakistan to chalk out new anti-terror policy: spokesman IRNA 25 Mar 2008 -- The Interior Ministry would spell out its action plan for maintaining law and order and to curb the menace of terrorism under the policy guidelines of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, the spokesman said on Tuesday.

Bhutto's widower acquitted in murder case IRNA 25 Mar 2008 -- A court in the Pakistani southern port city of Karachi on Monday acquitted widower of slain leader Benazir Bhutto in a murder case of a judge and his son.

Top American Envoys Meet Pakistani Officials as New Prime Minister is Installed VOA 25 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan's president has sworn in a political enemy as prime minister. Meanwhile, two top U.S. State Department officials arrived in the country and held talks with the embattled president and the new government leaders.

Pakistan's Deposed Judges Freed From House Arrest VOA 24 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan's deposed chief justice and other ousted high court judges have been freed from house arrest.

Pakistan's Parliament Picks PPP's Gilani as Prime Minister VOA 24 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan's National Assembly has elected as prime minister a long-time opponent of President Pervez Musharraf.

Bhutto party nominate Pakistan's next Prime Minister: spokesman IRNA 23 Mar 2008 -- The party of assassinated leader Benazir Bhutto on Saturday nominated Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani candidate to become Pakistan's next prime minister, the party Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari announced.

Pakistani opposition party withdraws candidate for PM slot IRNA 23 Mar 2008 -- The lone candidate fielded by the pro-Musharraf's opposition parties for the office of the Prime Minister announced Saturday that he is withdrawing in the favor of the candidate of the would-be coalition government.

Pakistan: President Pledges Support To New Government RFE/RL 23 Mar 2008 -- President Pervez Musharraf says that a "democratic era" has begun in Pakistan and that the incoming government will enjoy his "full support," even as the opposition named a candidate to lead a coalition government united against him.

Musharraf Praises 'New Era of Democracy' for Pakistan VOA 23 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan's president says his country, is ushering in a new era of democracy following years of his autocratic rule.

Pakistan Poised to See Veteran Politician as Next Prime Minister VOA 22 Mar 2008 -- The Pakistan Peoples Party has selected as its candidate for prime minister the veteran politician Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Pakistan tests indigenously developed unmanned aerial vehicle: army IRNA 21 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan on Thursday successfully conducted a test flight of its indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the army said.
Security Forces Cooperate Along Afghanistan-Pakistan Border AFPS 19 Mar 2008 -- As part of their ongoing effort to enhance communication and cooperation, Afghan and Pakistani border security forces at Torkham Gate met Feb. 28 with the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s Special Troops Battalion commander to address security and communication issues and the upcoming opening of the Khyber Border Coordination Center.

AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN: Afghans reluctant to leave Jalozai refugee camp IRIN 20 Mar 2008 -- Afghans in Jalozai refugee camp, Pakistan’s largest refugee camp, are reluctant to leave, despite a deadline to vacate coming up in less than a month.

Pakistan's Parliament Elects First Female Speaker VOA 19 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan has seen its first significant transfer of power since last month's nationwide elections.

PAKISTAN: Violent attacks now focusing on new targets? IRIN 17 Mar 2008 -- Militants behind a recent wave of suicide and bomb attacks on Pakistani security forces appear to have changed tactics this weekend: Aid workers and/or foreigners could be the new targets.

Pakistan's Parliament Convenes VOA 17 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan's parliament has convened in Islamabad, but nothing significant is expected to happen until later this month when a new government is installed.

Missiles strike kills 16 in Pakistan's tribal region IRNA 16 Mar 2008 -- At least 16 people were killed when missiles hit a residential compound in Pakistan's tribal region near the Afghan border, local tribesmen and eye witnesses said.

Missile Strike in Pakistan Destroys Suspected Militant Hideout VOA 16 Mar 2008 -- A missile strike against a suspected militant hideout in a Pakistan tribal region bordering Afghanistan on Sunday is said to have killed at least 18 people.

Pakistan gets six more fighter planes IRNA 15 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has recently received six additional Joint Fighter-17 (JF-17) Thunder from China, a PAF statement said on Friday.

Bomb in Islamabad Kills One, Injures Eleven Others VOA 15 Mar 2008 -- A bomb explosion at a restaurant in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, killed a foreign woman and wounded at least 11 others, including American nationals, on Saturday night.

Legal Barriers Removed for Bhutto Widower to Hold Office in Pakistan VOA 14 Mar 2008 -- The husband of the late former Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, has cleared another hurdle that could help him catapult his way into the job once held by his late wife.

South Asia: Pakistani Appointee Vows To Do Good By Afghanistan RFE/RL 12 Mar 2008 -- The Pakistani government's selection to serve as chief minister for restive western tribal areas has stressed the need to "restore peace and security" in the Pashtun-dominated area and foster good relations with neighboring Afghanistan.

Pakistan's Interior Ministry confirms 24 deaths in twin suicide attacks IRNA 11 Mar 2008 -- The Interior Ministry on Tuesday said that 24 people were killed in the twin suicide attacks in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.
Deadly Twin Car Bombings Hit Lahore, Pakistan VOA 11 Mar 2008 -- Two bomb blasts have rocked Pakistan's second-largest city, killing at least 24 people and injuring 200 others.

Pakistan's top nuclear scientist discharged from hospital IRNA 09 Mar 2008 -- Founder of Pakistan's nuclear program Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, who is suffering from cancer, was on Sunday discharged from a hospital where he was admitted few days ago due to low blood pressure and fever, a cabinet minister said.

Pakistani Opposition Parties Form Coalition Government VOA 09 Mar 2008 -- Two rival opposition political parties in Pakistan have agreed to form a governing coalition after emerging on top in last month's national election.

Musharraf vows to support new government IRNA 07 Mar 2008 -- President Pervez Musharraf Friday announced that he would support the new government and hoped that the new set up will continue his economic policies as well as fight against extremism and terrorism.

Musharraf Promises to Back New Pakistan Coalition VOA 07 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan, in the midst of an attempt to form a new government, will see the parliament convened within two weeks. President Pervez Musharraf says he will call the national and provincial assemblies together and he is pledging to support the new government that will be formed by lawmakers.

Analysis: Uncertain Times for U.S.-Pakistan Military Ties cfr.org 06 Mar 2008 -- The U.S. military appears to be redoubling its efforts to cooperate with Pakistani troops and crack down on terrorist groups in the country’s tribal areas.

Backgrounder: Pakistan’s Constitution cfr.org 06 Mar 2008
Mullen Talks Training, Supply With Senior Pakistani Leaders AFPS 06 Mar 2008 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff continued U.S. engagement with Pakistan, a crucial ally in the war on terror, during March 4 meetings here with military leaders and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

Military Contacts Focus on Pakistan Counterinsurgency Needs AFPS 06 Mar 2008 -- Pakistan is a key ally in the war on terror, and its cooperation with NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan is crucial to progress in that country, according to senior U.S. embassy officials here, speaking on background.
Pakistan nuclear scientist shifted to hospital on infection problem IRNA 05 Mar 2008 -- Founder of Pakistan's nuclear program Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, who is suffering from cancer, was taken to hospital on Wednesday after his health was deteriorated, the army said.

Suicide Bomber Attacks Pakistan's Naval War College VOA 04 Mar 2008 -- A suicide bomb attack on one of Pakistan's premier military academies has killed at least five people and wounded 19 others

Mullen Arrives in Pakistan for Military Talks AFPS 03 Mar 2008 -- Navy Adm. Mike Mullen arrived here today for his second set of meetings with Pakistani military leaders in a month.

Suicide Blast at Pakistani Tribal Security Meeting Kills 35 VOA 02 Mar 2008 -- Officials in northwest Pakistan say a suicide bomber killed at least 35 people and wounded scores more in an attack on a meeting of tribal elders



Business/Science/Society

New York Governor Admits Involvement in Prostitution Ring (March 10): Eliot Spitzer, the former attorney general of New York who prosecuted a prostitution ring in Staten Island and was a crusader against white-collar crime, is pressured to resign after the New York Times reports that he was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet a prostitute in a Washington hotel. (March 12): Spitzer announces his resignation as governor of New York. Lt. Gov. David A. Paterson will replace him. (March 17): David Paterson, the former lieutenant governor of New York, is sworn in as governor, replacing Spitzer.

EPA Modifies Smog Standards (March 12): The Environmental Protection Agency tightens the smog standards, which are stated in average concentrations of ozone at ground level over an eight-hour period. The new standard is reduced to 75 from the current 84.

Government Intervenes to Avert Financial Crises (March 11): Federal Reserves outlines a $200 billion loan program that lets the country's biggest banks borrow Treasury securities at discount rates and post mortgage-backed securities as collateral. (March 13): The White House announces a plan to ease credit crisis. It includes provisions that require states to tighten rules for mortgage brokers and calls on lenders to make full disclosure of payment terms to buyers. Critics say the plan is too weak to have much effect. (March 16): The Federal Reserve approves a $30 billion loan to JPMorgan Chase so it can take over Bear Stearns, which is on the verge of collapse. The Fed had hoped the acquisition would avert a financial panic. Bear Stearns sells for one-tenth of its market price. (March 18): The Federal Reserve cuts short-term interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point.

Several Are Killed in Crane Collapse (March 15): Seven people die and dozens are wounded when a construction crane collapses in Manhattan and destroys a town house and damages other buildings.
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