Monday, October 30, 2023
Press
Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest analysis and perspective on the world’s critical hot spots, U.S. and global security and issues involved in violent conflict, based on the Institute’s work on the ground and with key individuals, governments and organizations. They give interviews and background briefings to journalists and write for news outlets around the world.
Offensive on China Border Seen as 'Milestone' in Myanmar Revolt - Voice of America
It was a stark admission from Myanmar’s military regime, now nearly three years into a nationwide civil war triggered by its February 2021 putsch of the country’s democratically elected government. On November 1, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun conceded that rebels had taken full control of Chinshwehaw, a key town on the border with the country’s largest trade partner, China. In a statement, he said...
Chinese Official Calls on Myanmar Junta to Cooperate on Border Stability - The Diplomat
A Chinese official yesterday called on Myanmar’s military administration to “cooperate” with China to maintain stability along their common border, amid continued gains by resistance groups in northern Shan State. The armed offensive launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance on October 27 has disrupted trade with China and displaced tens of thousands of civilians, some of whom have sought refuge...
Myanmar junta facing biggest challenge yet after new offensive by armed groups, analysts say - The Guardian
Myanmar’s military is facing its biggest military challenge since it seized power in a coup more than two years ago, after an alliance of opponents cut off key trading routes and seized towns and dozens of outposts near the Chinese border. The offensive in northern Shan state, which was launched by an alliance of ethnic armed groups in coordination with newer anti-coup groups, is a significant blow for the military, analysts say, and could be exploited by the...
Zelenskyy denies Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled; rumors of peace talks seem unfounded - CBS News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he's considering a new military strategy to move forward faster in the Ukraine-Russia war. BBC News correspondent Jenny Hill has more on the war, and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor joined CBS News to discuss why progress has slowed for the...
China Unleashes Crackdown on ‘Pig Butchering.’ (It Isn’t What You Think.) - Wall Street Journal
It’s called “pig butchering.” Armies of scammers operating from lawless corners of Southeast Asia—often controlled by Chinese crime bosses—connect with people all over the world through online messages. They foster elaborate, sometimes romantic, relationships, and then coax their targets into making bogus investments. Over time, they make it appear that the investments are growing to get victims to send more money. Then, they disappear. In recent months, China has unleashed its...
China's Envoy Completes Middle East Swings but Israel-Hamas War Rages On - Newsweek
China's Special Envoy Zhai Jun wrapped up his tour of the Middle East this week, but some analysts say Beijing lacks the clout to help bring about a detente in the war between Israel and Hamas, even if it wants to. The U.S. has urged Israel to allow a humanitarian pause in its bombardment of Gaza City. The death toll in the Palestinian enclave has passed 9,000, according the Hamas-run health ministry there. Women and children comprise 70 percent of...
Northern offensive brings ‘new energy’ to Myanmar’s anti-coup resistance - Al Jazeera
A week ago, one of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed alliances launched a coordinated attack on a dozen military outposts in northern Shan State, along the country’s eastern border with China. Code-named Operation 1027, the plan is to assert and defend territory against Myanmar military incursions, eradicate “oppressive military dictatorship”, and combat online fraud along the border, according to a statement from...
U.S. Institute of Peace Announces Four Finalists for 2023 Women Building Peace Award
The United States Institute of Peace is honored to announce the four finalists for the 2023 Women Building Peace Award.
Building on 25 years of religious freedom advocacy - Religion News Service
Something that by current standards would seem truly remarkable happened 25 years ago today: Washington worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass groundbreaking legislation to make the world a better place. The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 equipped the United States with unprecedented tools to defend freedom of belief and conscience, set captives free and encourage reforms. As we reach IRFA’s silver anniversary, we should...