ONS: 02 March 2012

by TRG Alerts Admin on March 2, 2012

KEY STORYLINES

AFRICA: Somali troops attacked al Shebab militants in Mogadishu.
AMERICAS: Jamaican PM Miller suggested cutting ties with the British monarchy.
ASIA: US PACOM Commander Willard revealed that special forces are active in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
EUROPE: The EU officially granted Serbia candidate status.
MIDDLE EAST: Saudi Arabia sent an envoy to Iraq to discuss Syrian President Assad.
TECHNOLOGY: Wireless providers in the US slowed Internet transfer speeds for high data users.

TOP STORY

The elections are seen as a test of support for President Ahmadinejad.
It is the first election since 2009.
The opposition Green Movement will not participate as its members were placed under house arrest for over a year.
Protesters warned low turnout may increase the likelihood of foreign military strikes.
Coverage: Reuters, AP, BBC, AP-2, NYT

AFRICA

Senegal: The opposition June 23 Movement (M23) threatened to resume protests if President Wade receives a third term. (Xinhua)
Somalia: African Union-backed government troops attacked al Shebab insurgents in Mogadishu. (AFP)
Zimbabwe: President Mugabe and PM Tsvangirai set a two-week ultimatum for the drafting of the new constitution, saying they were “perturbed” by the current slow pace. (AFP)

AMERICAS

Region: US authorities arrested three people attempting to smuggle methamphetamine across the Mexican border. (AP)
Jamaica: PM Miller suggested a referendum to sever ties with British Queen Elizabeth II. (AP)
Mexico: President Calderon called on regional prosecutors to coordinate in a common front against organized crime. (AFP)

ASIA

Region: In a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions, Kazakh President Kzarbayev suggested the creation of a free trade zone in Central Asia. (Itar-Tass)
Region: The Indian Air Force, in coordination with the army, held a major war exercise in Guwahati. (Xinhua)
Region: US PACOM Commander Adm Willard revealed US special forces are working throughout Asia, specifically alongside Indian authorities to contain the Lashka-e-Taiba. (BBC)
Pakistan: At least 33 were killed in clashes with militants in Khyber Agency. (Reuters)
Pakistan: Voting for 45 contested Senate seats began as the Pakistan People’s Party is expected to take over the chamber. (AFP, Xinhua)

EUROPE

Region: Twenty-five European heads of state signed an intergovernmental treaty on fiscal stability. (Xinhua)
Region: German Economy Minister Roesler supported the establishment of a special commissioner to implement debt reform in European member states. (AFP)
Russia: PM Putin criticized the opposition, saying they have not produced any constructive proposals. (Itar-Tass)
Serbia: EU ministers agreed to grant Serbia candidate status to join the organization at a future, undetermined date. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

Region: As part of a strategy to convince Iraq to abandon Syrian President Assad, Saudi Arabia sent an envoy and delegation to Baghdad. (AFP)
Iran: Russian PM Putin called on Iran to resume cooperation with the IAEA. (Itar-Tass)
Yemen: President Hadi appointed two generals and a governor in an effort to reform the security and army units in a Gulf-brokered deal. (Xinhua)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Social Media: In her TEDtalk, MIT professor Sherry Turkle opined that constant communication does connect people more, but at the sacrifice of face-to-face conversation. (Mashable)
Technology: Wireless phone companies in the US have reportedly been caught slowing down Internet transfer speeds on phones for heavy data users. (NYT)

WORLD

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (03MAR)

Colombia: Anniversary of FARC leader Ivan Rios killed by his own men – 2008.

United States: Israeli PM Netanyahu attends Israeli American lobbying group AIPAC’s meeting.