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402. Mapping Peace between Syria and Israel
- Author:
- Frederic C. Hof
- Publication Date:
- 03-2009
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- Syrian-Israeli “proximity” peace talks orchestrated by Turkey in 2008 revived a long-dormant track of the Arab-Israeli peace process. Although the talks were sus¬pended because of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, Israeli-Syrian peace might well facilitate a Palestinian state at peace with Israel.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, and Territorial Disputes
- Political Geography:
- Middle East and Arabia
403. Islamic Peacemaking Since 9/11
- Author:
- David Smock and Qamar-ul Huda
- Publication Date:
- 01-2009
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- Muslims in general and Muslim leaders particularly have often been severely criticized for not more energetically condemning the violent acts of Muslim extremists. Violent extremists are on one edge of the Muslim community. They are counter-balanced by a growing movement of Muslim peacemakers.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Islam, and Terrorism
- Political Geography:
- Middle East and Arabia
404. Conflict-Business Dynamics in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Author:
- Raymond Gilpin and Richard Downie
- Publication Date:
- 11-2009
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has enormous economic potential thanks to its rich mineral deposits and vast tracts of arable land. Historically, these resources have been exploited by predatory leaders and a host of subregional actors. The time is now ripe for the DRC to put years of war and economic underdevelopment behind it. The business community has an important part to play in promoting sustainable peace in the DRC. Business communities in Bukavu and Lubumbashi have managed to remain profitable in the very trying years following the signing of the 1999 Lusaka peace accord by showing great resilience and versatility, primarily outside formal channels. Congolese businesses face serious obstacles, including poor infrastructure, high taxes, extortion, and market distortions. However, respondents expressed relatively little concern about insecurity and violence, suggesting that these costs have been internalized or that other obstacles impose much greater costs. DRC businesses neither want nor expect handouts. Respondents would prefer assistance in removing barriers to trade, improving infrastructure, and reducing corruption. Respondents are broadly optimistic about the future and their economic prospects, and have a strong sense of being stakeholders in shaping society. This bodes well for the future of the DRC, provided public policy can harness this energy and not impede it.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Development, Economics, and War
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Democratic Republic of the Congo
405. Tourism in the Developing World
- Author:
- Raymond Gilpin and Martha Honey
- Publication Date:
- 10-2009
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- Although often underestimated, the tourism industry can help promote peace and stability in developing countries by providing jobs, generating income, diversifying the economy, protecting the environment, and promoting cross-cultural awareness. Tourism is the fourth-largest industry in the global economy.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Development, Globalization, and Third World
- Political Geography:
- India and Nigeria
406. Haiti after the Donors' Conference
- Author:
- Robert Maguire
- Publication Date:
- 10-2009
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- In April 2009, multilateral and bilateral donors pledged $353 million to support the government of Haiti's plan to alleviate poverty, mitigate the effects of natural disasters, and achieve sustained economic growth.
- Topic:
- Development, Health, Poverty, Third World, and Foreign Aid
- Political Geography:
- Caribbean
407. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: PARSING THE OPTIONS
- Author:
- Michael Dziedzic and Megan Chabalowski
- Publication Date:
- 09-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- On June 25, 2009, USIP hosted a public forum, “Bosnia and Herzegovina: Parsing the Options,” where various courses of action for U.S. policy toward Bosnia and its unfinished state-building were debated. At issue are Bosnia's current conditions and what to do about them: Is the country on a trajectory toward instability and violence, or is it making hesitant progress? What is needed to overcome ethnic tensions between Bosnia's political leaders and how can the international community induce them into productive negotiations over reforms? What should the U.S.'s role be in Bosnia's integration process into the EU?
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Regional Cooperation, Treaties and Agreements, and War
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Balkans
408. Six Important Issues for Sudan and Its Future
- Author:
- Jon Temin
- Publication Date:
- 09-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- Over the past few months, much of the international attention devoted to Sudan has focused on “CPA implementation.” Within that focus on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), most attention is paid to the status of Abyei, if and when nationwide elections will happen, border demarcation and, above all else, the 2011 referendum on the status of southern Sudan. But there are other aspects of the north-south dynamic deserving of discussion and strategic thinking that don't receive their due. This Peace Brief describes six of those issues and questions that, while they get some attention, could use a little more as decisive events in Sudan's political history approach.
- Topic:
- Political Violence and Democratization
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Sudan
409. Crisis in the Niger Delta
- Author:
- David R. Smock
- Publication Date:
- 09-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- The demands of the population in the Niger Delta to enjoy greater benefit from the oil produced in their region continue to go unanswered. The people in the Delta complain that oil-spill pollution has made their water undrinkable, gas flaring has made the air unfit for breathing, while revenue from the oil has paid for mansions to be built in the capital, Abuja. Although well armed militias have suspended their attacks for a few weeks, they threaten to resume operations soon. A Technical Committee appointed by Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Aduato make recommendations for action relating to the Delta made its report nine months ago, but the government has taken no action on the report. The government has offered an amnesty to the militants for a period that expires in early October, but so far few militants have responded. Oil production continues to be seriously reduced by the militants' attacks and by the stealing of oil (termed “bunkering”) by militants and others.
- Topic:
- Political Violence and Oil
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Nigeria
410. Lebanon's Unstable Equilibrium
- Author:
- Mona Yacoubian
- Publication Date:
- 11-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- Lebanon's recently announced national unity government has eased fears that the country would once again be mired in a dangerous political stalemate. Yet, despite the recent breakthrough, Lebanon's unstable equilibrium -- marked by both internal and regional tensions -- could still devolve into serious violence. Deep seated sectarian animosities persist, raising the prospects for political instability and civil strife if unaddressed. Regionally, mounting tensions with Israel raise the worrisome possibility of isolated border incidents spiraling into more serious conflict. Taken together these two underlying challenges to stability -- internal civil unrest and regional conflict with Israel -- could undermine Lebanon's fragile peace. This paper will examine internal challenges to Lebanon's stability.
- Topic:
- Democratization and Governance
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Israel, Arabia, and Lebanon