Iraqi forces flee

The Basra operation was seen as a test of the resolve and capability of the Iraqi security forces. To ensure success, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki sent in more than 30,000 troops. But when al-Maliki, on his visit to Basra on March 24, declared Iraqi security forces would "never retreat", he was in some respects, correct. Instead, some 4% simply refused to fight altogether. Recent reports reveal between 1000 to 1500 Iraqi security forces deserted their posts during the tense fighting against militants in Basra last week. Among those are a commander and deputy commander of an entire brigade. An American military official said the number of officers who deserted was "less than a couple dozen at most."

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The formerly elusive and legendary mujahideen leader Jalaluddin Haqqani has emerged. In a video message released last week, Haqqani, who is one of the US's most-wanted men, denied NATO allegations of weakened Taliban resistance. Instead, Haqqani has pledged an alliance with his former Taliban rival, Mansur Omar, and is coordinating new and more sophisticated strategies against coalition forces.  The Haqqani network has contacts with numerous leaders in the tribal areas of Pakistan. Haqqani says the Taliban will draw upon their support along with foreign fighters and more mainstream Taliban leaders for an overall strategy. Together they plan to coordinate attacks against specific targets instead of expending their resources on the multiple fronts against NATO forces.

US to adapt to Pakistan terrorism strategy

In a Pentagon briefing on Wednesday, Admiral Mullen said the United States was prepared to work with Pakistan's new government and its strategies for tackling local militants near the Afghan border. Pakistan has reaffirmed its position not to allow the US unilateral access to its territory. Seeking instead to use negotiation and talks to settle disputes and reduce violence, local government officials in the North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) recently made formal contacts with Taliban leaders. However, American officials last week selected current commander of Pakistan's Army, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, for the United States Army Command and General Staff College's International Hall of Fame. It is believed Kayani may share the US position of an aggressive campaign against militants in the tribal areas.

Suicide bomber strikes funeral

As mourners gathered for the funeral of a Sunni policeman, a suicide bomber detonated himself today at the Hamreen cemetery in a town of al-Sadiyah situated in the Diyala province north of Baghdad. Al Jazeera reports the death toll at least twenty with numerous wounded. The Diyala province is often the scene of heavy fighting between Sunni Islamist al-Qaida militants and US and Iraqi forces.

Chinese Uighur protest spreads

As the Olympic torch made its way through the dense streets of Istanbul, some 200 Uighur Muslims gathered in protest against Chinese oppression and dismal human rights record. Six were detained by Turkish authorities. On Wednesday, allegedly several hundred Uighur protesters took to the streets of Hotan in the Chinese province of Xinjiang. Chinese officials say the protesters represent separatist and terrorist groups. International media outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post, however, are now drawing links with the Tibet riots in March.  

Plot to blow up planes on trial

Eight British nationals stood on trial yesterday in London for a plot to allegedly blow up at least seven passenger planes departing from Heathrow airport to destinations in North America. All eight are denying the charges. Explosive ingredients inside soft drink containers were to be assembled and detonated in mid-flight. The plot was discovered by British counter-terrorism officers in August 2006.

Koreas tensions rise

North Korea's navy command reported late Thursday that three South Korean warships have entered its waters as a "serious military provocation." South Korean denies the charge. Pyongyang has twice threatened to attack South Korean ships patrolling the disputed Yellow Sea waters. The Yellow Sea was the scene of naval skirmishes in 1999 and 2002. Disintegrating relations between the two border nations overshadows the so-called "sunshine" policy. Last week North Korea test fired a battery of missiles as a response to Seoul's hard line stand towards Pyongyang. US nuclear envoy Chris Hill is seeking to meet next week his North Korean counterpart Kim Kye-gwan. The South Korean foreign ministry says they are "cautiously optimistic" the talks will lead to a breakthrough despite the latest vitriol. Analysts say the threats are an attempt to force concessions out of Seoul and Washington and that any real military actions on Pyongyong's behalf would be restrained by China.

India welcomes Burmese top general

The second highest-ranking Burmese military commander, Gen. Maung Aye, has arrived in India with the intent to sign lucrative and controversial transport contracts. The $120 million project will enable India to develop a Burmese port and link it, via roads and river connections, to north-east India. The route will provide access to a Burmese city located near a massive natural gas reserve. Burma has a proven gas reserve of 19 trillion cub feet as of 2006.