COUNTRY REVIEWS

South Asia

Afghanistan

• Karzai declared elected, to take oath on November 19; Obama and other world leaders greet Karzai; UNSC calls for addressing the challenges facing the war-ravaged country; Dr. Abdullah says new government cannot cope with the challenges facing the country; Karzai vows to fight corruption; UN mission to relocate hundreds of its foreign staff following last week’s attack

Pakistan

• OCTOBER 26-NOVEMBER 1
  Massive suicide attack in Peshawar ahead of Clinton’s Pakistan visit kills over 100; Clinton says US will not support dictators in future; Offensive against militants in South Waziristan continues; Turkish PM visits Islamabad
• NOVEMBER 2-8
  Another suicide attack near Peshawar kills 10 at a market place; Foreign Minister Qureshi: US should involve Pakistan in the formulation of new Afghan Strategy; NRO dropped by government; Pakistani troops reach Makin, a Taliban stronghold and hometown of Mehsud

Bhutan

• Sheikh Hasina visits Bhutan, bilateral trade agreement reached; India’s developmental assistance to Bhutan’s tenth plan discussed; CEC Chawla visits Bhutan

East Asia

South East Asia

• OCTOBER 26-NOVEMBER 8, 2009
  Thailand Cambodia relationship deteriorates as Cambodia makes Thaksin Shinawatra senior adviser to Hun Sen government; US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs meets Suu Kyi; US Special Advisor for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Robert Einhorn seeks Malaysia’s help in dealing with Iran; South Korea wants to sell infantry fighting vehicles to Malaysia

West Asia

Iran

• Supreme Leader says that “Iranian nation will not be deceived by the fake conciliatory face of the US administration”; Fresh clashes between government forces and anti-government protestors on 30th anniversary of takeover of US Embassy; Reports: Iran rejects latest nuclear deal; Moscow warns Tehran against taking a “less constructive position” on the issue of uranium enrichment

Iraq

• Iraq’s parliament approves new election law; Obama: Parliamentary approval “advances the political progress that can bring lasting peace and unity to Iraq”

DEFENCE AND NUCLEAR REVIEW

National Defence Issue

• Mahindra Satyam and Saab to collaborate in defence and homeland security market

International Defence Issue

• Australian Minister: Assistance from allies crucial in building future submarines

Nuclear

• Report: US helping Pak secure its nuclear arsenal