Ivorian strongman clings to power in his bunker but second attack imminent (+ analysis  and multimedia); African neighbours offer Gbagbo exile as ICC launches investigation; Gulf Council seeks to remove Yemen's Saleh; US Congress negotiations on knife-edge; Japan may increase nuclear evacuation zone; and more

Top of the Agenda: Gbagbo Refuses to Stand Down

Ivorian strongman and disputed presidential incumbent Laurent Gbagbo (BBC) refused to capitulate to a coalition of French, UN, and Ivorian opposition forces despite his men being reduced to under a thousand. Gbagbo remains bunkered with two hundred soldiers at the presidential residence in the city of Abidjan. On Wednesday, Gbagbo's defenders were able to repel an onslaught led by fighters supporting the internationally recognized Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara (al-Jazeera). Spokesmen say a second attack on the Gbagbo compound is being organized.

In the battle for control of Abidjan, French military forces (Reuters) staged a rescue of the Japanese ambassador and his staff after armed men broke into the official residence. French airstrikes also neutralized attacks from Gbagbo's men on the French embassy. African Union officials claim that several African countries have offered to host Gbagbo's exile (CNN), although none were specified. The Red Cross chartered aircraft to deliver supplies, but emphasized the humanitarian crisis is deteriorating. The International Criminal Court (NYT) says it will launch an investigation into "alleged crimes committed there by different parties to the conflict."

Analysis:

This article from the Irish Times suggests France may face an international backlash if it emerges that Ouattara's forces carried out a massacre.

CFR's Jendayi Frazer says the transfer of power would send an important message to Africa: "There's a lot at stake in a resolution of this crisis that allows for the elected president to govern."

In this article for ForeignPolicy.com, Elizabeth Dickenson ponders whether the ICC will investigate crimes against humanity in the Ivory Coast.

Background:

This timeline from al-Jazeera provides the West African nation's key events from its 1960 independence until the disputed 2010 vote.

Multimedia:

In this video from CNN, Mona Sadek from the Red Cross discusses the failing humanitarian situation in the Ivory Coast.

 

PACIFIC RIM: Japan May Expand Fukushima Evacuation Zone

Japanese authorities said they are considering an expansion of the current twelve-mile evacuation zone around the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant (WSJ), citing the dangers of inhabitants facing prolonged exposure to lower levels of radiation.

On her CFR blog Asia Unbound, Sheila A. Smith discusses the efforts of the international aid community in providing support to disaster-stricken Japan.

China: Chinese police are investigating renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei (Guardian) on suspicion of "economic crimes." Ai's relatives denounced the charges as absurd. International human right groups claim the case is part of a wider crackdown to detail scores of activists and dissidents.

 

ELSEWHERE:

- Gulf Council Seeks to Broker Saleh Exit
- Pakistan Rejects White House Report
- Shutdown Looms in Budget Battle

 

This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org