More bombings in Russia kill at least 12 (+ analysis); India and Pakistan feud over Indus River water; Obama and Sarkozy want urgent Iran sanctions; Serbia apologises for Srebrenica; and more

Top of the Agenda: Bombs Hit Russia's North Caucasus

Two explosions in Russia's North Caucasus killed at least twelve people (NYT) in apparent attacks on the police, two days after two female suicide bombers set off bombs in the Moscow subway. The bombings occurred in the volatile Dagestan region, which borders Chechnya and is frequently subject to attacks on police and government officials. Russia's interior ministry ordered increased security after the initial bombings. No one has claimed responsibility for any of the attacks.

At a government meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned (BBC) the "terrorist act" and said he did "not rule out that it is one and the same gang at work."

Analysis:

In the Moscow Times, Yulia Latynina says it is unlikely that the number of militants in the North Caucasus has dramatically increased, but their status has changed radically.

The suicide attacks in Moscow are a reminder that Russia must work to reform local administration, promote economic development, and end abuses by security forces in the region while cracking down on extremists, writes CFR Russia expert Jeffrey Mankoff.

Background:

The Center for Strategic and International Studies presents data from 2009, indicating that violence has escalated since 2008 in the North Caucasus, which includes Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, and Dagestan.

 

PACIFIC RIM: Japan Approves Postal Deposit Plan

The Japanese government approved a plan to double the ceiling on postal bank deposits (FT) and maintain the government's significant stake in the operation. This allows the post office, which holds nearly one-third of Japan's government bonds, to continue funding the country's ballooning public debt.

Vietnam: Google revealed another case of suppressive cyberattacks (AP), which were used to silence opponents of a Vietnamese mining project that involves a state-run Chinese company.

Read CFR's Asia Unbound blog, which highlights timely analysis from CFR's Asia experts.

 

ELSEWHERE:

Obama, Sarkozy Press Iran Sanctions
India and Pakistan Feud Over Water
Serbia Condemns 1995 Killings

 

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