US seeks Indian support for "Af-Pak" strategy; Thaksin protests in Bangkok intensify; Somali pirates are back; Moldova expels Romanian ambassador; and more

Top of the Agenda: U.S.-India Meetings

Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, opens critical meetings with Indian officials (BBC) today in an attempt to win support for President Barack Obama's strategy to bring peace to the region. Al-Jazeera reports Holbrooke will meet with India's foreign minister, amid concerns from India that Washington is biased in favor of Pakistan. Pakistani officials have also contended that Washington shows disproportionate support for India in its bilateral relations with Pakistan--and have criticized the parameters of Holbrooke's "Af-Pak" mission, saying a more productive assignment would include mediation of the India-Pakistan conflict in Kashmir, which many experts say is inextricably linked with problems of militancy in other parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Times of India reports Holbrooke has denied that he is pushing for new peace dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Yesterday, rifts emerged between Holbrooke and his negotiating counterparts in Pakistan, as Islamabad flatly rejected (Dawn) a proposal for joint military operations in Pakistan's tribal areas, which are a hotbed for militant activity fueling conflict both in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Holbrooke and U.S Admiral Michael Mullen also alleged that the Taliban's senior leadership are currently hiding out (Daily Times) in Pakistan's province of Balochistan.

Background:

This Backgrounder looks at Indian relations with Afghanistan and what they mean for Pakistan.

In a new interview, Adm. Mullen tells CFR.org that a successful operation in Afghanistan will require broadened NATO participation.

This interactive map looks at Pakistan's volatile tribal belt.

A new Daily Analysis looks at different ways the United States can structure aid to Pakistan to make it more effective.

 

PACIFIC RIM: Thai Tensions Heighten

Massive protests broke out (Bangkok Post) in Thailand's capital of Bangkok, capping more than a week of demonstrations and intensifying pressure on the country's embattled new prime minister.

The BBC has a Q&A explaining the protests.

CHINA: The Chinese government has started a test-program allowing firms in five cities to settle international trade deals using the Chinese yuan (Xinhua), rather than U.S. dollars.

 

Elsewhere:

Somali pirates hijack Danish ship; latest in flurry of attacks this week.

Moldova expels Romania's ambassador; accuses country of fueling post-election protests.

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