PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE June 24, 2011 UPCOMING HEARINGS Hearing: Libya and War Powers Committee: Senate

Foreign Relations Committee Witnesses: TBA When: Tuesday, June 28, 10:00 a.m. Where: 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building Contact: 202-224-4651 http://foreign.senate.gov Hearing: Markup of S.J. Res. 20, authorizing the limited use of the United States armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Witnesses: TBA When: Tuesday, June 28, 2:30 p.m. Where: 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building Contact: 202-224-4651 http://foreign.senate.gov Hearing: Nominations of Derek Mitchell to be the State Department special representative and policy coordinator for Burma; and Frankie Annette Reed to be ambassador to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as ambassador to the Republic of Nauru, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Kiribati Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Witnesses: Derek J. Mitchell and Frankie Annette Reed, nominees When: Wednesday, June 29, 10:00 a.m. Where: 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building Contact: 202-224-4651 http://foreign.senate.gov Hearing: Afghanistan Reconstruction Contracts: Lessons Learned and Ongoing Problems Committee: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee- Contracting Oversight Subcommittee Witnesses: TBA When: Wednesday, June 29, 2:30 p.m. Where: 342 Dirksen Senate Office Building Contact: 202-224-2627 http://www.hsgac.senate.gov HEARING SUMMARIES Evaluating Goals and Progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan Senate Committee on Foreign Relations June 23, 2011 Witnesses: Hillary Clinton, secretary, U.S. Department of State 1

Opening Statements: Chair John Kerry (D-MA) Acknowledges that some of the goals for Afghanistan have been met. Significant challenges still remain in the region. No number of troops can resolve the conflict in Afghanistan. There needs to be a political solution. Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN) Need a more narrow definition of success. Should not engage in broad nation-building. Need to refocus efforts on Pakistan and Yemenwhich are greater threats. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: The three surges (diplomatic, civilian and military) are part of the transition plan. Have broken the momentum of the Taliban. The civilian surge is vital to securing U.S. goals in Afghanistan. Committed to fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law. Shifting from stability approach to a long-term development approach. Working with the Afghans on a new strategic partnership declaration. A political solution is possible. Are making progress with the regional neighbors. Pakistan and Afghanistan have signed a trade agreement. Cutting civilian and diplomatic efforts would be harmful to the mission in Afghanistan: o The cost of one year of civilian assistance in Afghanistan equals the cost of 10 days of military action in Afghanistan. Questioning: Chair John Kerry (D-MA) 1. What is a more effective way to work with Pakistan? Clinton: o Pakistan feels that they cannot count on the U.S. o Pakistan thinks of its relationships in terms of India: In Pakistans thinking, U.S. cannot be close to both India and Pakistan. o Need to make Afghanistan part of the relationship between Pakistan and U.S. Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-NJ) 1. Should we include more countries in the buildup of Afghanistan? Clinton: o Yes, it could be useful. India, Russia and Saudi Arabia are at the table. Cannot ignore Iran. o Using diplomatic outreach and looking to see how countries in the region will react. o Inclusion is the only way to reach a political solution. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) 1. What are the 70,000 troops that will remain in Afghanistan after 2012 going to do? Clinton: Training mentoring and limited combat. 2. What are we doing to get more women at the peace talk tables? 2

Clinton: Womens involvement is necessary for creating a lasting peace.

Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) 1. Do you agreed with what the president said during his speech on the troop withdrawal? Clinton: Yes, 100 percent. 2. Are you comfortable with the concept of nation-building? Clinton: What the U.S. is doing in Afghanistan is more about showing the Afghani people how to govern properly. 3. What about the fact that Pakistan wants the U.S. to leave Afghanistan? Clinton: o Pakistan is concerned with how Afghanistan will turn out. o Pakistan is worried about the historical affinity between Afghanistan and India. o Pakistan wants to assure that Afghanistan will favor Pakistani interests. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) 1. Do you believe that Pakistan did not know where Osama bin Laden was? Clinton: o Believes that the higher levels did not know. o Lower levels may have known and they will not be absolved of prosecution. Sen. James Risch (R-ID) 1. How will Afghan security forces be paid? Clinton: o A number of countries will continue to provide assistance. o Local militias and police will provide some securityat a lower cost. o Afghanistan will fund some of their security needs. Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) 1. How do we reconcile goals, which require both accountability and working with the Afghan government? Clinton: Need to try to balance the issues. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) 1. What is the logic behind the September 2012 date for the withdrawal of the surge troops? Clinton: o Reflects the timeframe for the implementation of the surge18 months to increase troop levels and 18 months to draw them down. o Coincides with the end of the fighting season. Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA) 1. What is your assessment of corruption in the Karzai government? Clinton: o Some progress, but there is still a long way to go. o The U.S. works with other countries that have issues with corruption. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) 1. Do you think that North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will continue their efforts in Afghanistan? Clinton: o The drawdown was part of the Lisbon agreement. 3

Next year there will be a NATO conference to discuss the way forward.

Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE) 1. What steps should we use to engage Afghanistans neighbors? Clinton: There is a large group of countries involved, including China and Iran. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) 1. What is the likelihood that negotiations with the Taliban will lead to a legitimate political solution? Clinton: o Will know more when the year ends, because this is the first time that the Taliban have shown that they are willing to negotiate. o President Obamas tough decisions have been crucial to getting to this point. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) 1. Do you think we have named a deadline for ending our engagement in Afghanistan? Clinton: o Yes, the Lisbon 2014 deadline. o The Obama plan is the guide path to 2014. o Kabul security has been lead by Afghan forces for a year already. Preserving Progress: Transitioning Authority and Implementing the Strategic Framework in Iraq, Part 2 House Foreign Affairs CommitteeSubcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia June 23, 2011 Witnesses: Max Boot, Council on Foreign Relations Michael Eisenstadt, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Richard Fontaine, Center for New American Security Marisa Cochrane Sullivan, Institute for the Study of War

Opening Statements: Chair Steve Chabot (R-OH) Worst outcome for the Iraq war would be the U.S. withdrawal on December 31, 2011, as currently scheduled. U.S. military forces play a vital role in Iraq. U.S. presence develops political stability. U.S. needs to remain dedicated in Iraq. U.S. is happy to stay but the Iraqi people need to ask for it. Ranking Member Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY) U.S. public does not feel the urgency for the military to stay in Iraq. Iraq never had anything to do with al Qaeda. An abandoned Iraq could become an easy target for Iran. U.S. Congress has to provide the money for U.S. military in Iraq and the American public has to agree with that.

Max Boot, Council on Foreign Relations Need a good outcome in Iraq; U.S. needs to have continuing engagement there. U.S. forces sit in the middle of tensions between the Kurdish party and the Iraqi military. U.S. withdrawal would mean a catastrophe for Iraq. Around 20,000 troops would be an ideal number to station in Iraq. Michael Eisenstadt, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy U.S. still faces challenges in Iraq. Next steps for the U.S.: o Countering Iranian influenceneed for continuing U.S. engagement; o Business search in Iraq for trade and investments; o Diplomacy and peacekeeping; o Upgrade ties with Kurdish party and its security forces; o National reconciliation. Richard Fontaine, Center for New American Security Iraq remains a major player in the region; regional competition. Iraq is critically important because it can become a sanctuary for al Qaeda. U.S. mission should continue. Marisa Cochrane Sullivan, Institute for the Study of War Iraq matters to the U.S. because it can play a stability role in the region. There is no doubt that Iran will play a role and try to influence Iraq after the U.S. withdrawal. U.S. work is not done yet in Iraq. Iraqi government is fragile and has made little progress in security issues. The Iraqi prime minister has unprecedented power over security. Questioning: Chair Steve Chabot (R-OH) 1. Does the State Department have a skilled enough team to handle the withdrawal? Fontaine o State Department cannot perform all tasks necessary. Specific sectors, such as manning the checkpoints, cannot be done without the military. 2. What would you prefer to happen instead of the withdrawal? Boot o Interim deal would be a possibility. 3. What specifically should Congress do about the situation? Cochrane Sullivan o Important for the U.S. is to engage with the prime minister and other Iraqi officials. o Iraqis need to feel that their country matters to the U.S. 4. Elaborate on what the U.S. can do to facilitate a national reconciliation. Eisenstadt o Iraq needs a popular national figure. 5. Karzai seemed like a good fit in Afghanistan and now it proved wrong. Should the U.S. find another public figure in Iraq to lead it? Boot o The U.S. should not invest as much in a public figure in Iraq; it should not invest in who seems good now; look at Karzai now. 5

Ranking Member Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY) 1. Do the Iraqis need a sense of the U.S. presence? Eisenstadt o Number of the U.S. troops is very important to show our commitment. o The relationship with Iran is too complex. Boot o The troop number is primarily a symbolic issue. o The U.S. cannot make our troops size too small because Iran wants to come after our military personnel. 2. What does the U.S. have to do strategically so that its withdrawal is not in Irans interest? Fontaine o Iraq does not have the capacity to defend itself against Iran. o The U.S. needs to show to Iraqis ways to defend. Cochrane Sullivan o U.S. needs to let Iraq know that the U.S. is the only country that wants Iraq to flourish. Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) 1. Concerned that the U.S. will stay in Iraq. Is the U.S. making any progress in Iraq? Fontaine o The U.S. military presence helped Iraq politically and diplomatically. o The. U.S. commitments in Iraq are getting smaller.

Rebuilding Haiti in the Martelly Era Senate Committee on Foreign RelationsSubcommittees on: Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Global Narcotics Affairs; International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs, and International Environmental Protection June 23, 2011 Witnesses: Major Joseph Bernadel, Interim Haiti Recovery Commission Regine Simon-Barjon, BioTek Solutions, Inc. Georges Barau Sassine, Association of Haitian Industries Gary Shaye, Save the Children Opening Statements: Chair Robert Menendez (D-NJ) (Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Global Narcotics Affairs) The challenges in Haiti are difficult but not insurmountable. The recent election of President Martelly can possibly provide the needed leadership to sustain development. The private sector plays an important role in development. Haiti needs to be more favorable for business.

Chair Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) (Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs, and International Environmental Protection) This is a joint hearing because it is important to bring various resources together to address the development issues in Haiti. In the long term, Haiti needs to bring in investors. Want to make sure that U.S. aid is being effectively used. Major Joseph Bernadel, Interim Haiti Recovery Commission The president needs to work with the Haitian diaspora. The Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission (IHRC) facilitates the funding flow in Haiti and directs money to funding gaps. The Haitian government should allow dual citizenship for Haitian diaspora. Regine Simon-Barjon, BioTek Solutions, Inc. Haiti needs massive investments, particularly in local food production. Entrepreneurship is important. Investment, not aid, is key to sustainable development. Georges Barau Sassine, Association of Haitian Industries The 2006 Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act [which included special trade rules that give preferential access to U.S. imports of Haitian apparel] is an unquestionable success. Haiti is working with international funders to open two industrial parks to increase manufacturing capacity. Haiti faces the following challenges: o Much of the economy is informal, and o Strong trade and customs infrastructures are needed. The U.S. should: o Tell other countries, such as Canada and Brazil, about the success of HOPE, and o Create a high level trade mission to Haiti. Gary Shaye, Save the Children The remaining impacts of the earthquake need to be addressed. Donors and NGOs should: o Ensure that basic humanitarian needs are met; o Address economic insecurity; o Implement disaster risk reduction strategies; o Increase cooperation between donors; o Invest more to protect women and girls; o Make long-term investments in the government and people; and o Work with the Haitian diaspora. NGOs on the ground have seen improvement especially in education. Questioning: Chair Robert Menendez (D-NJ) (Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Global Narcotics Affairs) 1. How will the political climate affect investment? Bernadel

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Working with the president and the parliament to allow dual citizenship for the diaspora. o The diaspora needs this kind of certainty before they reinvest. Simon-Barjon o Investment is needed in the private sector to increase economic growth, leading to more educated Haitians that can stand up to the government. What are three things that will encourage investment? Sassine o Approval of the prime minister; o Allowing dual citizenship; and o Reforming land rights. Bernadel o Reforming land rights; o Investing in modern education; and o Resolving health issues. Simon-Barjon o The people of Haiti know what they want, which is support for local food production. Is the presidents new goal for free public education feasible? Shaye o This is an extremely ambitious goal that needs smaller benchmarks. o Active water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs are necessary in every school. o The government will need other donors. Bernadel o The education plan is over 20 years, with five year increments. o Schools should be modeled after charter schools. Is there continual resistance to agricultural development by large landowners? Simon-Barjon o No, because BioTek pays the farmers more than the government and gives back 10 percent of the profits. What is necessary? Simon-Barjon o Money and credit are necessary. What progress has been made on the northern industrial park? Are there obstacles? Sassine o There are no obstacles now. o

Chair Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) (Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs, and International Environmental Protection) 1. How effective has international aid been? Bernadel o IHRC was expected to organize all of the aid, but it has struggled to explain its role to the Haitian people. Simon-Barjon o International aid is institutionalizing the problem especially in terms of local food production. o Aid is catering to the same small group and not everyone. Shaye o The need is beyond comprehension. 8

Specializing in a technical area or region leads to better outcomes, but the pace is slow. Sassine o U.S. assistance has been especially helpful in the health sector. Bernadel o There needs to be an incentive to attract the diaspora. o The international community isnt working on this issue. 2. What about the two different roles the U.S. is playing in Haiti (humanitarian assistance and sustainable development)? Shaye o These roles are interrelated. 3. What is the current status of womens rights? Is development aid moving in the right direction to help women? Simon-Barjon o Not enough is being done. o Men are the main heads of associations. o A lot of women dont think that it is their place, and you cant force them. Shaye o USAID just issued a competitive process on protection to which NGOs are currently submitting proposals. Bernadel o One of the diaspora partners runs a microfinance group for Haitian women. o Piercing Burmas Veil of Secrecy: The Truth Behind the Sham Election and the Difficult Road Ahead House Committee on Foreign AffairsSubcommittee on Asia and the Pacific June 22, 2011 Witnesses: Aung Din, U.S. Campaign for Burma Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese political opposition leader Dr. Chris Beyrer, Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health and Human Rights Opening Statements: Chair Donald Manzullo (R-IL) The 2010 elections were a sham, and repression continues. Free nations need to stand together to support democracy in Burma. Ranking Member Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) Unfortunate that no one from the administration is here to talk about what they are doing to support the effort. Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) The Arab Spring is a reminder of how quickly freedom can come. Burmese people only need to look to Aung San Suu Kyi and Aung Din for inspiration. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY) (note: Rep. Crowley participated but is not on the committee) Spoke with Suu Kyi after her release. Congress has done the right thing by putting sanctions on Burma. 9

The administration has the tools to put pressure on the regime.

Aung Din, U.S. Campaign for Burma: For many years, the international community has tried to stop human rights violations. U.S. engagement with the Burmese regime should have a set timeframe and benchmarks. The regime uses tactics such as: o blackmail o schedule control o hollow promises o storytelling The regime gains legitimacy when diplomats buy into these strategies. Now is the time for pressure. Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese political opposition leader (pre-recorded video testimony): The Burmese people appreciate U.S. support over the decades. Independence of the judiciary is one of the most important needs. The U.S. should support: o The UN Human Rights Council resolution on Burma, and o A commission of inquiry on human rights violations. Guesses must be made about what is necessary to help Burma since it is not an open society, but since the U.S. values democracy, these guesses should be right. Dr. Chris Beyrer, Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health and Human Rights: There is evidence of crimes against humanity, particularly the use of rape as a weapon of war. Greater funding for health services is needed, but this is difficult because of a lack of transparency and access. The U.S. should: o Call for a commission of inquiry; o Fully implement sanctions on the new regime; and o Consult with National League for Democracy (NLD) on all U.S. actions and programs. Questioning: Chair Donald Mazullo (R-IL) 1. Asked Beyrer to give an account of his trips to Burma. Beyrer o In the 1990s, worked with Suu Kyi to teach NLD students about HIV. o Recently attempted to return to Burma to speak with Suu Kyi but was detained and sent back to the U.S. Ranking Member Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) 1. Was Burma ever a united country? Din o There were eight independent districts (similar to the Soviet Union) before the British made the borders. 2. Was General Aung San a member of the majority group? Din o Yes. 10

3. Would it be difficult to unite Burma, given the different ethnic groups? Din o The people want to live in a federated union with equal opportunities and rights. Beyrer o It is true that diversity is a challenge, but the Burmese people demonstrated in the 1990 elections that they would vote for parties that valued democracy. 4. What should the U.S. do since sanctions do not seem to be the answer? Din o International sanctions will not free people from dictatorship. o The people are the ones that can make themselves free. o The U.S. should help with political negotiations and put greater pressure on the regime. Africas Newest Nation: The Republic of South Sudan House Committee on Foreign AffairsAfrica, Global Health and Human Rights June 16, 2011 Witnesses: Panel 1: Princeton Lyman, special envoy for Sudan, U.S. Department of State Rajakumari Jandhyala, deputy assistant administrator, Bureau for Africa, USAID Panel 2: Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Diocese of Tambura-Yambio John Eibner, Christian Solidarity International-USA Dana Lyons Wilkins, Global Witness Roger Winter, former special representative on Sudan, U.S. Department of State Opening Statements: Chair Christopher Smith (R -NJ) Kidnapping and slavery in Southern Sudan is a major issue: o Freedom for slaves needs to be secured before Southern Sudans independence. Khartoum overreacted in Abyei. Many issues still need to be considered before the independence of the south. Ranking Member Donald Payne (D-NJ) Kiir is withholding reaction to the Norths attacks because of the upcoming independence of the south. Need to help Southern Sudan protect themselves: o Obama needs to send the promised tanks. Southern Sudan needs to develop in a diverse manner. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) Nebraska has the largest population of Sudanese refugees in U.S. The recent border violence violates the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Ethnic challenges go back to colonialism. There is a concern about the relationship between Sudan and China. 11

Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) Violence warrants reevaluation of relationship with Khartoum. What role should the African Union play in Sudan? Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) Sudan is delaying the implementation of various aspects of the CPA. Both sides need to be held accountable. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) This is a recurring nightmare of genocidal government. Obama should have made statement on the issue not his press secretary. More engagement is needed. Panel 2: Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Diocese of Tambura-Yambio: Southern Sudan needs to be accountable and transparent. Southern Sudan needs U.S. help to be successful. John Eibner, Christian Solidarity International-USA: The slavery issue is blocking peace efforts. Slave raiding was sponsored by the Sudanese government. Both the Sudanese government and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) need to have strong initiatives against slavery. There needs to be more focus on the liberation of slaves Dana Lyons Wilkins, Global Witness: Transparency and accountability need to be part of oil production. If the oil is mismanaged the state will fail. An independent oil office should be created with U.S. support. Roger Winter, former special representative on Sudan, U.S. Department of State: Khartoum holds the ball on future of north/south relations. Khartoum agreements not reliablethey do what they want. Fears the liquidation of ethnic groups in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei. Suggest taking military actionto warn Khartoum that change is needed. Come July 9, humanitarian aid, mostly stationed in the south, wont be allowed into the north. Panel 1: Princeton Lyman, special envoy for Sudan: The U.S. has brokered a resolution for Abyei, between Sudan and Southern Sudan, that is not being honored: o Trying to beef up the UN force, this will aid in enforcing agreements. The U.S. mission is working on a cease-fire agreement for South Kordofan with Abdul Aziz: o There are issues with regard to integrating SPLA forces in South Kordofan. The U.S. is also working on the Doha negotiations. Libya could impact Darfur because of its previous financial support to the Sudanese government in Darfur. 12

The U.S. is engaged in Sudan and is committed to ensuring stability in the region.

Questioning: Panel 1: Chair Christopher Smith (R -NJ) 2. What could be the next flashpoint? Lyman: o Five disputed border regions. o No agreement on how to resolve these issues. 3. What is the number of peacekeepers in Sudan right now? Lyman: Sudan wants no troops in the north after July 9. 4. How can we make sure church and civil society groups are included in Sudan? Lyman: o Civil society and church representatives are so far not involved in the negotiations. o U.S. needs to encourage more consultation with civil society. 5. Are we more involved with oil production? Lyman: Have 10-20 people working to develop capacity and transparency in oil ministry. 6. Can we stop Bashir? Lyman: Need to get Khartoum to recognize consequences of their actions. Ranking Member Donald Payne (D-NJ) 1. Do you think the CPA will work? Lyman: o There are problems with reintegration. o The SPLA does not know how to live civilian life. Rep. Anna Marie Burekle (R-NY) 1. Is there a contingency plan if Sudan does not follow an agreement? Lyman: Building the UN peacekeeping forces ability to enforce the treaty. 2. Is what is going on in Abyei tantamount to ethnic cleansing? Lyman : o Since 100,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and if they are not allowed to return one could say that the area has been ethnically cleansed. o The displaced people need to be allowed to return, which cannot happen until the armed forces leave. 3. What leverage does the U.S. have in Sudan? Lyman: o The U.S. is the key to Sudans economic challenges: Without the U.S., Sudan cannot access the organizations it needs, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) 1. What would people be returning to in Abyei? Lyman: o There is a lot of destruction and looting going on in Abyei: 20 percent of homes have been destroyed. o Need to do some reconstruction when people return.

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Rep. Ed Royce (R -CA) 1. What is the administrations response to the leaked UN report that called attacks by Sudanese armed forces tantamount to ethnic cleansing and that presented the ties between Khartoum and the Lords Resistance Army (LRA)? Lyman: o Has not seen the mentioned report. o Working on getting a coalition of countries to go after the remnants of LRA. 2. Will the new UN mandate allow peacekeepers to protect civilians effectively? Lyman: Trying to get a proactive mission in Southern Sudan. Ranking Member Donald Payne (D-NJ) 1. Can you validate the claim that chemical weapons are being transported to South Kordofan? Lyman: o No but the issue is still being looked into. Panel 2: Rep. Anna Marie Burekle (R-NY) 1. What leverage does the U.S. have on Sudan? Wilkins: The U.S. has leverage with the new oil deal. Hiiboro: The general Sudanese population is the key to gaining leverage on Khartoum. Ranking Member Donald Payne (D-NJ) 1. What should the U.S. plan be for Southern Sudans oil sector? Wilkins: Capacity building in the energy and finances ministries, accountability and transparency and civil society. 2. Do you think the Southern Sudan government will support the LRA? Hiiboro: Hope the new government will enact a cross-border imitative against the LRA. 3. Is there still a problem in Southern Sudan of corrupt slave liberation practices? Eibner: o Liberation practices are not fuelling the slave trade and abductions. o If practices were being harmfulthey would be stopped. 4. What would you do if you were the special envoy? Winter: o It is a difficult situationbut talking will not help. o Miseria should not be allowed to vote in Abyei. 5. The House Democracy Assistance Commission is thinking of expanding into Southern Sudan, which would allow them to support the legislative government in Southern Sudan. ARTICLES AND REPORTS BBC June 22: Sudan leader in south oil threat Sudans President al-Bashir has offered three options to Southern Sudan for transporting its oil: split the profits, rent the pipeline (which is in the north) or have the pipeline blocked. Southern Sudan is contemplating all of its options, including a pipeline through Uganda and Kenya.

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The Guardian June 23: G20 ministers agree action plan to curb food price volatility After two days of talks, the G20 agricultural ministers signed an agreement aimed at curbing the volatility of food prices. A UN special rapporteur on the right to food criticized the plan, saying that it does not address the causes of the rise of food prices. June 20: UNHCR report says refugee numbers at 15-year high A UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) report states that the number of refugees worldwide has reached a 15 year high point, and that the rate of refugees returning home has slowed. Many refugees are in developing nations that are unable to supply proper care for them. The New York Times June 23: Rethinking Civilian Assistance in Afghanistan USAID faces many difficulties in Afghanistan: security issues, high turnover rates among employees, a large workload, and multiple oversight organs to report to have made working in Afghanistan very difficult. USAID is exploring ways to make its work in Afghanistan more effective. The Washington Post June 23: UN drug agency: Sharp drops in opium production, but decrease likely temporary A report by the UN shows that opium and cocaine production dropped last year. However, production is expected to rebound soon. Overall use of cocaine worldwide has dropped, but use in Europe has started to rise. June 23: Article: Obamas prime-time address President Obama announced that 10,000 troops will return from Afghanistan by the end of the year, and 33,000 by September 2012. The announcement got mixed reviews from Congress. France and Germany announced that they are withdrawing 4,000 and 4,900 troops respectively. Disclaimer: Articles linked in the Update are intended to provide a dashboard view of newsworthy and topical issues from popular news outlets that will be of interest to readers of the Update. The articles are an information sharing vehicle rather than an advocacy tool. They are in no way representative of the views of InterAction or the U.S. NGO community as a whole.

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