Afghan war, Colombian rebels, Iran in Syrian peace talks, Burundi violence…

Britain to keep 450 soldiers in Afghanistan through 2016; Taliban seizes Darqand

The Taliban has seized control of Darqand, Afghanistan’s Takhar province’s district capital, which was gravely affected by Monday’s powerful earthquake. Leaders have assured that their group would not interfere with relief efforts and announced on its website, “We call on our good-willed countrymen and charitable organizations not to hold back in providing shelter, food and medical supplied to the victims.”

The fact that the Taliban was able to overrun this region so quickly is a reflection of the lackluster security plaguing the country. The Obama administration recently announced that a number US troops would remain in Afghanistan throughout next year and Britain has now announced that 450 soldiers will remain in Afghanistan throughout 2016.

Colombian rebels kill 12 members of security forces carrying election ballots

The National Liberation Army (ELN), one of the largest left-wing rebel groups operating in Colombia, ambushed and killed 12 security forces Tuesday, according to defense minister Luis Carlos Villegas. These members were carrying regional election ballots near the town of Guican.

President Manuel Santos had declared the recent election “the most peaceful and least violent in decades.” It has been announced that Enrique Penalosa, former Bogota mayor has won, indicating that Colombia’s governing left party of 12 years has been defeated.

The Colombian government has been trying to include the ELN in peace talks with another rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), focusing mainly on the way to penalize human rights abuses occurring over a period of 5 decades of violence. Therefore, those elected will play a significant part in the implementation of this peace agreement.

Syrian peace talks to take place in Vienna with Iranian participation

In a boost to its status, Iran has been invited and agreed to participate in the Syrian political transition talks beginning this week in Vienna.  The US, EU, Russia, Iran, and other regional players will meet to determine if a political resolution to the civil war can be agreed upon.  However, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad remains non-committal, arguing that Syria cannot participate until ‘terrorists’ (his term for all the opposition) are defeated.  The Gulf States, who have been bankrolling the opposition and are alarmed by Iran’s hegemonic ambitions, are sure to be disappointed to say the least.  The Syrian National Council objects to Iranian participation in the talks owing to what they see as Iran’s inflexibility in allowing Assad to exit.

However, the theocratic regime in Tehran was quick to agree to talks, keen to be at the table with other world powers and projecting its power across the Middle East.  Although Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was blunt in his remarks that no further talks with the US will take place beyond the nuclear accord, the stature afforded to Iran via this public invitation as it emerges from its isolation is too big an opportunity to pass up.

Political violence in Burundi increases as AU calls for multi-national force

Following clashes between protesters opposed to President Pierre Nkurunziza’s third consecutive term which contradicts the constitution and police in the capital city of Bujumbura that left 7 dead,  the African Union has endorsed the deployment of a multi-national peace-keeping force along with peace talks. The violence has been ongoing since Nkurunziza’s re-election in July, which the opposition says contradicts the terms of the peace deal and subsequent constitution signed in 2006 after ten years of civil war.

With elections scheduled to take place in neighboring Rwanda and Congo, whose leaders are also seeking additional terms past the mandated term limit, the situation in Burundi is being monitored by the UN and EU.  As President Nkurunziza blames the violence on Rwandan interference, the opposition will continue until a solution that is mutually satisfactory is found.

Other stories we’re following:

Russia neither confirms nor denies death of serviceman in Syria

American airstrikes in Syria decreasing after Russian intervention

US will evaluate presence in Iraq if Russia intervenes there, says Pentagon general

Obama considers troops to fight IS in Syria

Ivory Coast completes peaceful elections, re-elects President

Tanzania opposition disputes election results

Hostages killed by Seleka in CAR in retaliation for its members killed by rival militia

Nigerian Army rescues approximately 300 hostages held by Boko Haram

Russian Finance Minister: Reserve Fund apparently depleting due to oil prices