COUNTRY REVIEW

South Asia

Pakistan

• US drone attacks continue despite protests in the National Assembly; Spate of violent incidents in tribal region; ‘Friends of Pakistan’ meet in Abu Dhabi

Nepal

• Rifts within the Maoists at the central committee meeting; Protests against YCL’s criminal activities; Reports: Nepal discusses Kalapani issue in meeting with Chinese military delegation

Bhutan

• Labour shortages being witnessed due to stringent labour laws; Bhutan making laudable strides in ICT, in poverty reduction; Illiteracy and unemployment still remain major challenges; PM Thinley applauds BIMSTEC as a free-trade area

Bangladesh

• AL finalises its nominations for the December 18 polls; BNP to take part in polls only if held on December 28; Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime delimitation talks end

Maldives

• New armed forces chief appointed; Police chief removed; Gayoom accused of stealing property from Presidential residence

East and SouthEast Asia

China

• China calls for reform of the UNSC; Hu urges greater regional cooperation to tide over global economic crisis; US opens its sixth Consulate in Wuhan

Japan

• Japan likely to end its mission in Iraq by the end of the year; Japan, Canada agree for increased cooperation in Afghanistan; Tokyo considering a naval mission off the Somalian coast

Myanmar

• Myanmar-Bangladesh maritime talks fail; Myanmar-China oil pipeline to start in 2009

West Asia

Iran

• Iran’s former prime minister willing to run for president if Khatami opts out; Iran, Afghanistan and the UN Officials meet to discuss measures to counter drug trafficking; UN General Assembly resolution condemns human rights violations in Iran

Iraq

• Security pact between Iraq and the US signed; Protests against pact

INTERNAL SECURITY REVIEW

Jammu and Kashmir

• High turnout in 1st and 2nd phases of J&K polls

Maosit Insurgency

• 31 Maoists surrender in Andhra Pradesh

NorthEast Development

• Shivraj Patil: Assam law and order situation is worrisome; 15 ULFA and NDFB cadres arrested in connection with October 30 serial blasts

Other Development

• Shivraj Patil: No POTA to combat terror