UIGHUR MILITANTS LAUNCH ANOTHER ATTACK ON XINJIANG
China has been grappling with a steep rise in terrorist attacks in its Muslim-majority Xinjiang region, which borders Pakistan. Most recently, dozens were killed when a knife-wielding gang attacked a police station in the province on July 29. The Uighur militants, who enjoy a base in Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal agency, have become a point of contention in China-Pakistan relations. (Foreign Policy, July 30, 2014)
SOCIAL MEDIA EXPANDS ISIS' REACH
The Islamic State (ISIS) is expanding its recruitment via social media in the Philippines, primarily though propaganda videos. On July 23, a video of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnion Hapilon, one of the most wanted terrorists in the United States, was posted on YouTube showing him and other masked men swearing allegiance to ISIS. The video was dubbed in multiple languages including native Filipino dialects and Arabic. Indonesia is also being targeted, and similar videos were uploaded from that country for the purposes of recruitment. (Rappler, August 4, 2014)
PAK USING COUNTERINSURGENCY FUNDS FOR INDIA
Ronald Neumann, a former US envoy to Kabul, testified to a Congressional committee that military aid and hardware being sent to Pakistan for counterterrorism purposes was instead being used to arm Pakistan against its rival India. Pakistan has received $20.7 billion worth of US assistance since 9/11, including “eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, 2,000 TOW anti-armor missiles, 14 older model F-16 fighter jets, 59 T-37 trainer jets, one missile frigate, six AN/TPS-77 surveillance radars and 20 Cobra attack helicopters.” The Department of Defense has defended the sales, arguing that the F-16s have “significant anti-terrorism applications." (Economic Times of India, August 4, 2014)
MODI VISITS NEPAL
During a visit to Nepal, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accelerated negotiations on a trade pact at the center of his diplomatic outreach to India’s smaller neighbor. Modi offered Nepal $1 billion in loans to boost its economy through the construction of several power plants and roads. He also underlined the necessity of Nepal drafting a new Constitution this year, and offered his support to Nepalese political leaders in creating vibrant democratic system. Lastly, Modi said he was ready to consider reviewing the 1950 India-Nepal Friendship Treaty, which serves as an overarching framework to govern bilateral relations and which has caused a great deal of resentment in Nepal. (Asian Age, August 4, 2014; Outlook India, August 4, 2014; Economic Times of India, August 3, 2014)