July 4 – Former Soviet Republics: : KAZAKHSTAN
The two main political parties in Kazakhstan agree to form a coalition, consolidating power in Central Asia’s richest country. President Nursultan Nazarbayev controls one of the parties, and his daughter, Dariga Nazarbayeva, controls the other. Kazakhstan has one of the world’s largest untapped reserves of oil and gas, attracting billions of dollars of foreign investment. However, the media operates under strict controls and elections under President Nazarbayev have yet to meet international standards.
July 5 – East Asia: NORTH KOREA
North Korea test-fires seven missiles, sparking condemnation from the international community. One of the missiles, the Taepodong-2, is thought to be capable of reaching Alaska in the United States, despite failing shortly after takeoff. Although North Korea has been involved in stalled six-party talks on its nuclear program, analysts believe the missile tests may be a means of gaining world attention, particularly from the United States.
July 5 – Latin America: VENEZUELA
Venezuela joins Mercosur, the South American trade bloc. The new membership drew criticism and concern about how to integrate members that prefer an open-market approach from those that promote state intervention in the economy. The other members of Mercosur are Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
July 9 – Middle East: IRAQ
Gunmen kill at least 40 people at a fake police checkpoint in the city. The incident follows attacks on mosques in Baquba and Sinjar. Earlier in the week, a car bomb explosion in a busy Baghdad market kills at least 66 people and injures approximately 100.
July 10 – Middle East: KUWAIT
Kuwait’s emir, Sheik Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, approves a new cabinet. Members of the ruler’s family dominate the cabinet, even though the opposition claimed victory in last month’s parliamentary elections. The emir dissolved parliament prior to the elections due to a dispute with the government over electoral reforms. The move prompted the previous cabinet members to resign.
July 11 – North America/Former Soviet Republics: UNITED STATES/KYRGYZSTAN
Two United States diplomats are expelled from Kyrgyzstan after allegations of inappropriate contacts with non-governmental organizations. The U.S. embassy argues that the allegations are “simply not true” and vows to maintain contact with all sectors of civil society. The expulsions come during disputes over the future of a US military base located in the country.
July 11 – Africa: SOMALIA
Somali Islamists defeat the forces of the last remaining warlord in Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu. Approximately 500 fighters under leader Abdi Qeybdid hand over weapons and supplies to the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC). The UIC now controls 99 percent of Mogadishu, in addition to several towns taken last month. The United States and Somali transitional government accuse the UIC of having ties to al-Qaeda.
July 13 – Middle East: ISRAEL/LEBANON
As a part of a major Israeli military offensive, Israel blocks Lebanon’s ports, preventing travel to and from the country by sea. Israel also bombs the Lebanese international airport, resulting in its closure. The offensive comes in response to Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah’s capture of two Israeli soldiers on the Israel-Lebanon border.
July 13 – East Asia: INDONESIA
Indonesia’s parliament grants greater autonomy to the province of Aceh, which will enjoy more autonomy than any other Indonesian province. The new law is a part of the 2004 peace deal between the Indonesian government and a separatist group, the Free Aceh Movement (Gam). Human rights groups criticize the law citing that it prohibits Aceh’s new human rights court from trying crimes committed during the last 30 years of conflict.
July 13 – Europe: RUSSIA
Chechen rebel chief Shamil Basayev dies in an explosion in the republic of Ingushetia. His death is a victory for Russian forces fighting Chechen rebels over their desire for a separate state. Basayev is believed to be the mastermind behind many rebel activities, including the 2002 attack on a Moscow theatre and the 2004 raid on a Beslan school.
July 14 — Europe: BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
The Hague war crimes tribunal begins prosecuting seven former Bosnian Serb officers for the 1995 massacre at Srebrenica, during which 8,000 Bosnian Muslims died. Five of the seven officers are standing trial for genocide and crimes against humanity. The case is the largest thus far for the war crimes tribunal.
July 14 – East Asia: EAST TIMOR
The new government of East Timor is sworn in, following the appointment of José Ramos-Horta as the new prime minister. Ramos-Horta replaces Mari Alkatiri, who stepped down last month after his firing of 600 soldiers led to months of violence and unrest. A recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Ramos-Horta is viewed as a possible unifying figure for East Timor. The country gained independence from Indonesia in 2002.
July 18 – East Asia: JAPAN
Japan withdraws the last of its 600 troops from Iraq, ending the first deployment of Japanese forces into an active war zone since World War II. The troops were engaged in humanitarian projects and reconstruction projects in southern Iraq. Japan’s pacifist constitution bans the use of force in settling international disputes. A new law in 2003 granted troops permission to enter non-combat zones in Iraq.
July 18 – Former Soviet Republics: KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan launched its first satellite, marking its entrance into the space and satellite industry. The missile was launched from the Baikonur space centre while Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin watched from a nearby post. The satellite will relay various communication signals for Kazakhstan, parts of Russia, and three other Central Asian nations.
July 18 – Middle East: IRAQ
Japan withdraws the last of its 600 troops from Iraq, ending the first deployment of Japanese forces into an active war zone since World War II. The troops were engaged in humanitarian projects and reconstruction projects in southern Iraq. Japan’s pacifist constitution bans the use of force in settling international disputes. A new law in 2003 granted troops permission to enter non-combat zones in Iraq.
July 24 – South Asia: PAKISTAN
A new nuclear reactor is being built in Pakistan, according to a nuclear monitoring institute in the United States. The reactor could bring about an arms race in the region, as Pakistan and India attempt to rival each other’s nuclear capabilities.
July 26 – Latin America: HONDURAS
A protest over foreign control of various mines in Honduras closes four parts of the vital Pan-American Highway. Protestors object to a 1998 law allowing foreigners to own up to 34 percent of Honduran mines. President Manuel Zelaya condemns the protest, claiming it is bad for the country’s image.
July 27 – South Asia: INDIA
The United States House of Representatives approves an agreement to share nuclear technology with India. Critics argue the deal sends the wrong message to other countries, such as Iran, which are also attempting to build nuclear programs. Some also fear that the deal will set off a nuclear arms race in the region.
July 31 – South Asia: SRI LANKA
Heavy fighting between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers continues in a dispute over access to a blockaded canal in the Trincomalee district. The government claims the advance is an effort to open the canal’s gates to give nearby villages access to water. The attack presents a further obstacle to the international ceasefire monitoring mission.
July 31 – South Asia: AFGHANISTAN
NATO forces, led by the UK and Canada, officially gain control over military operations in southern Afghanistan. The operation represents the first land deployment outside of Europe for NATO. The southern area of Afghanistan has seen a recent upsurge of violence. The mission is focused on providing security and assisting the reconstruction of infrastructure, such as schools, roads, and hospitals.
July 31 – Latin America: PERU
Peruvian president-elect Alan García is inaugurated for a five-year term, marking his return to office after 16 years. His top priority is fighting poverty, but some doubt his ability to maintain the current trend of strong economic growth. His previous presidency was characterized by 7,000 percent inflation, corruption, and a bloody internal conflict. More than half of all Peruvians currently live below the poverty line.
July 27 – North America/South Asia: UNITED STATES/INDIA
The United States House of Representatives approves an agreement to share nuclear technology with India. Critics argue that the deal sends the wrong message to other countries, such as Iran, which are also attempting to build nuclear programs. Some also fear that the deal will set off a nuclear arms race in the region.
July 25 – Former Soviet Republics/Europe: GEORGIA/RUSSIA
Tensions between Georgia and Russia flare as Georgia sends a military force to the breakaway Abkhazia region. Russia condemns the deployment, arguing that it is a violation of the 1994 Moscow ceasefire agreement halting fighting between separatists and Georgian forces. Georgia is demanding the removal of Russian forces from the region. Russia says its troops are in Abkhazia to maintain the peace.