June 7, 2006
Council of Europe
Abstract:
The United States of America finds that neither the classic instruments of criminal law and procedure, nor the framework of the laws of war (including respect for the Geneva Conventions) has been apt to address the terrorist threat. As a result it has introduced new legal concepts, such as "enemy combatant" and "rendition", which were previously unheard of in international law and stand contrary to the basic legal principles that prevail on our continent. Thus, across the world, the United States has progressively woven a clandestine "spider's web" of disappearances, secret detentions and unlawful inter-state transfers, often encompassing countries notorious for their use of torture. Hundreds of persons have become entrapped in this web, in some cases merely suspected of sympathising with a presumed terrorist organisation....
December 7, 2004
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Abstract:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed shortly after the end of the Second World War to counter the threat of Soviet invasion of Western Europe. The treaty setting up the alliance was signed in 1949 by 10 Western European nations as well as Canada and the United States. NATO's mandate is to provide a common defence for the European and Atlantic areas, and to address common issues faced by the member countries.
December 1, 2004
Minorities at Risk Project // Center for International Development and Conflict Management // University of Maryland
Abstract:
Russian minority in Estonia resides primarily in two areas of the countryxe2x80x94the capital city Talinn and the border cities of Narva and Sillamae. Although the group is distinct in terms of culture, language, and religion, the problem with the Russian minority in Estonia is a relatively new one, dating back to the early 1990s when, after 50 years of Russian domination, Estonia declared its sovereignty and became independent. There is definitely potential for rebellion by Russians in Estonia, that risk, however, is not severe. The group has exhibited substantial and persistent levels of protest in past. For the most part, these were over the discriminatory citizenship and language requirement laws adopted by the Estonian government in the early 1990s, which continue to pose severe political, economic and social hardships for ethnic Russians living in the country.
Group concentration presents another potential risk factor in Russian-Estonian ethnic relations. Russian Estonians are found principally in two areas of Estonia, the capital city of Tallinn and the border cities of Narva and Sillamae. Group repression is another factor that increases the risk of rebellion by the group. Russian minority suffers significant political, economic and social discrimination. However, there are strong indications that chances of future state repression of the group are declining (although the potential for discrimination has certainly not disappeared altogether). Finally, the role of neighboring Russia must be taken into consideration as a potential irritant in the Estonian- Russian relations. Even here, however, potential for conflict has declined significa#ntly over the recent years. While at the beginning of the 1990s, Russia was actively negotiating on behalf of the Russian minorities, that has almost ceased at present. Evidence suggests that the most that the Russian minorities can rely on from the current Russian government is symbolic assistance. While the likelihood of rebellion is small, the likelihood of protest by the group remains significant. Significant political, economic, and cultural restrictions still exist, which place the Russian minority in a disadvantaged position. Due to the restrictive citizenship law, the political realm remains out of reach for many Russians. For example, in 1995, the Russian's share of eligible voters was only 10%. In the economic realm, the citizenship law restricts Russians from owning land and language...
October 15, 2004
HIV InSite Database of Country and Regional Indicators // Center for HIV Information // University of California San Francisco
Abstract:
September 17, 2004
Protection Project // School of Advanced International Studies // Johns Hopkins University
Abstract:
Estonia 
