Indonesia: From Vigilantism to Terrorism in Cirebon

Armed soldiers stand guard next to the coffin of Guinea-Bissau's President Malam Bacai Sanha in the national assembly in Bissau 15 January 2012. Photo: REUTERS

27 January 2012: The West African country Guinea-Bissau has been relatively stable since the political and military turmoil of 2010. But crucial political, military and judicial developments still lie ahead of this year's presidential elections. We talked to Vincent Foucher, Crisis Group's Senior Analyst for West Africa, about the future of Guinea-Bissau.

A Syrian man walks past damaged buildings in Homs 23 January 2012. Photo: REUTERS 

24 January 2012: For months, neither the Syrian regime, the international community, nor the opposition in exile have offered much hope in a dangerously deteriorating crisis. Increasingly, they seem to be unintentionally conniving in bringing about a civil war although it will serve no one's interests, destabilize Syria for years, and suck in the rest of the region. Their enduring pursuit of maximalist demands may sabotage what chance still exists for a negotiated transition.

Crisis Group Senior Adviser Sidney Jones speaks with Abidin Wakano, a lecturer at the State Islamic Institute in Ambon, 18 January 2012

23 January 2012: As they head back to the airport at the end of a research trip to Ambon, Indonesia, Senior Adviser Sidney Jones speaks with Communications Director Andrew Stroehlein about her impressions following their meetings with community leaders, journalists and local officials. The city is in some ways showing impressive spirit and innovative ideas in addressing the threat of renewed violence, but the slightest spark could still all too easily set off another round of Christian-Muslim bloodshed.