New I-SSR issues available to view and download:
In tandem with our research project: Security sector reforms (SSR) in the Arab-revolution countries; two new issues of I-SSR are now ready to view and/or download. Please visit 'publications' for these deeply research reports.
SSR and the Islamists in the Arab revolution countries
28 May 2012. IISA holds a round-table with senior UK officials on SSR in the Arab-revolution countries and UK government responses and initiatives
IISA held a round-table with senior officials from UK government's Conflict Pool team on Security sector reforms in the Arab-revolution countries. The round-table aimed at understanding British government's perception of challenges for both SSR and DDR processes in the Arab-revolution countries. The meeting also discussed the steps British government has undertaken since the Arab-revolution and the future directions of British initiatives. IISA experts on SSR and DDR attended the meeting. We also invited few other experts and relevant organisation's representatives to attend. The meeting reflected on lessons learned on SSR and DDR processes in Afghanistan, Iraq etc. and addressed the issues and challenges of transition and transformation in the Arab-revolution countries, namely; Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen. A brief report will summarise the meeting without identifying the participants. It will soon be available to download from our website. This meeting is part of our I-SSR project that focuses on SSR and DDR processes in the Arab-revolution countries. The event was sponsored by http://brand786.co.uk/.
IISA held a round-table with senior officials from UK government's Conflict Pool team on Security sector reforms in the Arab-revolution countries. The round-table aimed at understanding British government's perception of challenges for both SSR and DDR processes in the Arab-revolution countries. The meeting report is below
I-SSR report no. 23rd - 4th May 2012 - IISA panel on SSR in Tunis conference with TUNISIAN DEFENCE MINSTRY and CEMI
IISA contributed a panel on SSR (security sector reforms) experts on a conference in Tunis on 03-04 May 2012. The conference 'Security in the Mediterranean and Security sector reform (SSR)' organised in association with TUNISIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY and CEMI; analysed the security issues in the region, after the beginning of the Arab-revolution.
IISA director Usama Butt and Senior Advisor Alpaslan Ozerdem, whilst focusing on SSR in the post and in-revolution Middle East and North Africa countries, argued for pragmatic SSR. Prof Alay Allani, another senior advisor, stressed the role of civilian –military and inter-security sectors relations. Our panel cautioned western approaches of SSR whilst arguing for a necessity of consultation with western and international donors and experts. IISA team also separately met with senior officials in the government and leading political parties.
The meeting was attended by senior military officials from the Maghreb countries. Western and Tunisian academics were also present. This conference is first of the many events that IISA will contribute to and organise in tandem with our research programme 'Security Sector Reforms in the post and in-revolution Arab countries'. We will hold similar events with senior security officials, academics and leading actor's i.e. new Islamists governments in Libya, Egypt and Yemen.
IISA believes on formulas that work in the regional context. Our SSR research programme will produce alternative approaches.The conference report and SSR challenges report in Tunisia will be published soon on the website.
IISA contributed a panel in a conference organised in co-operation with CEMI and Tunisian Ministry of Defence. The conference report is now available to download at the link below or at the 'Publications' page.
I-SSR report no. 1
27th February 2012 - IISA director attends UK foreign office roundtable discussion on Arab-Spring and British responses
The director of IISA, Usama Butt was invited to UK foreign and commonwealth office roundtable discussion on 27 February 2012. Foreign office's Middle East and North Africa director Dr. Christian Tuner and FCO's head of 'Arab-Partnership' Irfan Siddiq described the British government response to the Arab-Spring. IISA and other participant organisations delegates shared ideas on how best to strengthen British responses to the Arab-Spring and UK government initiative 'Arab-Partnership. IISA presented the case for working with local models and in association with regional actors, and submitted a brief report reflecting IISA's senior advisors position on the issue.
21st March 2012 - The Director of IISA, Usama Butt attends a round-table discussion on Pakistan's security and future.
The director of IISA, Usama Butt was invited to a round-table discussion 'Pakistan on precipice' organised by ORG in London on 21 March 2012. The event was attended by senior UK government officials in Pakistan/Afghanistan as well as senior UK journalists from flag-ship newspapers and BBC. IISA suggested a multi-lateral, regional and sustainable approach to solving Pakistan's security and strategic problems and issues. The director also emphasised co-operation with Pakistan on long-term and 'incentivised' basis. IISA stressed its position on finding local formula's to the crises and reiterated that US special-forces basis after the withdrawal will not be helpful to achieving sustainable peace and security.