REPARTO DE COMPETENCIAS Y OTRAS NOTICIAS IMPORTANTES

Top of the Agenda: NATO to Command No-Fly Zone NATO officials agreed to assume command of the Libya no-fly zone (BBC) from the United States, a handover that could come as soon as this weekend. All twenty-eight NATO members agreed to the shift, including Turkey, which had opposed coalition targeting of Libyan ground forces. According to NATO leadership, the mandate included only maintenance of the no-fly zone and not airstrikes on loyalist ground assets (al-Jazeera), which continue to be the charge of the United States, France, and the UK. Further talks are scheduled over the weekend to consider whether NATO should take on this expanded role. A decision is expected by Monday. The United Arab Emirates (NYT) agreed to commit its warplanes to air patrols over Libya, in what experts say is a coveted victory for an allied coalition "anxious" for Arab support. Coalition aircraft continued to bombard Qaddafi forces (WSJ) around the town of Ajdabiya, but have been unable to break the siege on the key western city of Misurata. According to theFinancial Times, European allies have been responsible for three-quarters of no-fly patrols, while U.S. forces have concentrated their strikes on Qaddafi's ground forces and supporting infrastructure. However, U.S. military officials say that fears of collateral damage have prevented attacks on regime assets within cities. Analysis: This CFR Analysis Brief looks at how intervention in Libya has been justified by the"responsibility to protect" doctrine. But debate is growing over whether Libya meets the criteria, and the mission's success is challenged by lack of clarity on objectives. This op-ed for the Moscow Times discusses how Russia's decision to abstain on the UN Security Council resolution on Libya, rather than vote no, demonstrates that Moscow's foreign policy is shaped by its vital interest in maintaining good relations with both the EU and the United States. The U.S. and European allies face increasing questions about the extent of their air bombardment of the Libyan regime's forces. This Analysis Brief notes that broader regional unrest, especially in Yemen, also poses troubles for policymakers. Background: The brutality of the Qaddafi regime and the subsequent debate over a no-fly zone has again spotlighted the UN's "responsibility to protect" doctrine. This CFR Backgrounder examines the dilemma of humanitarian intervention. The UN Security Council resolution regarding Libya was passed on March 17, 2011. Multimedia: This interactive timeline from the Guardian details steps taken by seventeen countries in the Mideast and North Africa toward regime change.

MIDDLE EAST: Syria Prepares for 'Day of Dignity' Syrian authorities prepared for more protests following a week of demonstrations that left dozens dead. Despite several proposals of reform from the Assad regime (al-Jazeera), including a possible end to emergency law and the institution of political parties, activists are calling for rallies at mosques after Friday prayers. Yemen: According to the Wall Street Journal, President Ali Abdullah Saleh is nearing a deal to resign from office "within days" in a peaceful transition to a civilian-led government. The move follows weeks' of protest, including the defection of influential General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar. Opposition movements in Bahrain and Yemen are hobbled by societal and sectarian divisions that were finessed in Tunisia and Egypt, says Middle East expert Kristin Smith Diwan. Bahrain: In defiance of government bans on protest, pro-democracy activists (FT) are calling for at least nine different demonstrations across the country, including one at the airport and another at Salmaniya hospital, which witnesses say has been obstructed by security forces.

PACIFIC RIM: Disaster Death Toll Tops Ten Thousand in Japan Two weeks after the island nation was rocked by an earthquake and tsunami (CNN), the death toll topped ten thousand, with over seventeen thousand still missing. Analysts estimate the financial damage will be close to $309 billion, the costliest in history. Japan bears only some resemblance to the Asian countries ravaged by the 2004 tsunami, but their recovery experiences could provide valuable insights to leaders in Tokyo, writes CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick. China: The Chinese government sentenced long-time democracy advocate Liu Xianbin to ten years in prison for subversion of state power (AP) related to online journalism. The sentence comes amid China's crackdown on activism that analysts say reflects anxiety Mideast unrest. On his CFR blog Asia Unbound, Adam Segal examines China's tightening controls over the Internet and the implications for U.S. policymakers.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Scores Killed in Myanmar Quake At least sixty-three people were killed in a 6.8 magnitude earthquake (Reuters) that struck Myanmar's Golden Triangle region on the border with Thailand and Laos. Authorities expect the toll to rise slightly after over one hundred buildings were leveled in the tremor. Pakistan: Gunmen opened fire on a convoy of Shiite Muslims (AFP) in Pakistan's Kurram tribal region, killing eight and wounding five. Authorities claim the area has been home to sectarian violence between Shiite and Sunni factions.

AFRICA: Nigerian Opposition Candidates Boycott Debate Nigeria's top three opposition candidates will boycott next week's presidential debate with President Goodluck Jonathan (ThisDay), citing his failure to attend last week's debate. Nigeria will hold state, National Assembly, governorship, and presidential elections in April.

AMERICAS: Hispanics Lead U.S. Population Growth According to new data from the 2010 census, the U.S. Hispanic population (BBC) grew 43 percent, compared to 1 percent growth of non-Hispanic whites. The Asian population grew the fastest between 2000 and 2010, and now makes up roughly 5 percent of the population. Canada: Opposition parties prepare to oust the government of Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper (AP) on Friday, citing ethics questions. Opinion polls suggest the Conservative Party will be reelected, but will be forced to govern in the minority.