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Week of September 24 - September 28, 2007 What's New
Week of October 1 - 5, 2007
What Was New
Iraq Security Council Empire? Social and Economic Policy NGOs Nations and States International Justice
Iraq
Week of October 1 - 5, 2007
Black Gold Turns Grey as Western Giants Prepare to Draw from the Wells of Iraq (September 30, 2007)
In this Independent article, Ewa Jasiewicz speaks of Iraq's fight for access to Iraq's vast oil reserves. The author says that the growing public opposition to foreign control of Iraq's oil has stalled the "black goldrush" that oil companies were hoping for."Progress" by the Numbers (September 9, 2007)
This TomDispatch article examines the "carefully defined and cherry picked" numbers presented by the US government and General David Petraeus to sell progress in Iraq. The author says marketing tools have been used by the US since before the war. To illustrate the manipulation of numbers, the author presents a comprehensive list of his own alternative numbers - 17 nations withdrawn from the coalition of the willing, US$3 billion cost of the war per week, and 50,000 Iraqis fleeing their homes each month.Iraq Seeks Long-Term US Security Pact (September 30, 2007)
The Iraq government will request that the UN Security Council renew the Multinational Force (MNF) when the mandate expires in December 2007. Iraq's deputy foreign minister indicates that the government will request a final one year renewal to be followed by a long-term bilateral security agreement. (New York Times)Report Says Firm Sought to Cover Up Iraq Shootings (October 2, 2007)
A report from Congress affirms long held concerns by Iraqi officials and civilians that the private security firm Blackwater "have repeatedly acted with reckless disregard for Iraqi life." The State Department has paid over US$832 million to Blackwater for diplomatic security services, but according to the report, the Department has done little to supervise the 861 employees working in Iraq. The report by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform comes after the shooting of numerous Iraqi civilians by Blackwater employees. See report here. (New York Times)Those Who Blow Whistle on Contractor Fraud in Iraq Face Penalties (August 24, 2007)
The reconstruction of Iraq has been plagued with fraud, inflated contract costs, corruption and the disappearance of US$8.8 billion in Congressional funds. Despite the lack of accountability many military officers, contractors and employees who have attempted to disclose cases of corruption have been fired or demoted. One senior adviser to the National Security Whistleblowers Coalition says there are no happy outcomes for those who have blown the whistle. (Santa Barbara News Press)Documents Show Troops Disregarding Rules (September 4, 2007)
The American Civil Liberties Union has obtained documents from legal proceedings against US military officers charged with committing crimes against civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan. The documents reveal that troops believe their actions are "appropriate, approved, standard and lawful." The 22 incidents include the drowning of an Iraqi man who was pushed from a bridge after breaking curfew and the suffocation of a former Iraqi general during an interrogation using an "approved technique." The documents shed light on war crimes in Iraq that are typically kept from public knowledge. (Associated Press)Security Council
Water and Violent Conflict (May 26, 2005)
Water-related tensions occur when the resource is scarce and access is limited. According to this OECD briefing, political, socio-economic and cultural factors fuel these tensions and can create conflicts on four different levels - local, national, international and global. International cooperation on rivers, basins and other sources of water can help diminish tensions, as they serve to build trust and confidence, as well as facilitating development.UN Agrees to Delay Vote on Further Iran Sanctions (September 28, 2007)
The P-5 and Germany decided to refrain from imposing sanctions on Iran until the release of a report by Moahmed ElBaradei and Javier Solana assessing Tehran's cooperation and the transparency on its nuclear enrichment. After two previous UN sanction resolutions, a tougher version will be put to a vote in November, unless there is a "positive response." But, the US and Russia may disagree on how Iran is responding. (International Herald Tribune)Oil War Feared Between Uganda and DR Congo (October 2, 2007)
In spite of the MONUC peacekeeping presence in Congo, the undefined border between Uganda and Congo has created tension, resulting in a lack of trust and conflict between the two countries. To add to the existing tension, Uganda discovered rich oil reserves in the region of Lake Albert, resulting in the deployment of troops from both sides. The two governments ask for international assistance to determine who has the right to explore the oil and to help delimit the lake territory, preventing another war. (Environment News Service)Small Arms Destruction Efforts Reverberate Around the World (October 1, 2007)
In celebration of Small Arms Destruction day, July 9, nations destroyed weapons that could be used in future conflicts. The day served to reaffirm a US commitment "to implement steps under the United Nations program to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons." Farid Homayoun of the HALO Trust NGO added that this action helps the UN Development Program to improve security and peace building efforts in countries like Afghanistan, Angola, Albania and Congo. (US State Department's Bureau of International Information Programs)UN: Security Council's Troop Plan in Chad/CAR Risks Failing Many (September 27, 2007)
Human Rights Watch calls UN attention to the unprotected people living in Chad and Central African Republic. The deployment of the UN peacekeeping troops (MINURCAT), focus mainly on refugee camps and large internally displaced people sites, without considering the suffering of civilians from violence in their home communities. The EU peacekeeping force and MINURCAT should also work with local governments to stop abuse against civilians.US Not Campaigning Against Libya for Security Council Seat (October 1, 2007)
Libya seeks a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2007 election. It must be elected by the General Assembly. Since the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight, Libya has faced Security Council sanctions, as well as a 15-year US opposition to its membership in the Council. Although the US hasn't supported Libya's 2007 candidacy, it hasn't opposed it either, so Libya may possibly be elected. (Agence France Presse)Vulnerable Central African Republic Being Drawn in to Neighbor's Conflicts (December 10, 2006)
Despite the fair and free elections in 2005, the Central African Republic has never known stability, and corruption still lingers. People are living in terrible conditions and this small country is being engulfed by the conflicts in neighboring Chad and Sudan. The United Nations considers the region as the "world's gravest humanitarian crisis." Lamine Cisse, top UN official in CAR, said that the conflicts in Sudan, Chad and CAR are all linked and can only be solved together. (International Herald Tribune)Empire?
Venezuela's Oil-Based Economy (November 27, 2006)
Venezuela's increasing oil wealth is allowing the country to pose a larger counterweight to the US in Latin America. Caracas allocates many of the oil funds to social programs at home and development aid to neighboring countries. To decrease its dependency on US imports - which presently make up 60 percent of Venezuelan exports - President Hugo Chavez is diversifying business partners, reaching out to Central- and South American countries, China, India and Iran. (Council on Foreign Relations)Q&A: Neocon Power Examined (October 4, 2007)
In this interview, journalist and neoconservative Max Boot speaks out about neocon power and its influence on the US government and the war in Iraq. He also promotes regime change in Iran, if necessary by force. He calls the neocon ideology a mix of "Wilsonian idealism and Kissengerian Realpolitik" which perceives the US as an 'empire of liberty.' (Christian Science Monitor)MI5 and MI6 to Be Sued for First Time over Torture (September 12, 2007)
A British man, Tarek Dergoul, who claims that US guards tortured him in Afghanistan and in Guantanamo Bay, has sued the British intelligence agencies. He maintains the agencies gained knowledge about the mistreatment, when they first met him. If Dergoul wins, British agents can no longer interrogate British citizens who are held and tortured abroad. According to court documents Tarek Dergoul told agents that he suffered beatings, sexual humiliation and insults to his religion, but that they took no actions against the US guards. (Guardian)In Harm's Way (September 30, 2007)
This New York Times Book Review discusses journalist Robert D. Kaplan's new book "Hog Pilots, Blue Water Grunts." Kaplan follows the US military through different deployments around the globe while cheering on the soldiers' efforts and their love of their country. By supporting the troops and their missions unconditionally, Kaplan comes off as biased and uncritical. He portrays the future of the US 'empire' as a global network of small military bases, almost invisible, but very much integrated in the host society.The Diagnosis of a Dying Republic (September 25, 2007)
This libertarian LewRockwell article discusses Chalmer Johnson's new book "Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic," which dissects the US "empire" and the essence of its "warfare state." The article argues that an empire often promotes the economic interests of a very small elite, while ignoring the interests of the general public. This makes empires unsustainable in the long run. By comparing the US with the Roman and the British empires, the article concludes that the US must either give up the empire and restore the original republic or see it vanish, as did the Roman counterpart.Mugabe Slams Bush Over Human Rights (September 27, 2007)
During a speech in the UN General Assembly, Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe told US President George Bush that it was hypocritical to accuse countries like Iran, Syria, Belarus, North Korea and Zimbabwe of being 'brutal regimes'. He said, "He kills in Iraq. He kills in Afghanistan. And this is supposed to be our master on human rights?" Robert Mugabe's regime itself has a history of human rights violations; however Mugabe points out, the US can hardly point a finger at other countries, as long as Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib exist. (Reuters Africa)Social and Economic Policy
Why Women Remain Trapped in Informal Trade (September 28, 2007)
The Federation of National Associations of Business Women in COMESA (FEMCOM) highlights illiteracy and insufficient access to credit as two of the main reasons why African women are unable to participate effectively in regional and international trade. In order to better integrate women into the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) trade system, FEMCOM has initiated training for local business women to increase gender sensitization, and to improve quality management, packaging, market information and business management. Increased information on the functioning of markets will greatly improve the productivity of the women and integrate them in formal rather than informal sector trade activities. (Inter Press Service)Many Biofuels Have More Climate Impact Than Oil (September 28, 2007)
A new study by Nobel winning chemist Paul J. Crutzen sheds light on the many disadvantages of biofuel production. The production of many biofuels release more greenhouse gases than what is saved using them, due to intensive industrial farming methods. The fertilizer often used in production of biofuels, such as rapeseed, carries a high concentration of nitrous oxide which cancels out the benefits of reduced carbon emissions. Producing biofuels also results in other side effects, such as increased food prices and rainforest degradation. The report concludes that biofuel produced from rapeseed would release between 1 and 1.7 times more greenhouse gases than regular diesel. (Reuters)The Woman Question (September 26, 2007)
The author of this Guardian article contests the idea that gender equality is a purely Western value. The author gives examples of medieval female Hindu poets teaching Indian women how to oppose inequality and injustice. Further, the author also reminds us that it was Muslim women who encouraged Western feminists to view gender inequality in light of social divisions such as race and class. The author argues that developed countries such as Britain and the US need to address their own gender inequality issues before using female suppression to "justify cultural condescension and colonial occupation" as rich countries have had a history of doing.Who Does US Food Aid Benefit? (September 12, 2007)
NGOs and other critics are concerned that US food aid programs benefit the agribusiness and shipping industry more than the poor, as the US government requires its food aid to be grown, packaged and shipped from the US. In response to US requirements, CARE recently rejected a food aid package worth US$45 million. The food crops for aid are also heavily subsidized and sold to generate money for development projects, preventing any local competition from poor countries. However, purchasing locally grown food crops would benefit the economies of developing countries as well as ensure rapid food delivery in a crisis situation. (In These Times)Unrest in Myanmar Could Block Food Aid For 500,000 People, UN Food Agency Warns (September 28, 2007)
Following the weeks of unrest in Myanmar, the local government has restricted the movement of food and people, severely hampering the activities of the World Food Program in the country. This could mean that as many as 500,000 people who are dependent on the aid for survival find themselves without access to food . Over the next three years, the WFP aims to feed 1.6 million people in Myanmar, but in addition to facing logistical restrictions, the program is also suffering funding shortages and may have to cut back on its operations. (UN News)Financial Resources and Policy Space in Africa (September 27, 2007)
In this World Economy and Development article, the author considers the data of the 2007 UNCTAD report and calls for a return of the "developmental state" in Africa. The article considers options available for raising domestic funds - such as increased tax rates, improved tax collection, better use of remittances from workers abroad, and control of capital flight - and concludes that these measures would significantly reduce African countries' aid dependence. In addition, the author argues that the African countries should shift away from integration with the world economy and focus on creating internal links between domestic economic sectors, and between urban and rural economic activities.Unpredictable Weather Patterns, Diversion of Grain for Biofuels, Contribute to Growing Food Shortages (September 28, 2007)
The author of this YaleGlobal article expresses concern over a looming global food crisis. Food crop harvests are falling while consumption is increasing, and the author fears this will lead to social and political unrest. Also worrying is the increasing share of agriculture devoted to biofuels. Combined with growing consumption, environmental degradation, watershortages and urbanization and massive agricultural subsidies in rich countries this could spell disaster. Further, climate change leaves poor equatorial countries extremely vulnerable to weather changes and seasonal variation.All Nations Have a Responsibility to Strive for Lifestyles That Are Sustainable (September 26, 2007)
In this YaleGlobal article, the former Indian Ambassador to the UN, Chandrashekhar Dasgupta, argues that developing countries should be allowed to continue their industrial development and catch up with the developed countries, and that rich countries should bear the bulk of the costs related to climate change mitigation. While the rich countries have the financial and technological resources to make changes to lower carbon emissions, these are not available to poor countries. He argues that the poor countries too should contribute to prevent climate change, but fails to specify in what way they will be doing this.Africa: Improved Regional Integration Still Key for Success (September 25, 2007)
The 2007 UNCTAD report argues for more regional cooperation between African countries. Agreeing with this idea, some economists suggest that the African economies "are more competitive than complimentary" and that they would benefit from diversifying production and reducing their dependency on primary product exports. To increase mutual trade, the countries should engage in greater monetary cooperation and in developing a common African currency. (Inter Press Service)Historic Surge in Crop Prices Roils Markets (September 28, 2007)
Crop prices are rising to historic levels, reversing a long-term trend of steadily lowering world crop prices. For the third consecutive year the world is consuming more food grain than it produces, making the gap between demand and supply the largest in thirty years. This has dramatic consequences for poor countries as they are increasingly vulnerable to bad harvests. Further, high food grain prices will reduce poor countries' purchasing power and hinder economic growth. Also, humanitarian groups fear that they will lose ground against hunger, as their food aid budgets will not reach as far as planned. (Wall Street Journal)Does Globalization Bring War or Peace? (September 24, 2007)
This AlterNet article explores the relationship between international trade and conflict. The author finds that high levels of trade acts as an accelerator for either cooperation or conflict. Whether cooperation or conflict occurs, depends on the structure of a country's domestic economic institutions and which domestic sectors are dominant in international exchange - primary, industrial, or even military products. The author also argues that trade can promote cooperation if the political elite are affiliated with productive and competitive industries or alternatively whether the elite are involved in industries less successful in international trade. The author warns against viewing trade and economic independence as a protection against war or conflict.NGOs
Waging Peace (October 3, 2007)
This article discusses the book 'Waging Peace' by Scott Ritter, former UN weapons inspector in Iraq. As a republican he voted for George Bush in the US elections in 2000, but has consistently opposed the war in Iraq. Commenting on the recent surge in opposition to the war, Ritter says that "Americans are not against the war in Iraq because it is wrong; they are against it because we are losing." As an active participant in the anti-war movement, Ritter says it lacks both a clear message and effective organization. It also lacks the determination of the powerful US 'military-industrial-congressional complex' and a future vision for the US. Ritter argues that patriotism is the way forward and asks his readers "to love America enough to change it." (Michigan Citizen)Nations and States
A Hedge Haven Makes Its Rules Even Lighter (September 29, 2007)
The island of Jersey, located in the English Channel, has long been an offshore hedge fund haven, with funds totaling US$ 81 billion. But from January 2008 officials will introduce a 'zero-regulation regime' on the island, removing all restrictions on financial transactions. According to the director at Jersey Finance, a legislative institution, demands from the hedge fund community directly resulted in the new deregulation. Offshore havens, which reached a total of US $1.17 trillion in July 2006, could see competition for deregulation result in widespread fraud, financial crises and monopolies. (Wall Street Journal)International Justice
International Justice in the Dock (September 7, 2007)
The former spokeswoman to the Chief Prosecutor in the International War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, Florence Hartmann, reveals that the Tribunal is a victim of political manipulation by foreign powers. The author documents the influence of the US and Britain in the trial of Slobodan Milosevic. According to Hartmann, the big powers restrict the flow of crucial information to the Tribunal, including documents which confirm the active role of Slobodan Milosevic in the war by the Bosnian Serbs in Pale. These "obstructionist strategies" by foreign powers undermines and weakens the operation of the Tribunal. (Le Temps)Croats Call UN War Crimes Verdict "Shameful" (September 28, 2007)
The UN court in The Hague lightly sentenced former Yugoslav army officers responsible for the Vukovar massacre. The judges considered some of the victims as Croat fighters, not civilians and for that reason dismissed the charges of crimes against humanity. The Croatian people and government reject the sentences and demand punitive action from the United Nations on the case. (Reuters)War Crime Lawyers Fight UN on Top Job: New Secretary General is Challenged Over 'Secret Appointment' to Replace Top Tribunal Prosecutor (September 23, 2007)
Senior lawyers at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) threaten to resign over the appointment of a new chief prosecutor in an apparent secret deal with Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Commentators suggest the successor to chief prosecutor Carla Del Ponte will be a 'newcomer', Belgian criminologist, Serge Brammertz. Senior lawyers at The Hague argue that the current deputy to Del Ponte, David Tolbert, should be appointed given his nine year experience at the tribunal. Meanwhile, Del Ponte traveled to Belgrade in an attempt to capture fugitives, General Ratko Mladic and former President Radovan Karadzic which would extend the tribunal's mandate to 2010. (Observer)UN Warning on Cambodia Tribunal (October 1, 2007)
The UN has issued a report about the high salaries and unqualified staff of the Cambodian tribunal on the Khmer Rouge. The report states that unless there is a new recruitment process the UN will cease to collaborate with the trial. The Cambodian tribunal administration defended the trial and called the accusations "out of proportion." Open Society Justice Initiative, which is monitoring the court, has agreed with the UN report and is requesting further corruption investigations. (BBC)
What Was New What's New
Week of September 24 - 28, 2007
Iraq Security Council Empire? Social and Economic Policy Nations and States UN Reform Secretary General International Justice
Iraq
In this TomDispatch article, Dilip Hiro presents evidence detailing US ambitions for Iraq's oil industry prior to the 2003 invasion. According to Paul O'Neill, the former Treasury Secretary under President Bush, and Falah Al Jibury an Iraqi-American oil consultant, Iraq and its vast oil reserves were discussed "within weeks" of President George Bush being elected in January 2001. The author sheds light on the falsity of assertions by Washington that the war was not about oil and suggests reasons why the Bush administration has failed to fulfill its dreams of a privatized oil sector in Iraq.Iraq's Hired Hands Under Fire as the Pot of Gold Starts to Run Low (September 22, 2007)
The invasion of Iraq in 2003 saw an unprecedented hiring of private security contractors into positions once dominated by the military. According to the Guardian the boom for private security firms is coming to an end due to incidents with US firm, Blackwater, the "aggressive end of the market," and the tightening of US funding into Iraqi reconstruction projects. The annual global value of contracts with private military companies is estimated at 44.5 billion British pounds. Commentators believe that while US funding will not match previous amounts, there are still profits in Iraq for security companies. Aegis, a British firm secured a two year US$475 million contract for "reconstruction security support services" - the largest single deal in Iraq.Iraqi Premier Says Blackwater Shootings Challenge His Nation's Sovereignty (September 24, 2007)
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says the shootings of Iraqi civilians by the private security firm Blackwater presents a "serious challenge to the sovereignty of Iraq." According to Iraqi authorities, the September 16, 2007 shooting of 11 civilians in Baghdad is one of seven incidents involving Blackwater. Despite initial calls by the Iraqi government for the removal of Blackwater, Maliki has since said he will allow the firm to stay until an investigation is completed and in order to avoid a "security vacuum in the capital." (New York Times)Iraq to End Contractor 'Immunity' (September 25, 2007)
The Iraqi interior ministry drafts legislation responding to the shooting of 11 Iraqis by employees of the private security firm Blackwater. Commentators suggest the legislation includes provisions which will remove the immunity granted to contractors under the Coalition Provisional Authority laws. Under the draft, contractors will be monitored by Iraq's interior ministry, they will be required to adhere to set guidelines and they will be subject to Iraqi law. The draft legislation signals the intention of the Iraq government to control contractors, who many Iraqis believe are "private armies acting with impunity on their soil." (BBC)Clerics Begin to Take Over (September 10, 2007)
Iraqis express concern that religious clerics are influencing Iraqi politics, despite assurances by US President George Bush that Iraq would become a "secular and free country." Many Iraqi academics and community leaders are concerned that human rights and religious freedom are at risk as religious clerics take a prominent role in the Iraqi government. (Inter Press Service)Iraqi Lawmakers Pass Resolution That May Force End to Occupation (June 5, 2007)
According to a binding resolution passed in Iraq in June 2007, the Iraqi parliament has the power to prevent the renewal of the UN mandate under which the MNF operate in the country. Iraqi politicians hope the resolution will prevent Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki from renewing the mandate in December 2007 without first consulting parliament. (AlterNet)Iraq: Can Ba'athists Be Brought Back? (August 31, 2007)
An agreement allowing former Ba'athists leaders to return to politics in Iraq has been reached between the Sunni led Iraqi Islamic party and Shiite and Kurdish leadership. The agreement calls for an end to the de-Ba'athification law and for the release of Sunni Arab detainees held without charge in US and Iraqi facilities. The agreement comes as rival wings of the Ba'athists party clash over the direction of the party including possible reconciliation efforts with the Iraqi government. Former Ba'athist leaders are skeptical that the agreement will achieve its objectives. (Radio Free Europe)Iraq Death Tolls Rivals Rwanda Genocide, Cambodian Killing Fields (September 17, 2007)
A study by the British polling firm, ORB reveals 1.2 million Iraqis have been killed since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The ORB death toll stands in stark contrast to a poll conducted in the US which shows that the US public believe only 10,000 Iraqis have been killed since 2003. Joshua Holland from AlterNet argues that the death toll in Iraq is proportional to the number of deaths in both the 1994 Rwandan genocide where 800,000 were killed, and the 'killing fields' of Cambodia resulting in 1.7 million deaths. Despite these figures the US government, the mainstream media and occupation supporters dismiss the numbers and argue the US is preventing more deaths than they cause.US to Target Iranian Arms Entering Iraq (September 10, 2007)
The US is planning a number of measures to stop the alleged flow of Iranian arms to Shiite militants in Iraq. The Pentagon will construct a base near the Iraqi-Iranian border, build fortified checkpoints on the highways from Iran to Baghdad and install X-ray machines and explosive detectors at the Iraq-Iran border crossing. Iran denies US allegations that it is supplying weapons to Shiite militants. However, Washington continues to maintain that Iran is interfering in Iraq. This has led to talk of a possible military strike against Iran. (Wall Street Journal)British Move Raises Fears on Iraq Supply Lines (September 16, 2007)
Iraqi military commanders and government officials in the southern part of the country express concern that the supply route from Baghdad to Basra will be open to attacks as the British hand over regional control to the Iraqi security forces. The road from Basra is one of the major supply routes for convoys carrying fuel, food, ammunition and equipment throughout Iraq. According to statistics, 3.3 million gallons of fuel and food for 780,000 meals is required every day to sustain the war. General David Petraeus suggests that in the absence of the British forces that Iraqi patrols will be able to secure the supply routes. However, Iraqis in Basra are concerned that the Iraqi security forces are unprepared, not equipped and are infiltrated by the militias. (New York Times)Iraq's Sadr Orders Militia to Stand Down (August 30, 2007)
The Shiite cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr calls for a ceasefire in the activities of his Mehdi Army. A spokesperson for al-Sadr says the aim of the ceasefire is to "rehabilitate" rival factions and 'rogue' officers who Sadr blames for attacks on Sunni civilians and Iraqi government forces. Sadr also calls for an end to attacks by the militia on US and coalition troops. The ceasefire comes as fighting between rival Shiite factions culminates in gun battles in Karbala. (Los Angeles Times)Security Council
EU Prepares for Hard-Core Chad Mission (July 26, 2007)
The EU planned to send peacekeeping troops to Chad's border with Sudan, where more than 20,000 displaced people are encamped. This EU operation would protect Chad civilians and help the UN troops contain the crisis in neighboring Sudan. But, the extensive EU mission faces complications such as the authorization of military force and whether France should contribute with troops. If plans go awry, the force could potentially cause more instability in the region. (International Relations and Security Network)UN Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007) (September 25, 2007)
The Security Council unanimously approved a "multidimensional presence" combining UN and EU troops in eastern Chad and the north-eastern Central African Republic. With an initial duration of one year, the MINURCAT troops will help both countries battle their humanitarian and security crisis. (Security Council Report)Will The Failed Abuja Diplomacy Be Repeated in Libya? (September 26, 2007)
The author argues that "coercive diplomacy" does not work, and that the peace talks in Libya on October 27 will not succeed without an established common position among Darfur Rebel Movements. The UN Security Council Resolution on Darfur will remain ineffective if the Sudanese government continues its military operations. (Sudan Tribune)UNMIL Gets Yearlong Greenlight (September 24, 2007)
The UN Security Council expanded its mission in Liberia, UNMIL, with a mandate that lasts until September 30, 2008. Although Liberia has greatly improved after fourteen years of civil war, the country still faces the challenges of post-conflict transitions. Even though the resolution 1777 (2007) prolongs UN assistance for one more year, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has recommended a gradual reduction of the troops, avoiding the risk of instability. (Analyst-Monrovia)PM Pushes Key UN Seat Bid (September, 2007)
Vietnam has pursued a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council since 1997. Seen as the "rising Asian star" by other countries, Vietnam represents the best Asian candidate for the mandate of 2008-2009, according to the author. Its basic commitments would be to endorse national sovereignty and assist in global peace issues. (Vietnam Investment Review)UN Told It Must Do Better in Conflict Prevention (September 24, 2007)
During a UN Security Council meeting in August 2007, nations agreed on increasing conflict prevention in Africa. In spite of all the money spent on peacekeeping operations in African countries, the Council proposed to change its "approach and working methods," resulting in an emphasis on preventing conflicts. Better coordination among the UN and regional groups, such as the African Union, would help complement UN efforts to help the region. (Final Call)No War, No Peace Five Years After Rebellion (September 19, 2007)
In March 2007, the Ouagadougou accord filled Cote d'Ivoire with hope for identification, reunification, disarmament and elections. President Gbagdo remains in power illegitimately since there was no re-election. A former rebel leader stated that the rebels will demobilize when the government schedules elections and provides the people with proper identification papers. According to the author, the identification cards would take the country out of "illegality." (Integrated Regional Information Networks)Crisis Deserves Attention, Says UN Official (September 18, 2007)
John Holmes, Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, calls for non military action by the UN Security Council in North Kivu. Holmes argues that the DRC crisis needs greater attention than Darfur, due to its urgency. The anti-genocide campaigning group, Enough, fears that if President Kabila continues to align himself with Hutu rebels, then the return of Rwanda's forces into DRC could cause a third major civil war. (Nation-Nairobi)CAR: Tens of Thousands of Villagers on the Run (December 19, 2006)
The Central African Republic has two major rebel movements splitting the country in two zones, the northeast and the populated north-central area. In addition, the country also has border disputes with Cameroon, Sudan and Chad. CAR's corrupt and fragile government, combined with regional conflicts has created a dynamic humanitarian crisis that has displaced more than 220,000 people. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)Empire?
Turning Ahmadinejad Into Public Enemy No. 1 (September 24, 2007)
As US mainstream media continues to vilify Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, this article presents some facts to counteract the accusations. The Iranian leader never attacked another country, he never advocated for killing Israeli civilians, and the Jewish population in Iran has representation in Parliament. This article says that the real reason that the Iranian President's visit in the US has gathered this kind of negative hype is because the influential neoconservatives have already decided "to go to war against Iran." (ZNet)The Best US Weapon Against Iran Is Diplomacy (September 26, 2007)
This article argues that the US should not have attacked Iraq in 2003, but pursued diplomacy and allowed the IAEA weapons inspectors to finish their job. The author says that the US should not repeat its approach with Iraq in its dealings with Iran and negotiations must go through the UN. The article emphasizes the fact that both Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei have denied any plans to develop nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the IAEA has not found evidence of nuclear weapons or any critical levels of enriched uranium in the country. (Newsday)The Big Question: Is America Right to Demonise President Ahmadinejad of Iran? (September 26, 2007)
This Independent article follows some of the questions surrounding the Iranian President and his visit to New York. Such as why do the UN, newspapers, politicians and protesters unite to demonize Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Critics claim that Iran poses a nuclear threat to the West but the author warns that such demonizing will only strengthen the proponents of an attack against Iran and give the Iranian leader increased popularity at home.Social and Economic Policy
All Countries Need to Take Major Steps on Climate Change: Global Poll (September 24, 2007)
This poll carried out for the BBC sparks great optimism on action to mitigate climate change. Carried out in 21 rich and poor countries, the poll shows that a large majority of the public in these countries believe that human activities create climate change and that major steps should be taken to prevent it. The majority believes that developing countries should reduce their carbon emission in return for financial assistance and technological support from richer countries. Only three countries support the argument that since emission per person is low in poor countries, they should not be required to reduce carbon release. In China, the largest contributor to carbon emissions, 70 percent of the urban population believe that great steps should be taken to reduce the climate change gases.Africa: Aid Critical to Ensuring Benefits from Trade (September 24, 2007)
World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy and African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka argue that the African continent will benefit greatly from increased trade. They recognize, however, that the infrastructure for large scale industry and trade is not in place in most African countries and consequently call for "Aid for Trade" to finance investments in infrastructure. The two authors argue that the standard of living in Africa will increase simply by increasing trade. This oversimplified 'solution' fails to address other obstacles to development, including low investment in health and education and pressing conflict issues, experienced by governments and citizens of poor countries in Africa. (allAfrica)''A Foreigner Cannot Develop Us'' (September 24, 2007)
East African governments and NGOs question the benefits of the economic partnership agreement (EPA) with the EU. These trade agreements have not encouraged countries to add value to their exports, so many countries remain dependent on unrefined primary product trade, such as coffee and sugar. They also face further barriers as the EU increasingly hinders imports of industrialized products from outside the Union. The African countries are also concerned that their industries will not be able to out-compete Asian imports. (Inter Press Service)New World Bank Chief Confronts Aid Shortfall (September 24, 2007)
Following the turmoil surrounding former World Bank chief Paul Wolfowitz and national budget problems, many rich countries have lowered their contributions to the Bank. Governments increasingly channel aid funds through their own development agencies, rather than through the International Development Association of the World Bank. World Bank chief Robert Zoellick maintains that the Bank is still an important financial institution and the only one that can "analyze overall needs, share information, set priorities and avoid duplications and contradictions in aid programs." But many governments question the future relevance of the Bank. (International Herald Tribune)Globalization
Globalization Was Good Then, Not Now (September 17, 2007)
Rich countries have long been preaching to their poorer partners about the supposed benefits of economic globalization. They have argued that economic growth can only be achieved through open markets and free trade. Some developing countries such as China and India have listened to the suggestions and actually achieved substantial growth and global competitiveness. With the increased influence of these emerging economies, rich countries are experiencing many of the negative effects following global economic integration. In the US, protests against outsourcing, foreign investment and increasing income inequality are growing and politicians skeptical of globalization capture larger shares of the public vote. (YaleGlobal)Globalization: End of the Beginning - or Beginning of the End? (September 11, 2007)
This Globalist article compares the US and Chinese economies following decades of economic globalization. The two countries are experiencing equally worrisome levels of income inequality and turbulence in their financial markets. This has caused fear, even among pro-globalization advocates. The author suggests that the global economy is headed towards a rough patch. He does not necessarily advocate for an end to globalization but rather a reform of the nature of globalization as we know it. He predicts that the structure of the global economy will have to change to counter the wide global and national disparities.UN Reform
Global Compact with Business 'Lacks Teeth' - NGOs (July 6, 2007)
A group of NGOs criticized the UN Global Compact for giving legitimacy to companies even when they violate the initiative's ten principles on labor, human rights, the environment and anticorruption. The NGOs said that the most critical aspect is the complete lack of legal enforceability. Companies who join the initiative benefit from being associated with the UN, but they face no consequences when not adhering to the principles. A Greenpeace spokesperson stated that "the world needs action and binding global codes for corporate behaviour." (Inter Press Service)Nations and States
US and EU are Ready to Recognize Kosovo Independence (September 24, 2007)
Kosovo will declare itself independent if talks with Serbia reach a dead-end by December 2007. The US and the EU have said they will support independence, even though some EU members fear that Kosovo could set a precedent for Turkish Cypriots, ethnic Hungarians in Romania and Slovakia, in short - all the ethnic minorities in Europe and Russia. The Kremlin resists Kosovar independence and prefers to keep the issue inside the UN Security Council where Russia could use its veto. At the same time, Serbian politicians say they will never accept Kosovo's independence, since the region is the cradle of Serb civilization. (International Herald Tribune)Secretary General
UN Chief's Dealings with US Draw Fire (September 24, 2007)
Human rights groups, governments and UN officials criticize UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for his close relationship with Washington and for supporting pro-US decisions. For example, Ban opposed a US withdrawal from Iraq and committed to an increased UN presence in the country. The Secretary General defends his decisions, calling them pragmatic and claims he prefers to work behind the scenes, rather than being a public moral figure. (Washington Post)International Justice
Plan to Flush LRA Out of DRC "Recipe for Impunity" (September 25, 2007)
President Museveni of Uganda and President Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have made a deal to drive out Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) from the eastern part of the DRC with the apparent help of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country. The ICC spoke out against this joint venture, insisting the presidents fulfill their obligations to The Hague and bring the LRA leader Joseph Kony to trial. The Museveni-Kabila deal also angers the LRA rebels who feel it violates the ongoing peace agreement and may lead to a resumption of war in the region. (Institute for War and Peace Reporting)Rwanda: The ICTR Announces the Arrest of a Former Minister (September 20, 2007)
The International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda (ICTR) confirms the arrest of former Minister of Planning, Augustin Ngirabatware, who is also the son-in-law of the ICTRs most wanted person, Felicien Kabuga. Ngirabatware will be charged with a range of crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Although the ICTR is approaching the end of its term, the Office of the ICTRs prosecutor denies that Ngirabatware will be transferred to a national court. (Hirondelle News Agency)
