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Week of November 5 - 9, 2007 What's New
Week of November 12 - 16, 2007
What Was New
Iraq Security Council Empire? Social and Economic Policy Globalization International Justice
Iraq
Week of November 12 - 16, 2007
Iraqi MPs Challenge Coalition Mandate (November 13, 2007)
In this Inter Press Service article, Thalif Deen reports on the renewal of the UN mandate of the multi-national force in Iraq. Deen cites a letter from Iraqi parliamentarians calling on the Security Council to refuse an extension of the mandate. The letter which is signed by a majority of Iraq's parliament was not delivered to the Council as intended in April 2007 and was released early November 2007 by Global Policy Forum for the attention of Security Council members.We Tried to Rebuild Iraq Based on Info in the 1994 Lonely Planet Guide Book (October 28, 2007)
A former US ambassador claims that when she was sent to Iraq to coordinate efforts to reconstruct the country she was provided with no information on how to undertake the task. Barbara Bodine was one of 170 US officials sent to Iraq after the invasion in 2003. She says that the officials consulted a 1994 Lonely Planet tourist guide on Iraq in order to gain "essential information on the economy, the Government and important buildings and embassies." This reveals the lack of commitment and planning by the US to rebuild the country. (Sunday Mirror)Iraq, With US Support, Voids a Russian Oil Contract (November 5, 2007)
The Iraqi government cancels a contract with the Russian oil company, Lukoil, for development of the supergiant West Qurna oil field. In response, Russia threatens to retract a promise to forgo Iraq's US$13 billion debt. Lukoil claims a contract signed with Saddam Hussein is still valid despite the former Iraqi leader canceling it. Since the occupation, the Iraqi government has honored other contracts with Chinese, Indonesian and Indian oil companies. Russia argues that with US pressure, the Iraqi government is selectively enforcing contracts. (New York Times)Cluster Bombs in Iraq: The Deadly Footprint (November 5, 2007)
Humanitarian agencies claim Coalition forces have used over 13,000 cluster bombs in heavily populated areas of Iraq since 2003. Cluster bombs are known for their devastating effects on large areas as each canister contains smaller sub-munitions or "bomblets." According to the author of this Common Dreams article, in some civilian areas between 75 and 80 percent of all casualties are due to the bombs. While the US refuses to provide agencies with details on where the bombs are dropped, efforts to clear Iraq of the weapons may take decades.America's Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees (October 31, 2007)
With over 4 million Iraqi refugees internally displaced or fleeing to neighboring countries, Iraq represents "one of the largest and fastest growing humanitarian crises" in the world. Both Jordan and Syria have closed their borders, after taking in over 1.9 million refugees. While refugees in these countries have limited access to education and health systems, many refugees face persecution, are living illegally and are unable to work. The author of this Globalist article argues that the US must make this crisis a top priority, provide funding for countries hosting refugees and increase the number of Iraqis who are allowed to seek asylum in the US.Security Council
Cuba Opposes Greater Power to UN Security Council (November 13, 2007)
During a UN General Assembly (GA) meeting on Security Council Reform, Cuba called for a more democratic, representative, responsible and effective Council. Cuba's Ambassador Rodrigo Malmiera argues that the Council suffers from a lack of representation from developing countries. The Council does not represent the world's contemporary realities, raising questions about its legitimacy representative and procedures. Malmiera called for greater involvement of non-permanent members in the Council's agenda, as well as membership reform. He also expressed apprehension about the Council's jurisdiction and working methods, such as the selection of Council agenda items. (Prensa Latina)UN Reform, Including SC Expansion Not End in Itself - Russia Envoy (November 13, 2007)
Russia, one of the five permanent members with veto power, declared at a General Assembly meeting that Security Council reform discussions should preserve the "foundations" of the United Nations. According to Vitaly Churkin, Russia's UN Representative, the Council should only expand if it can also become more effective. Even though Churkin expressed a willingness to work with non-Council members, in order to continue further peacekeeping improvements, his speech did not seem to favor the Council's enlargement. (Itar-Tass)Congo's Diamond Industry Let Back into Kimberly Process (November 9, 2007)
The European Union joined African countries in establishing the Kimberly Process (KP) in 2002 to deal with diamonds that fuel conflict. Two years later, DR Congo, a KP member, smuggled diamonds to the EU and Middle East, which resulted in its expulsion from the KP. The DR Congo has made improvements controlling its illegal trade of rough diamonds and re-joined the KP. Soon it will resume exporting diamonds. However, the Kimberly Process still has concerns about Congo's porous border and "blood diamonds." (Voice of America)New Haitian Cops Get Training from UN Officers (November 8, 2007)
The UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), have been training the national police to respond to violent groups in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The recruits will form a motorized brigade to combat troubled areas of the Haitian capital. UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon said that the Police Division of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) demonstrates the UN's new approach to peacekeeping post-conflict countries should reform their own security sectors. (UN News)Jewish Settler Outposts 'Expanding' (November 7, 2007)
Jewish settlements continue to expand in the West Bank now with the new method of mobile homes. The Israeli organization Peace Now released a report saying that the Israeli government allows these constructions, which violate international law and take Palestinian land. Yariv Oppenheimer, director of Peace Now stated that a two-state solution won't be viable if Israel continues to violate Palestinian rights. Palestinians also believe that a "contiguous and viable" Palestinian State is increasingly unrealistic. (al-Jaazera)UN Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia Not Realistic or Viable, Says Ban Ki-moon (November 12, 2007)
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has recognized that the situation in Somalia remains too violent and unstable to deploy a UN peacekeeping mission. Somalia hasn't had a "functioning national government" since 1991, and its people face suffering and displacement. The United Nations started planning for a mission in cooperation with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The UN also urged Ethiopia, Somalia's neighbor to withdraw troops from the country. Ban insists on a dialogue between Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and opposition groups, in order to end hostilities and create a foundation for stability. (UN News)Congo Agrees with Rwanda to Disarm Hutu Rebels (November 11, 2007)
The rebel group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), under General Laurent Nkunda's command, still destabilizes eastern DR Congo, especially North Kivu. After a meeting in Nairobi with Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers, Congo's government agreed to help disarm Hutu rebels at their border. Rwanda's administration promised to send a list of rebels accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes to the DRC and the United Nations. The DR Congo will prepare a disarmament plan by December 1, 2007 with the assistance of the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUC. Rwandan foreign minister, Charles Murigande also declared that his country would tighten border security against illegal arms trade. (Reuters)UN Rights Envoy Enters Burma (November 12, 2007)
Myanmar's military government allowed Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, UN Human Rights investigator for Myanmar, to enter the country after a four year ban. The government has felt pressure from the international community following repression of protests in August and September 2007. Mr. Pinheiro has a volatile history with the military junta, because he accused the government of making false excuses about its political prisoners. The mission's objective is to determine the real number of people arrested and killed, and if the government tortured the prisoners. (Independent)Empire?
America And the World's Executioners Join Efforts To Block UN Moves To End Death Penalty (November 15, 2007)
Continued global outrage against capital punishment has led to a petition with five million signatures. The Italian association Hands off Cain convinced Prime Minister Romano Prodi to push for an end to the death penalty within the United Nations. Consequently, the UN Human Rights Committee voted on a draft resolution, sponsored by 85 states including all EU member states, ending the death penalty. The resolution met resistance from the US, China and other countries on the grounds that it interferes with domestic affairs. (Independent)Are You With Us. or Against Us? (November 13, 2007)
This article describes the relationship between the US and Pakistan, looking especially at the lack of US pressure on General Musharraf to lift martial law in Pakistan. On September 11, 2001, former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage told Pakistan's intelligence chief that "you are either one hundred percent with us or one hundred percent against us." Since then the US has protected Musharraf, even though Pakistan harbors terrorists and sells nuclear information. (TomDispatch)Will Democrats Restore Our Liberties Stolen in the Bush Era? (November 13, 2007)
The author of this article argues that the gap between Democratic politicians and Democratic voters in the US has widened. The Democratic controlled Congress passed legislation in August 2007 to expand warrant-less spying on civilians, even though the large majority of voters want to enhance civil liberties. Seventy to eighty percent of Democratic voters oppose torture and are in favor of restoring habeas corpus and closing Guantanamo. (AlterNet)Latin America's Shock Resistance (November 10, 2007)
In this article, Naomi Klein presents her theory on Latin America's evolving independence from the US. An increasing number of Latin American countries are abstaining from taking World Bank and IMF loans and instead negotiate with each other. For example, though still in its early stages, the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) trade agreement seeks to benefit all member countries equally, Venezuela contributes oil, Bolivia gas and Cuba doctors. (The Nation)Two Losers, No Winners (November 2007)
This preface to Tom Engelhardt's book "The End of Victory Culture" describes the decline of the US empire as a result of the country's aim for global "victory." The War on Terror and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have left the US "standing in the rubble of its own imperial project." Engelhardt says that the US and the USSR both lost the Cold War - though at a different pace. (TomDispatch)Towards Fresh Disaster in Iran (November 8, 2007)
Several US intelligence reports have continuously, over the last two decades, predicted that Iran is on the brink of possessing nuclear weapons, despite evidence that counteracts this claim. This Le Monde diplomatique article suggests that President George W. Bush might attack Iran to cover up his failures in Afghanistan and Iraq. Dani Ayalon, former Israeli ambassador to the US, supports the authors' claim, stating that Bush, with his "determined nature," will attack Iran.From CIA Jails, Inmates Fade Into Obscurity (October 27, 2007)
President George W. Bush announced in 2006 that the CIA had emptied the secret overseas prisons, also known as "black sites." However, about 30 prisoners have simply disappeared. The Red Cross is "gravely concerned about the fate of the persons previously held in the CIA detention program," but the CIA will not comment on whether or not they hold any individual in custody. (Washington Post)Social and Economic Policy
The Politics of Ethanol Outshine Its Costs (November 15, 2007)
This article from the Christian Science Monitor describes how US politicians across the political spectrum promote ethanol production as a means to reduce US dependency on foreign oil. This is happening despite warnings from environmentalists and subsidy opponents that the production of ethanol is expensive and harms the environment. Further, it drives up the prices of food grains worldwide.Everybody Is Pushing Free Trade on Africa (November 12, 2007)
The author of this allAfrica article urges Uganda and other African countries to oppose the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) with the EU and instead use tariffs and subsidies to promote economic growth. Pointing to the success Korea and Taiwan had following such policies, the author argues that the African continent will not benefit from the free trade promoted by the Europeans, but from fair trade.African Economies Growing Fast Enough to 'Put a Dent' in Poverty, World Bank Says (November 14, 2007)
The World Bank's African Development Indicators 2007 show that on average, African countries experience economic growth of 5.4 percent per year. According to the World Bank, this growth rate is high enough to have a significant impact on poverty reduction on the continent. However, the countries still face constraints in infrastructure and high indirect costs in their production, which could reduce their competitiveness on global markets. African countries need more investment to improve the livelihoods of the 40 percent of the Sub-Saharan population that still lives on less than US$1 a day. (Associated Press)A Bank of Their Own: Latin America Casting off Washington's Shackles (October 31, 2007)
Poor countries find it almost impossible to gain influence and initiate change at the World Bank and IMF. In response to this, many countries are engaging in regional economic cooperation instead. On December 5, 2007, Latin American countries will launch their own development bank, Bank of the South, which will provide loans to member countries. This will make the Latin American countries increasingly independent of the US and Europe. (AlterNet)Who's Afraid of a Falling Dollar? (November 8, 2007)
In this AlterNet article, the author explains why a falling dollar is positive for the US economy. An overvalued dollar has caused the US to lend beyond its means and accumulate a huge trade deficit. A lower dollar value will reverse the trend, and it will make US products more competitive on international markets. Imports will become more expensive, which will provide a stimulus to the US domestic market and probably lead to increased job creation.Why China Could Blame Its CO2 on West (November 12, 2007)
In preparation for the 2007 Bali follow-up to the Kyoto protocol, environmentalists and policy makers are coming up with new ideas for reducing carbon emissions. They claim that responsibility for carbon emissions should lie with the final consumers of manufactured goods. One of the problems associated with the Kyoto agreement is carbon leakage - to reduce their own emissions, rich countries outsource dirty industries to poor countries. If consumers pay for the damage caused by manufacturing their products, industries can more effectively reduce their emissions, they argue. (Wall Street Journal)World Cereal Prices to Remain High, Warns UN Report (November 12, 2007)
Global cereal prices are increasing due to low global food stocks and higher transportation costs. The prices of cereal cause food inflation across the world, and further increase the price of bread, meat and milk. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) expect prices to remain high for several years, which could result in hunger for the world's poor, as they will be unable to purchase sufficient amounts of food. (OneWorld South Asia)Oil Price Rise Causes Global Shift in Wealth (November 10, 2007)
The continuing rise of global oil prices is causing a shift in wealth in favor of oil-producing countries. For some of these countries, such as Iran and Venezuela, the new wealth brings a higher degree of economic independence, which may strengthen their position on the international political arena. Many economists, however, note that oil-producing countries fail to diversify their economies and that wealth remains concentrated among a few. (Washington Post)Untying the Knots: How the World Bank Is Failing to Deliver Real Change on Conditionality
This report from EURODAD criticizes the effects of the World Bank's Good Practice Principles (GPP) on loan conditionalities for poor countries. Intended as a means to reduce conditionalities, the principles have only reduced non-legally binding conditions. The frequency of legally binding conditions remains the same. Further, the GPPs have done nothing to alter the World Bank's practice of forcing poor countries to deregulate their economies and open up their markets to competition from abroad.From Credit Mess, Lessons About Government (November 8, 2007)
This article from the Wall Street Journal refutes the suggestion that "government should be run more like a business." The US credit crisis of 2007 illustrates that business, too, can be inefficient and lack transparency. The author suggests critics can learn several lessons from the crisis; that government is the best bet to protect vulnerable consumers, that regulation of financial markets can be beneficial and that the Federal Reserve is still a relevant and necessary institution.Globalization
Wanted: A New Global Paradigm (November 8, 2007)
The author of this openDemocracy article is excited about the revival of the Club of Rome, a group of academics, bankers, development specialists and former ambassadors and foreign ministers who meet to discuss development policy. The members of the group have expressed concern about the unfair international trade system, insufficient measures taken to reduce climate change and governments' excessive security and military spending. They call attention to the "real understanding of the underlying causes of insecurity," such as the unequal access to resources. The author suggests that the ideas of the elite group have great potential and its resurgence signals progress for reforming globalization.International Justice
Can Africa's Most Notorious Warlord Get a Fair Trial? (September 15, 2007)
The Special Court for Sierra Leone will resume proceedings against Charles Taylor on January 7, 2008. The trial against the former president of Liberia has been postponed and adjourned numerous times after Taylor argued that he had no money for his defense and that he had unequal legal representation. To ensure that Taylor is held accountable for his crimes, the Special Court is keen to ensure that he receives a fair trial. (Nation - Nairobi)S. Sudan President Speaks on Otti's Fate (November 8, 2007)
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir says Lord's Resistance Army rebel commander, Vincent Otti is not dead, despite rumors that he was executed by LRA leader, Joseph Kony. Some witnesses say that the fate of Otti overshadows important issues including the signing of a peace agreement between the LRA and Kampala. Meanwhile, Kony is still at large, despite an ICC arrest warrant and pressure on Sudan by the UN for his capture. (Daily Monitor-Kampala)War Crimes Trial of Serb Ultranationalist to Start (November 6, 2007)
Vojislav Seselj, leader of Serbia's Radical Party turned himself in to the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY) in 2003. He will face trial and respond to charges of murder, torture, persecution, cruel treatment and deportation among other crimes, against non-Serb civilians. During the 1990 Yugoslavian separation war, Seselj acted to forcibly remove non-Serbs from parts of Croatia and Bosnia. He also made several racist speeches promoting hatred against non-Serbs. (Reuters)Govt Blocks Report on North at UN Assembly (October 11, 2007)
Uganda's Permanent Representative to the UN, Francis Butagira, argues that the inclusion of a human rights report on the General Assembly agenda would amount to "political interference in Uganda's internal affairs." The Ugandan government says that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has no mandate for the report which documents abuses by government and LRA forces in the north of the country. The report was successfully blocked with the support of China, the African Group and the Group of 77 countries. (Daily Monitor - Kampala)Uganda Rejects Blame for Atrocities in LRA War (September 3, 2007)
A UN report from August 2007 interviewed civilians in Northern Uganda who claim government troops and Joseph Kony's LRA rebels are both responsible for atrocities. Witnesses say rebels and army troops have committed killings, rape, abductions and looting. Those interviewed said Kony is mostly to blame for the atrocities However, the government is accused of stalling peace agreements in order to gain foreign aid. The government denies these claims and says the report is "baseless." (Nation - Nairobi)Key Khmer Rouge Figures Charged (November 12, 2007)
Cambodian police arrested two members of the Khmer Rouge - the former Foreign Minister Ieng Sary and his wife, Ieng Thirith. The International Criminal Court charged the couple as leaders of the regime that killed and tortured civilians, diplomats and intellectuals between 1975 and 1979 in Cambodia. Prosecutors for the Cambodian tribunal at the ICC said they have enough evidence to prove that both Iengs helped to plan, direct and co-ordinate forced labor and illegitimate executions. The ICC has previously arrested two other Khmer Rouge leaders before the Iengs. (BBC)
Week of November 5 - 9, 2007 What's New
Week of November 5 - 9, 2007
What Was New
Iraq Security Council Empire? Social and Economic Policy Nations and States International Justice
Iraq
The Iraqi Parliamentarians and the UN Security Council: Questions About Renewal of the MNF Mandate (November 5, 2007)
In late 2007, the UN Security Council will consider renewal of the mandate that authorizes the presence of the US-led multinational force (MNF) in Iraq. Global Policy Forum outlines the little-known demands of the Iraqi parliament to ratify any new agreement on the MNF. The Iraqi constitution requires the cabinet to submit such agreement for ratification and the parliament has already passed a law demanding conformity with this provision. A majority of parliamentarians also wrote a letter to Security Council members about the matter, calling for a timetable for MNF withdrawal. If Prime Minister al-Maliki again submits a request to the Security Council without parliamentary approval, a constitutional crisis in Iraq would surely follow. GPF argues that the Council should take into account the concerns of the parliament and of the great majority of the Iraqi people, so that a withdrawal plan can be set.
This letter from members of the Iraqi Council of Representatives (parliament) argues that the UN Security Council should not renew the multinational force mandate in Iraq without an Iraqi request ratified by parliament. The letter affirms that it is "unconstitutional" for the Cabinet under Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to "unilaterally" request such a renewal. The letter also calls for a timetable for the withdrawal of the MNF. Dated April 28, 2007, the letter was apparently handed over to the UN in Baghdad, but never delivered to Security Council members. The 144 signatures represent an absolute majority of the 275 seats in the Iraqi Parliament. See letter in Arabic or English. Also see The Iraqi Parliament and the UN Security Council: Questions About Renewal of the MNF Mandate . (Iraqi Parliamentarians)
This diagram shows political configurations in the Iraqi parliament. A number of political blocs have now united across the previous sectarian political divisions. Some Shi'a, Sunni, secular, and other blocs have joined together in a new alliance. There are now two major tendencies - a majority (the "nationalist" tendency) and a minority (the sectarian or "separatist" tendency). The diagram shows all the political blocs in the parliament, with their place in the old (largely sectarian) structures and their place in the newer trans-sectarian alliances. The nationalists support a centralized government and a timetable for US withdrawal. The separatists favor a highly decentralized state, foreign oil company investments and an ongoing US presence in the country. Though the separatists are in the minority, they completely dominate the executive branch and are supported by the United States. (Raed Jarrar)Why the Pentagon Doesn't Want Me to Testify About Abu Ghraib (September 10, 2007)
A witness to the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib says that the US military imposed a gag order on him and reduced his rank so that he would remain silent about the abuse. Sam Provance, an intelligence analyst at the prison in 2003, saw detainees dragged into interrogation rooms. He says that investigations into the abuse failed to account for senior officers who ordered the interrogation techniques and instead singled out and blamed soldiers at the bottom of the chain of command. (AlterNet)US Imperial Ambitions Thwart Iraqis' Peace Plans (September 19, 2007)
In this AlterNet article, Joshua Holland and Raed Jarrar examine the reasons why Iraqi plans for peace are ignored by the mainstream media and the Coalition. Proposals from different Iraqi political parties include disbanding militias, providing for national reconciliation and rebuilding Iraqi government and security forces along non-sectarian lines. Ultimately all of the proposals call for a US withdrawal. However, according to the authors, the US prefers to follow a policy which involves permanent US bases, international control of Iraqi oil and where resistance is viewed as "sectarian violence."Iraqis Challenge Britain's Right to Detain Them Indefinitely (November 3, 2007)
Lawyers acting for an Iraqi-British national held in Basra argue that the UK is manipulating international law to justify indefinite detention. The European Convention on Human Rights dictates that governments must either prosecute or release prisoners. But, the British government claims that its forces in Iraq operate under the UN Security Council mandate and not the Convention. The mandate provides for "internment where necessary for imperative reasons of security." International lawyers argue that the detainees are in an area controlled by Iraqi, and to a lesser extent, British forces and not the UN or its institutions. (Guardian)Congress Seeks Secret Memos on Interrogation (October 5, 2007)
The US Justice Department prepared secret memos in 2005 authorizing CIA interrogation techniques such as head slapping and simulated drowning. Human rights groups argue the two memos demonstrate Washington's willingness to blur definitions of torture to justify practices in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. Washington claims the authorized tactics do not breach anti-torture legislation or international law. However, Congress demands access to the documents and is troubled that the memos were created in secret. (Washington Post)Debate on Troop Withdrawals on Hold (October 10, 2007)
Political commentators criticize Democrats in Congress for failing to follow through on the party's anti-Iraq war stance. The Democrat controlled Congress has produced little in 2007 to reverse the war policy. Instead of legislation that would force troops to withdraw, the Democrats have issued war related bills such as curbing misconduct of contractors. However, the author of this Associated Press article says the party is divided on whether to fund a war they oppose or suffer politically for "refusing to support the troops."Security Council
In August and September 2007, a massive protest began in several major Burmese cities under the leadership of Buddist monks. The regime repressed the protesters violently, jailing large numbers. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the military to stop the violence, release the detainees and start a dialogue with the opposition to promote democracy. The Security Council finally took up the issue, as did ASEAN, the regional organization of South East Asia.Russia Expects Kosovo Issue to Remain on UN Security Council Agenda (October 22, 2007)
Leaders of Serbia and Kosovo have been attempting to negotiate a peaceful co-existence, with the help of Contact Group Troika (Russia, US and EU). Serbia proposes an autonomous Kosovo state within the state of Serbia, but Kosovo prefers an independent two state status with national minority rights for Kosovo Albanians. Although the Troika mandate expires on the 10th of December 2007, Russia stated "there should be no deadline" in determining Kosovo's future. Serbia's ally in the region, Russia, supports Serbia's sovereignty to oppose Kosovo's independence. Troika will deliver a report to the UN Secretary General, who will update the Security Council. (Itar-Tass)Ethiopia, Eritrea May Go to War 'in Weeks' (November 5, 2007)
The Organization of African Unity (OAU) together with the UN in 2000 created an independent boundary body to help resolve the border issues between Eritrea and Ethiopia. The commission established that these neighbors must resolve their border line tensions by the end of November 2007. International Crisis Group worries that these authoritarian governments will resume fighting, in spite of the UN peacekeeping force (UNMEE) working as a "buffer zone." The author shows that the US favors Ethiopia, while Eritrea's actions displease UN Security Council members. Despite this, the international community stands still. (Reuters)Rwanda Rejects Congo's FDLR Disarmament Plan (October 29, 2007)
Rwandan foreign affairs minister, Charles Murigande called a disarmament plan from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) intangible. The plan promotes demobilization, relocation and the re-integration of rebels within their communities. While the Rwandan government analyzes the proposals, Murigande has restated that the rebels won't receive any "special treatment." Murigande said if disarmament takes place it should involve the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo. (MONUC)Water More Valuable Than Gold (November 4, 2007)
The Peruvian Environmental Health Office has declared that mining companies have polluted 30.2 percent of Peru's coastal rivers. Aside from containing damaging quantities of aluminum, arsenic and lead, the river's water volume has also decreased compared to past years. Tensions arise when river-based villagers and local NGO's like the Red Muqui fight against the mining companies, who pollute the Andine region. The Ombudsman's Office of Peru has reported at least 35 conflicts caused by water. He also proposes a reform of the environmental regulations, which will include the participation of local population and regional governments. (Latin America Press)UN Chief Sees Presidential Poll as Key to Resolve Lebanon Problems (October 31, 2007)
Back in 2006, the UN Security Council issued Resolution 1701 to end fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in south Lebanon. Following up on the resolution, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has urged Lebanese leaders to consensually select a president, without foreign interference. Ban stressed that a broadly supported president could help stabilize the political life in Lebanon. In addition, he urged Syria and Israel to join efforts to rebuilt Lebanon's stability. But UNIFIL states that Hezbollah has violated the UN arms embargo at Lebanon's border with Syria, and Israel has failed to provide information about its forces as requested by the UN mission in Lebanon. (Agence France-Presse)UN Security Council Extends Peacekeepers Mandate in Western Sahara, Urges Negotiations (November 1, 2007)
Since the 1991 UN-negotiated cease-fire in Western Sahara, the Moroccan government and Polisario Front (PF) rebels have held two rounds of peace talks without reaching any agreement. Morocco only agrees to give the Saharawi people limited autonomy. But, the PF rebels want independence, or at least greater autonomy. The UN Security Council extended its peacekeeping force in Western Sahara until April 2008, and Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon asked for greater productive negotiations. Inside the Council, South Africa defends the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people, while the US and France support the Moroccan government. (Associated Press)Security Council Fails to Adopt Draft Resolution on Myanmar (January 12, 2007)
China and Russia vetoed a draft resolution on Myanmar introduced by the US and the UK in the Security Council. The resolution called on the Burmese government to cease violent oppression against the protesters, and begin negotiations towards democracy. China and Russia defended their vetoes, arguing that the Council was exceeding its mandate by interfering in an internal issue of the sovereign state of Myanmar. Exposing the Council's double standards, the two veto powers pointed out that the Council does not take action on other countries with similar problems as Myanmar. (UN News)
Empire?
The Theology of American Empire (November 7, 2007)
This article claims that US foreign policy builds on a Christian foundation. The first one to introduce the notion of Original Sin into foreign policy was Reinhold Niebuhr, a theologian known for relating the Christian faith to modern politics. The ideology of "Realism" argues that individuals are evil and selfish and that governments will pursue their self-interest by any means. The author claims that this world view still prevails in the US and it explains the aggressive actions of the government.(AlterNet)The Geopolitical Stakes of 'Saffron Revolution' (October 17, 2007)
The US media has acknowledged that the mass protest in Myanmar was due, in particular, to the extreme rise in gasoline prices, which ironically was a result of IMF and World Bank demands. However, this Asia Times article says that Washington helped orchestrate the protests to increase its influence in the Far East and secure access to oil.Pervez Musharraf's Desperate Gamble (November 5, 2007)
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has imposed martial law, targeting the country's lawyers, journalists, judges and human rights activists. The President closed down independent television and radio channels, thus removing important sources of information for the fifty percent illiterate population. Musharraf's largest supporter in the West, the US government, says it will not withdraw its support since Pakistan is an ally in the war in Afghanistan. (openDemocracy)Coercive Diplomacy and War: The Vietnam Precedent (November 1, 2007)
This article argues that the US does not seek a "real war with Iran," but that continuing threats of military intervention will make it difficult for the Bush administration to "back down without looking really, really bad at home." The author draws parallels to the Vietnam war, arguing that the Lyndon Johnson administration "stumbled into full-scale war" after refusing to engage in genuine diplomatic negotiations with the North Vietnamese. (Huffington Post)Nominee's Stand May Avoid Tangle of Torture Cases (November 1, 2007)
Nominee for US attorney general Michael Mukasey has refused to declare "water boarding" an illegal interrogation method. Human Rights Watch says that instead of protecting US government officials, Mukasey should provide "a straightforward interpretation of the law." If the US attorney general would declare water boarding illegal, he would implicate officials all the way up to President George W. Bush and open up "Pandora's box" of domestic and international lawsuits. (New York Times)Social and Economic Policy
Environmental Failures 'Put Humanity at Risk' (October 26, 2007)
A study by the United Nations Environment Programme claims that governments are responding too slowly and insufficiently to climate change, putting "humanity at risk." With each person in the world requiring a third more land than what the planet can supply, the world lacks the resources its population needs. The report says that rich countries must reduce their emissions by as much as 80 percent by 2050 to cut greenhouse gas emissions to half of the 1990 levels. (Guardian)Men on the Daddy Track Find A Place of Their Own at Home (November 8, 2007)
This Wall Street Journal article finds that men continue to view stay-at-home fathers with skepticism and cynicism. Only 4.8 percent of US families have a father who stays at home, while more than 30 percent of mothers leave their jobs to care for children. Commentators suggest that as with women, men who return to work after staying at home find that their careers are set back by years and managers and co-workers undervalue their skills.Development Through Trade (November 5, 2007)
The author argues that the World Trade Organization (WTO) is in dire need of reform and points to the lack of progress on the Doha round of trade negotiations. The organization's main challenges lie in the lack of cooperation between countries and in accommodating an endless range of needs. The author suggests switching to a "negative consensus"-based decision making system, so that all countries can trust that the organization promotes their interests. (Business Day)Gale Warning, Global Burden Sharing (October 19, 2007)
For the first time, the world faces a "battle over income distribution," writes the author of this YaleGlobal article. Climate change - through droughts, floods and temperature changes - will shift agricultural production to new areas and threaten many people's access to food. Through current carbon emissions trading systems, rich countries and powerful industries are able to place the burden of reducing emissions on poor countries, effectively hindering their industrial development. The author predicts that over the next decade, countries will fight over resources and over how to share responsibility for global warming.The Newest Billionaires: China's Economy Churns Out Dozens (November 6, 2007)
Second to the US, China has the largest number of billionaires in the world. Depending on where they choose to invest their fortunes Chinese billionaires could influence global political and economic relations. Commentators suggest that the growth of individual fortunes in China may also alter the country's "cultural landscape." China has a per capita income of less than US$1,000 a year and the inequalities in wealth and income could destabilize Chinese social relations. (International Herald Tribune)Anatomy of a Credit Crisis (November 6, 2007)
This article argues that the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s ultimately led to the 2007 credit crisis in the US and UK. In response to the Asian crisis, affected countries increased the rate of savings and foreign currency reserves. This had the effect of lowering international long-term interest rates. Low inflation resulted in a lower short-term interest rate and investors had to seek riskier business initiatives in order to keep up high rates of return. One such initiative was the creation of sub-prime mortgage lending, the most immediate cause for the US credit crisis in 2007. (Independent)Global Food Crisis Looms as Climate Change and Fuel Shortages Bite (November 3, 2007)
The price of food is increasing worldwide and several countries are on the brink of a food crisis. The reason for the increase is due to a combination of rising oil prices, greater amounts of food crops used for bio-fuel production, and unstable weather conditions. The rise in food prices has devastating consequences for the world's poor who cannot afford to buy basic necessities and food to live above the subsistence level. (Guardian)Local Produce vs. Global Trade (October 25, 2007)
This article argues that the 2007 US Farm Bill could bring some desired reforms. According to the author, the bill may reduce agricultural subsidies, open markets to imported produce from poor countries and lower food prices for US citizens. But, increased trade also produces more carbon emissions, leading many people to advocate for buying local produce. The author suggests the choice between buying locally and supporting poor countries with free trade is ultimately an ethical decision. (Policy Innovations)Africa's Chance (November 2, 2007)
This article from the International Herald Tribune is optimistic about the future of Africa's economic growth. Due to the high demand for raw materials, economic growth in the continent is up by 5 percent for the fifth year in a row. Despite the growth, the author warns that rich countries must continue to help African countries by supplying money and technology, and ensuring a fair trading system. The author also calls on African countries to invest more in health, education and infrastructure to allow for further economic growth.Globalization
Managing Globalization: Isolation Is Not the Answer (October 30, 2007)
This article addresses issues of "economic nationalism," a sentiment that appears to be growing in the US. Globalization opponents argue that economic independence is vital for national security. Critics disagree and say that security increases when a country can draw resources from a wide range of sources. Interdependence and integration in global markets promote peace, not conflict, they argue. (International Herald Tribune)Nations and States
Blackwater's Owner Has Spies for Hire (November 3, 2007)
The Prince Group that owns Blackwater, now offers intelligence to governments and businesses, through the company Total Intelligence Solutions. Both its chairman and chief executive are former high-level CIA officials who say that they can open doors because of their background and connections. The company's entry into the world of spies and intelligence blurs the lines that earlier separated government and private business. (Washington Post) P>International Justice
Witness to Khmer Rouge Brutality to Testify at Trial (October 26, 2007)
A former Khmer Rouge photographer will give evidence at the trial of his commander at the Tuol Sleng prison, Kaing Guek Eav or "Duch," who is charged with crimes against humanity. Up to 5 former Khmer Rouge leaders face trial before the international tribunal in Cambodia. The witness, Nhem En, was employed to take photographs of some of the 14,000 people tortured to death or sent to the killing fields from the prison. (International Herald Tribune)Uganda Rebels on Historic Visit (November 1, 2007)
After extensive fighting, the rebel group Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) began negotiations with the Ugandan government. LRA leader Joseph Kony stated that he will only join the negotiations if the International Criminal Court (ICC) withdraws its arrest warrant against him. The ICC is accusing Kony of committing violent attacks against civilians and illegally recruiting children. (BBC)Rumsfeld Flees France, Fearing Arrest (October 29, 2007)
Four human rights groups have filed a complaint in France charging former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld with "ordering and authorizing" torture of detainees at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. Commentators suggest that Rumsfeld was in France attending a meeting when he allegedly fled to Germany to avoid arrest. According to this AlterNet article, under international law French authorities are obliged to investigate the complaint and will likely pursue Rumsfeld across the border. This comes as a stark reminder to the US that its own war criminals cannot escape accountability for breaches of human rights.
