Just War

I thought President Obama's speech at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony was powerful and eloquent. There are many points which I thought were effective and made clear that the world in 2009 is very different from the world of the Cold War, World War II or even pre-9/11. But, I thought his most courageous topic was his discussion of just war and his defense of the U.S. conflict in Afghanistan as fitting the criteria. Philosophers from Cicero to Thomas Aquinas on to thinkers of the 21st century have struggled with the issue of just war. It is usually described as being a conflict which meets the following principles:

1. It must be used only as a last resort after all non-violent options have failed.
2. It can only be fought to redress an injury, usually as a means of self-defense.
3. There must be a reasonable chance of success. Deaths in a hopeless cause are
not morally justifiable.
4. The violence used must be proportional to the injury suffered.
5. The ultimate goal must be a peace not possible without the war.
6. Civilians are never a justifiable target of war.

Using these principles, Obama courageously declared that "no holy war can ever be a just war."

What do you think?

1. Is any war a "just war"?

2. Is Obama correct? Is Afghanistan a "just war"?

Afghanistan

Finally, President Barack Obama has announced his policy on Afghanistan. What Dick Cheney called "dithering", Obama called "deliberating." In brief, Obama calls for an escalation of troops to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan, the establishment of a stable and non-corrupt government and the development of home grown security forces. All this will be done by 2011 and then American troops will begin to be withdrawn.

It is difficult for me to approve of the increase of "boots on the ground", but in this case, I don't see how this could be avoided. If we just leave Afghanistan with its borders touching Iran, Pakistan and Russia, I believe the nation will implode and the Taliban will be back in power quickly, threatening Pakistan (and its nukes) with the support of Iran. So, I think our presence is a necessary evil because the alternative is simply unacceptable. One part of the plan which I find very hopeful is the increase in development workers, not must military personnel. In the long run, I think schools like the ones built by Greg Mortenson or the scarves and gloves given out to children are more likely to deter future potential terrorists than all the bullets in the world. So, I guess I am cautiously supportive of what seems like the best of the bad options Obama had.

What do you think of the Obama plan for Afghanistan?

Jacob Zuma and AIDS

Yesterday, on World AIDS Day, Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa, announced a surprising plan for fighting HIV/AIDS in his country which is the nation with the largest number of HIV positive people in the world. The new policy calls for earlier treatment for pregnant women who are HIV positive and medical treatment for ALL babies born HIV positive. Finally there is hope for these youngest victims of a disease which infects one in ten South Africans. This is an amazing and welcome change in a nation where the health minister once argued that AIDS could be cured by garlic and beet root. And Zuma is the most unlikely of heroes in this battle against the disease. When he was tried for the rape of an HIV positive woman in 2006, he testified that he had prevented himself from getting the disease by taking a shower after having sex. I criticized and mocked Zuma's ignorant attitude on many occasions. Today, I am pleased to say such positive things about him. I will be very happy if it turns out that I was wrong about him.

Veterans Day + 1

Yesterday President Nicolas Sarkozy of France and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany held a joint ceremony in Paris to commemorate the end of World War I. What an amazing sight it must have been to see the leaders of these former enemy countries laying a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe. Merkel said, "We will never forget to what point the French suffered because of the Germans in the first half of the 20th century. Still one must learn to rise above one's history...there is a force that can help us: the force of reconciliation."

Wow! What a remarkable thing after all the wars these two peoples fought throughout history, not only the two World Wars, but also the Franco-Prussian War, the Napoleonic Wars and so many earlier conflicts. And now they are in the EU and share a common currency. I am sure that Georges Clemenceau would never have believed if someone had tried to tell him when he represented France at the "peace" conference after World War I. It made me wonder if some current enemies could one say be reconciled and share such a commemoration. The Palestinians and the Israelis? The Pakistanis and the Indians? It seems unthinkable now, but no more unthinkable than this would have seemed in 1918 or 1945.

What do you think?

Muslims can't commit genocide

Thanks to Borana for the tip on this story.

Turkey is hosting an economic summit for the Organization for Islamic Conference. One of the expected attendees was President Hassan Omar al-Bashir of Sudan who is currently under indictment by the ICC for crimes against humanity in Darfur. The EU, the U.S. and human rights groups within Turkey and around the world had urged the Turkish government to not include Bashir on the guest list. Not only did Prime Minister Erdogan extend the invitation, he defended Bashir by saying that no genocide had occurred nor was occurring in Darfur because no Muslim was capable of genocide.

“It’s not possible for a Muslim to commit genocide. That’s why we are comfortable with the visit of al-Bashir.”

Mr Erdogan said he himself visited Darfur three years ago. “We could not find evidence of genocide there,” he said. “It is not possible that a man who has committed himself to our religion, Islam, commits genocide.”

So, according to Erdogan, there is no genocide in Darfur; however, there is one in Gaza.

“Gaza and Darfur should not be confused with each other. Fifteen-hundred people were killed in Gaza. If there was something like this in Darfur, we would follow that to the end as well,” Erdogan said.

I guess the nearly half million people killed in Darfur don't count even though they, themselves, were Muslims.

By the way, Bashir did not attend the conference because of pressing domestic problems.

What do you think of Trukey's chances of being admitted into the EU now?

Berlin Wall

Today is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. This was surely one of the momentous milestones of the 20th century - and it was all on TV for the world to see. (What a contrast to China and North Korea today!) It marked the end of the Cold War which had brought us the Korean War, Vietnam, the Bay of Pigs, the Iron Curtain, the Bamboo Curtain and U.S. support for non-communist leaders like Mobutu in Zaire. When the wall came down so did the post World War II world. In some ways, it was an easier time because it was so oversimplified. We knew who the "good guys" and the "bad guys" were, and the bad guys had that wall as proof that they were evil. In the last twenty years, our world has evolved into a far more complicated geo-political system. Who can label the the good guys and bad guys in eastern Congo with all the groups fighting and changing sides with head spinning speed? The same thing about Bosnia in the 1990's. So many sides instead of just two with clear differences. I once told a Conflicts, much to their amusement, that I was kind of nostalgic for the Cold War! I meant I wish I could know who is right and who is wrong as I thought I did while growing up in the Cold War. Life was simpler, scarier, but simpler.

What do you think the legacy of the Berlin Wall is? Was life really simpler or was that all an illusion?

Nelson

This is a follow-up to the story Graham brought us in the summer. Nelson Mandela used the South Africa rugby team to try to heal some of the racial divide after the end of apartheid. There was a brief trailer during the game tonight, but here is the link to a longer one. (Thanks to Ilana.)

http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/invictus/

Nobel Peace Prize

Like so many people, I woke up to the surprising, I would say stunning, news that Barack Obama had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. While I am a real admirer of the President, I thought it was perhaps premature although I believe he has changed the direction of world events through his policy of multilateralism and dialogue. I thought his speech in Cairo did more to undermine recruitment by terrorist groups than all the bombs and troops around the world. Here is what someone far more qualified than I had to say:

MOHAMED ELBARADEI

The director-general of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, who received the prize in 2005, said in a statement that he was “absolutely delighted,” adding: “I cannot think of anyone today more deserving of this honor. In less than a year in office, he has transformed the way we look at ourselves and the world we live in and rekindled hope for a world at peace with itself.”

What do you think of the choice of Obama for the Nobel Peace Prize?

Nick and Sheryl Interview

Alex Berg, 264, read on FB that I wouldn't be able to attend Nick and Sheryl's presentation last night so she sent me information on how to listen to a live interview today. I am urging everyone to listen to the recorded version of it at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/saja/2009/10/07/Nicholas-Kristof-Sheryl-WuDunn

It was wonderful. They talked about many things which Conflicts students across the years will find familiar: FGM, fistulas, sexual slavery, Mukhtar Mai whom Nick describes simply as his "hero", rape as a tactic of war and so much more.

I was struck by so many points, but here are a few which I hope will entice you to listen. They used the term "gendercide" to describe what is happening to girls and women in the 21st century. And they had incredible statistics to back it up. for example, one woman dies every minute in childbirth and twenty are injured seriously. More women died in childbirth during WW I than soldiers died in combat. Sheryl explained why she felt doing something to try to end FGM is not cultural imperialism. Perhaps, most powerful for me was the point they made that the people who victimize women are often (perhaps more often than not) other women. Nick said that he is really hoping Greg Mortenson wins the Nobel Peace Prize this week.

Listen. It is really worth the time you will spend. One special note for Conflicts 266. At the end of the broadcast, Nick was asked if he had some final comment and he used our starfish story. No wonder I love him!

Qaddafi at the United Nations

In case you missed it, Muammar Qaddafi really outdid himself at the United Nations on Wednesday. His rambling rant lasted 75 minutes longer than his allotted 15 minutes. After being introduced by one of his aides as the "king of kings of Africa", he proceeded to ramble on about the causes of the Korean War, a conspiracy theory involving the the Kennedy assassination, he questioned whether the swine flu had been designed in a laboratory and tore up a copy of the United Nations Charter. His speech had at least one casualty. After struggling with this incoherent rambling for 75 minutes, Qaddafi's personal translator shouted into the microphone, "I can't take it anymore." - in Arabic. One of the UN's official translators relieved him and finished translating the speech. He was given the next day off for his efforts. Another one of the UN's official Arabic translators wrapped it up in an understatement, ""He’s not exactly the most lucid speaker."

On Thursday, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech led to a major walk out by delegates from the US, Argentina, Australia, Britain, Costa Rica, Denmark, France Germany, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, and others (mainly EU countries). Canada and Israel had boycotted the speech from the beginning. Ahamdinejad ended up speaking to a half empty hall.

Quite a 24 hour period at the United Nations!

Hugo Chavez and Me

Who knew Hugo Chavez and I had something in common? Here is the YouTube video in which Chavez explains what he thinks of Fox News.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V3luj9gs1c

Mugabe: A Hero?

You have got to check this out. This link comes from Michele Haimowitz. It is Mugabe's interview with Christine Amanpour of CNN. Mugabe sees himself as an African hero, defending his homeland against outsiders, both African and non-African. He describes Archbishop Desmond Tutu as the "little man." Make sure you look at the video.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/09/24/zimbabwe.mugabe.amanpour/index.html

Do you think Mugabe really believes everything he says?

Coed University in Saudi Arabia ?!

Saudi Arabia is about to open a new university unlike any in the conservative kingdom. It is The King Abdullah Science and Technology University (KAUST). It is a state-of-the-art university with the latest equipment including the world's 14th fastest supercomputer. The university is planned as an oasis of scientific freedom in a land dominated by religious conservatives. Tuition is $70,000 a year, but is paid by the government. Saudi Arabia hopes to attract students from around the world plus develop a native scientific community in areas not related to the oil industry. Most surprising is the freedom women will have on campus. Women will not have to wear veils or cover their faces, and they will be able to mingle freely with male students. Women will even be able to drive on campus.

Is this a sign of the first crack in the conservatism of Saudi Arabia or will the conservatives see it as a threat and use it as a target in their "defense" of fundamental Islam?

Power of Words: Obama on the Middle East

I was struck by President Obama's choice of words when he talked about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He called for

"Two states living side by side in peace and security — a Jewish state of Israel, with true security for all Israelis; and a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967..."

Obama made it quite clear that he feels Israel must keep its Jewish identity. At the same time, he described the West Bank as occupied territory. This vocuablulary seemed surprisingly blunt coming from an American president at an open forum. Was this language surprising to you? Do you think it can further the cause of peace or be a detriment to Obama's role as mediator?

I loved the way Obama reminded the UN Assembly what this (and all) conflicts are about:

"We must remember that the greatest price of this conflict is not paid by us. It's not paid by politicians. It's paid by the Israeli girl in Sderot who closes her eyes in fear that a rocket will take her life in the middle of the night. It's paid for by the Palestinian boy in Gaza who has no clean water and no country to call his own. These are all God's children. And after all the politics and all the posturing, this is about the right of every human being to live with dignity and security."

Amen.

New Freedom for Women in Swat Valley

This recommendation comes from Zach Mag. After over six months of Taliban rule in Swat Valley in Pakistan, the area is free again. This journal article from the NYT describes how the burqa was used to control the female population. If you have not yet read Nadia Elkadi's comments about the the trousers controversy in Sudan, this article makes a very good companion piece. What do you think of the use of clothing as a way to keep women oppressed? Is the requirement of wearing the burqa more substance or more symbolic?


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/world/asia/23burqa.html?_r=1&ref=world

Hope for a Mideast Peace?

Sometimes peace between the Israelis and Palestinians seems impossible. It is wonderful to read of people working for a peace which will bring about a two state solution. There was a new 424 page blueprint for peace presented yesterday. It includes a sunken four lane highway built through Israel, connecting Gaza and the West Bank. It also allows some of East Jerusalem to be part of the Palestinian state while allowing the neighborhoods of the 200,000 Israelis who have moved into Jerusalem since the 1967 war to remain in Israel. Both groups would have access to the Old City and its religious shrines, but from separate gates. It is complex, complicated and creative. What is best is that there are people who have not given up hope that peace can be established.

Do you think peace is possible?

To read more on the plan, go to the following site from The Philadelphia Inquirer.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/59430457.html

Do you have your copy yet?

"If you have always wondered whether you can change the world, read this book. Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn have written a brilliant call to arms that describes one of the transcendent injustices in the world today—the brutal treatment of women. They take you to many countries, introduce you to extraordinary women, and tell you their moving tales. Throughout, the tone is practical not preachy and the book’s suggestions as to how you can make a difference are simple, sensible, and yet powerful. The authors vividly describe a terrible reality about the world we live in but they also provide light and hope that we can, in fact, change it.”

-Fareed Zakaria, author, The Post-American World

Trousers in Sudan

Lubna Hussein has been freed from prison against her own wishes. Hussein and other women were arrested for public indecency for wearing trousers in a public cafe in Khartoum. The punishment decreed was flogging. Ten women accepted the flogging, reportedly 40 lashes, but Hussein refused and fought it in a public trial which drew international criticism. Her punishment was reduced from the flogging to a $200 fine which she refused to pay. This led to her imprisonment. Now her fine has been paid by a member of the ruling party who wanted to end the international attention which this case has brought to Sudan for their uneven and arbitrary application of laws about what is meant by public indecency. Many human rights groups believe that the laws target women from southern Sudan who are mostly Christian and are supposed to be free from the Islamic rules of the northern (and ruling) part of Sudan. Many people in the West are celebrating Lubna Hussein's victory for human rights. However, there is another side to this story.

In 2004, France banned the wearing of religious symbols in public schools. Although the hijab (head scarf) is never mentioned in the law, many people interpreted this as a move against Muslim girls. Muslims make up between 5 and 10 percent of the population of France. The private sector followed the public law and refused to hire and even fired women wearing the hijab. In August, a woman was refused admission into a bank where she had her account because she was wearing an hijab.

Many Muslims sites and blogs argue that France's ban on the hijab is no different than Sudan's ban on trousers.

Do you thnk that is a sound argument?

Hugo Chavez in Venice

Oliver Stone's new documentary, "South of the Border," premiered at the Venice film festival on September 7. It is about the leftist revolution which is taking place in many Latin American nations, and Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez is the star of the movie. Chavez was present for the premier and walked the red carpet. Stone endorsed Chavez's socialist agenda and described American opposition to it as "predatory capitalism". Obviously, Stone is entitled to his opinion of this controversial leader, but it seems amazing to hold him up as a beacon of democracy when he has suppressed opposition in his country. Chavez is a controversial leader, but Stone explained that he felt no need to include any opposing points of view in his film. "A dark side? There's a dark side to everything. Why do you seek out the dark side when the guy is doing good things?"

Oliver Stone predicts he will have a difficult time having his film released in the U.S. because of a complex America has about our neighbors to the south. Do you think there is any truth to Stone's charges?

Prejudice against Islam

I just watched the piece from the Today show on Mukhtar Mai. For anyone who has followed this story for years, it will be remarkable to finally see her face and hear her voice. The site is:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32688575#32688575

There will be more on Dateline on Sunday night, NBC, 7:00 PM.

I am disturbed by one particular aspect of the story. According the reporter, the idea of gang rape followed by suicide by the victim is seen as honorable in the traditions of Pakistan, But, what is shown is men praying at a mosque!!! Rapes to recover family honor are not and never have been part of Islam. In fact, it was Mukhtar Mai's local Imam who encouraged her to go to the police and who accompanied her. And yet this reporting of the story seemed to me to be saying that it was Muslim tradition which allowed and encouraged rape as punishment. No wonder we have such a misunderstanding about Islam when a respectable news agency like NBC and a very fine reporter like Ann Curry can report in this fashion.

Please, someone watch this and let me know if I am overreacting.

Big News on Mukhtar Mai

From Nick Kristof (Who else?)

If you're up, watch NBC's Today Show Friday morning. Between 7 and 7:30, there'll be a segment about me and Mukhtar Mai, a Pakistani hero of mine and a star of "Half the Sky." She used rape compensation money to start a school. Then NBC Nightly News will report on maternal health in Pakistan, also by Ann Curry. It's great to see a network treating global maternal mortality as a serious issue.


Honestly, would any of this be happening without Nick Kristof? Doesn't this show what the persistence of one person can do when matched with the courage of one remarkable woman?

Release of the Lockerbie Bomber

The decision by the justice minister of Scotland to release Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the only person ever convicted in the bombing of Pan-Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988, killing 270 people on the plane and on the ground has caused great consternation on both sides of the Atlantic. Scottish law permits release on compassionate grounds. Mr. Megrahi is dying of cancer and has only months to live. Letting him go home to die among his family is surely an example of compassion which is not the same as justice. Many people including President Obama have raised objections and criticized the decision. I am not sure if people do not understand that compassion by its very definition is different from justice. Of course, this is not justice. Or, perhaps, people are upset by what our media described as a “hero’s welcome” when he arrived in Libya. From all I have read, the people at the airport were members of his tribe who turned out to welcome their family member home. There was no government recognition of the return nor government official present at his homecoming. I have even read that Scotland must be getting some economic benefit from Libya. I am going to suggest that this is just what it is said to be: a compassionate move in keeping with Scottish law.

Who thinks Scotland made a mistake?

Selling Afghan Women Out

Hamid Karzai, America's favorite candidate in the recent Afghan presidential election, issued a law (not through Parliament) which has restored Taliban like restrictions on women. These new/old regulations apply only to Shi'ite women, but who can say they will not become more widespread? The law permits child marriage, allows a husband to withdraw all support for his wife if she does give sex on demand and permits a woman to leave her home only for "legal reasons" in "accordance with local customs." So, if local customs do not allow women to go to school or work outside the home, what then? No doubt, Karzai issued this law to win the votes for the hard-line members of the Shi'ite minority. But, how can we continue to support him?

Can we continue to support the Karzai government? Is this why we are fighting in Afghanistan - to see women oppressed? Doesn't there come some point when we have to do what is right and not what is politically expedient?

The Zimbabwean Dollar Is Dead

I'm a little late with this. The Zimbabwean government stopped printing the Zimbabwean dollar on April 12. So, it is officially dead. The government replaced it with the U.S. dollar and the South African rand. Where does this leave the Zimbabweans who have only Zimdollars, as they are called? A bus ride in Harare costs 50 U.S. cents or 3 trillion Zimdollars. People without relatives outside the country to send them hard currency are using Zimdollars as IOUs or have returned to a barter system. One woman paid a bus driver with a live chicken! President Mugabe is demanding a return to the Zimdollar even though it was his policy of just printing up money which caused the hyperinflation crisis. However, the finance minister is a member of the opposition party who joined the government as part of the power sharing agreement between Mugabe and Movement for Democratic Change. He refuses to return to the valueless local currency. Oh, by the way, there is one place where Zimdollars are doing well. The trillion Zimdollar notes are a favorite with collectors and are selling well on eBay.

What do you think? Can a country heal its financial problems by getting rid of its own currency? What can the average Zimbabwean do? Any thoughts?

Help for Women

This Sunday's New York Times magazine is devoted to women's issues around the world. Be sure to pick up a copy of it if you can. Nick Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn wrote the cover story.

Their main thesis is that just as slavery was the most important moral issue the world faced in the 19th century and totalitarian governments of both the left and right were the the major moral challenge of the 20th century, in the 21st century "it is the brutality inflicted on so many women and girls around the globe: sex trafficking, acid attacks, bride burnings and mass rape."

Do you agree? In the 21st century, in many places of the world, half the population is still being kept powerless through lack of education and oppressed by some horrific practices which sound as though they come from the Dark Ages. Half the population!
Can we in the developed world do anything about this? Should we? Ideas, anyone?

If you can't get a copy of the newspaper, the cover story is at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/magazine/23Women-t.html?_r=1&hp

Nick in O Magazine!

Is there no end to the number of people who are getting to know "our" Nick? His wife and he are in O magazine about their new book, "Half the Sky." Check it out. Can you think of ways we can make a difference? Do you agree that women are the key to progress in underdeveloped countries?

http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200909-omag-power-kristof

Nick's new book

Nicholas Kristof and his wife Sheryl WuDunn have a new book coming out in September. It is why he was on sabbatical for the first half of Conflicts 267. It's called "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide."

"“We wrote a book devoted to women in the developing world because if you want to fight poverty and extremism, you need to educate and empower women and bring them into the economy. A country can’t grow and be stable if half the population is marginalized. Mercy Corps is helping spread this message through their One Table campaign. And you can help advance the cause by registering your book club on this site. You'll receive a moderator's kit to help guide the discussion and guidelines on how to host a fundraising event to support Mercy Corps' work with women and families. Please join the conversation, because we all have a role to play.

“Thank you.”

—Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

They are speaking at the World Affairs Council in Philadelphia in October. But, check out what Mercy Corps is doing to spread the word. The site is:

http://onetable.mercycorps.org/halfthesky

Christina, in a round about way, this discusses your comment about people feeling helpless to change things in the world. Does anyone have any ideas about how we could form a book club and do this?

Update on Mukhtar Mai

Many of you are familiar with the case of Mukhtar Mai, the Pakistani woman who was raped on the order of a local tribal court. Mukhtar's brother allegedly had done something to dishonor a higher clan, and the local leaders decreed that this clan could regain their honor by having Mukhtar raped in front of her father and uncle by four men of the court's choosing. In cases like this, which are more common than would ever be expected in the 21st century, it is generally assumed that the woman will go home and quietly commit suicide or at least disappear. Instead Mukhtar went to her local Muslim cleric. This Imam encouraged her to report this crime and accompanied her to the police to have the men charged with rape. Her case became an international cause. Support and money poured in from around the world. This shy, illiterate woman used her new fame and money to open schools for girls, start a women's shelter and establish an organization to work for women's rights. She has made many enemies in traditional, rural society in Pakistan and her life has often been in danger. And now she faces a new threat.

The family of Mukhtar's best friend and chief of staff has been caught up in a violent dispute which could effect all Mukhtar has worked for. A female cousin of Mukhtar's friend married a man from another clan for love infuriating the men of her own clan. In July, the two clans engaged in a gunfight and both the young husband and wife were killed. It appears that the wife was killed by her own family in a kind of honor killing. The husband's family is outraged and seem to want to punish the entire family including Mukhtar's chief of staff and her husband. The traditional leaders who have always resented Mukhtar are using this incident to attack her work. There have been demonstrations against her and the police have raided her home. The fear is that tribal authorities will use this as an excuse to attack her school, shelter and compound and destroy all the work she has done. Since she works in a remote part of Pakistan where tribal law rules, there does not seem to be much the federal government can do to help her. After all she has endured and all she has accomplished against incredible obstacles, it would be a tragedy if her work is undone.

I am left to wonder how the western world can ever understand this type of tribal society which the U.S. is facing in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Can we find common ground between our world and the world of Mukhtar Mai? Is it even possible?

Rape in Africa : Who Cares?

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in the midst of an historic seven nation tour of Africa. So far, her trip has been overshadowed by her husband’s trip to North Korea to bring home the two captured American journalists and by the health care debate in this country. The media seems to be interested only in her looking a bit silly while trying to dance with some Africans who greeted her and by her annoyance at being asked a question about her husband's opinion on an issue. Her trip deserves more attention, and the issues she is investigating deserve more respect than they are receiving. Remarkably, Mrs. Clinton went to Eastern Congo, site of the worst conflict since World War II. Five million people have been killed in this conflict since 1998. And, one of the worst weapons of this conflict has been the use of rape. This is not rape as collateral damage. This is rape as a tactic and strategy of the war itself. Clinton visited a refugee camp on the outskirts of Goma which is ground zero in this conflict. There she met with some rape survivors including a woman who had been gang raped when she was eight months pregnant. Her baby died, and villagers saved her life by stuffing her womb with grass to keep her from bleeding to death since there was no hospital nearby. Mrs. Clinton pledged $17 million dollars to help combat sexual violence in this ongoing East Congo conflict. Hopefully, more important than the money will be Mrs. Clinton’s presence in East Congo. Perhaps this will call the world’s attention to an area which the UN has already labeled “the rape capital of the world”. As I was reading the story of her visit in The New York Times, I turned on ABC’s Nightline. Their story of controversy for the night? Child beauty pageants. What is wrong with this picture?

Is it just that the world does not care what is happening in Africa?

Or is it that the world does recognize that rape can be a weapon just as surely an IED?

Or is it that, like Mrs. Clinton who was described as “emotionally drained” by her visit to the refugee camp, we are too emotionally drained by issues as horrific as this and would rather think about the problems with child beauty pageants?

North Korea : Was the Price Too High?

What a dramatic ending to a dangerous and risky situation with the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee from North Korea today. Although Bill Clinton went to North Korea as a private citizen, no one in this country or especially in North Korea saw him that way. The coverage shows that North Korea acted as though this was an official state visit with the greeting at the airport by high officials, the dinner with Kim Jong-Il and the photo ops. No doubt, North Korea will use this event to try to re-instate their standing within the community of nations. From all reports, it was North Korea which demanded a visit from someone with the stature of a former president before it would consider releasing the two women. In other words, blackmail. Tonight, there can be nothing but euphoria by the families of the two journalists that they are safely on their way home. And I am sure most of us share that euphoria and great admiration for Bill Clinton for his willingness to participate in this staged negotiation in order to bring the women home.

Unfortunately, there may be serious consequences from this release. Has it set a precedent? Will Iran try to replicate this scenario before we can gain the release of the three hikers captured on the Iran-Iraqi border this week? Both North Korea and Iran are suffering from international censure because of their nuclear programs. The U.S. has been in the forefront of this international pressure and isolation of the two nations in order to pressure them to alter their programs and nuclear agenda. Will the U.S. have to ease up on this pressure on North Korea as part of the deal to gain the release of Ling and Lee? And will the U.S. have to also back down on its criticism of Iran in order to gain freedom for the three students currently held in Iran? Did North Korea and will Iran use captured Americans as bargaining chips?

Is the price of freedom for Laura Ling and Euna Lee and (hopefully) the future release of the three students too high? What do you think?

Are women leaders better than men?

The death of Curazon Aquino, the former president of the Philippines, brings up the issue of women as political leaders. Mrs. Aquino was a political novice who was thrust into the spotlight after the assassination of her reformer husband. Despite her political inexperience, she was swept into office through a wave of "people power," after President Ferdinand Marcos claimed victory in a fraudulent election which most people believed Mrs. Aquino had won. She was able to guide the Philippines through the difficult transition from the autocratic government of Marcos to democracy. Although she rose to power by non-electoral means, her position was validated by a democratic constitution the next year. Her non-violent overthrow of Marcos has been an inspiration to a number of non-violent uprisings throughout the world. Although she was a rather mediocre president, she managed to start the Philippines on the road to democracy and provided the democratic movement with a leader when it needed one. The Philippines has had two successful electoral transfers and two more attempts at "people power" uprisings since she left office. She used her inexperience and what she called "my sincerity" to offer the Filipino people hope for the future. She became the conscience of her nation. Her leadership is considerd the highpoint of modern Philippine history.

She is part of a very exclusive group of female leaders including the very impressive Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia. So here is the question. It is very simple. You only have to answer yes or no.

Would the world be a better or different place if there were more women in positions of leadership of nations? Yes or No? Vote now.

Americans in Iran - Oh no, not again

Just months after two American journalists were captured after somehow crossing the border into North Korea, three American students have apparently been "detained" after accidentally cross the border into Iran from the Kurdish area of Iraq. A Kurdish government official reported the students had “trekked into Iranian territory, knowingly or unknowingly, and found themselves detained by the Iranians.” It sounds ridiculous until you read about what the area is like. It is not as though there are border markings or signs saying "You are now entering Iran." The New York Times describes the area as "a popular resort and hiking area" and that " It is not uncommon to see American and other Western tourists traveling there without security guards." For the same reasons, it is a popular area for smugglers and Kurdish rebels opposed to the Iranian government.

These students were not inexperienced. They were studying Arabic in Syria so they had to be somewhat familiar with the Middle East. It brings to mind the idea which Nick Kristof floated that a person could not consider themselves truly educated if they never visited the half of the world which lives on $1 a day and visited only Paris or Sydney or Florence.

So here are the questions. Should people stick to the safe and not venture into areas which could possibly present problems? Are these students to blame for what has happened to them? Were they just stupid not to know where they were? And then, what does the U.S. do considering our relations with Iran?

Mugabe's Latest Ploy

Is Robert Mugabe immortal? Will he be in office forever? He has used everything from assassination to intimidation to bribery to stay in office. But, his latest maneuver may be his cleverest and most difficult to combat. A brief recap: Robert Mugabe has been the leader of Zimbabwe since 1980, first as Prime Minister then as President. Throughout the the 1970's and the 1980's, he was the leader of Zimbabwe's (then Rhodesia) struggle for majority rule. He was a hero not only in Zimbabwe, but throughout Africa. However, his policies of land "reform" and economic redistribution have driven the country from prosperity to destitution. Zimbabwe went from being the bread basket of Africa to a nation on the brink of starvation with an inflation rate which reached 231 million percent (!) in July. And yet he is still in power. In the elections last year, it looked as though Mugabe was finally out. His ZANU=PF party won 99 seats in House of Assembly and the opposition party of Morgan Tsvangirai, Movement for Democratic Change, won 100 seats plus the support of a smaller faction which controls the other ten seats. In addition, most people believe that Tsvangirai actually won the presidential election, but Mugabe insisted on a runoff election which Tsvangirai eventually withdrew from when a number of his supporters were tortured and murdered. A unity government was formed with Mugabe as president and Tsvangirai as Prime Minister and Tsvangirai's party in charge of the House of Assembly. Things looked hopeful...until now.

A government official from the MDC was arrested this week, accused of stealing a cellphone from an ally of President Robert Mugabe while sharing a lunch table with him at a political unity event. This may not sound serious, but if he is convicted, he will be ineligible to serve in the government. Five other members of the MDC have already been convicted of similar criminal charges and forced to leave Parliament, whittling Tsvangirai's majority in Parliament. In addition, 16 other Tsvangirai supporters are facing charges they deny. Meanwhile, none of Mugabe’s supporters, accused by human rights groups of waging a campaign of terror during last year’s election season, have been prosecuted. Uhm.....

So my question to you is this: When will Mugabe finally lose his control of Zimbabwe?

a) With the next election which Tsvangirai will obviously win
b) When other African leaders withdraw their support and remove him from office
c) Never. He will hold power by whatever means necessary until he dies
d) When there is finally a popular uprising against him which removes him through violence

Okay, everyone. Let's hear your prediction.

The Power of Sports

This post deals with two of my favorite topics - Nelson Mandela and sports. I strongly believe sports have the power to do more than just reflect what is happening in society. They can move and change society. This video comes compliments of Graham Johnston who saw it on the ESPY awards. It is very moving and well worth a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTuhCvVDHXQ

China One child Policy Update

A few Conflicts classes over the years have discussed the benefits and pitfalls (and sometimes the cruelty) of the one child policy in China. Now that the policy has been in effect for thirty years, China is seeing the expected benefits: population control, improved health care, rising standard of living, etc. However, the drawbacks have also begun to appear. The population is aging with fewer young people available to care for them. As the population ages, the work force is shrinking just as China is industrializing. As a result, some government officials are rethinking the policy. Shanghai officials are even encouraging couples to have a second child. Some of the encouragements are the same ones used to first implement the policy, such as financial incentives. Others are so primitive that they are sort of laughable, i.e. leaflets under doors. It will be interesting to see how this impacts couples who grew up with the one child policy. Each member of the couple is an only child, not only without siblings, but also without cousins. How will they take to the idea of a second child?

The article in The New York Times is at
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/world/asia/25shanghai.html?ref=world

What are your thoughts on the one child policy and/or this latest development?

Walter Cronkite and the Middle East

No doubt, you will be inundated with news about the death of Walter Cronkite. My advice is to watch it all, listen to it all. "Uncle Walter" held a rare place in the history of news. For my generation, he was the news. He was the one who told us President Kennedy had died. When he took off his dark glasses to wipe away tears, we knew how tragic this really was. As a kid, I could not imagine Walter Cronkite crying. He was so calm, so in charge, so authoritative. The other time he removed those famous glasses was when Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon. He took them off, rubbed his hands together and just said, "the moon." That was enough to convey the awe and wonder of it. You'll hear and see these stories and more, especially his famous coverage of the Vietnam War when he criticized U.S. policy there after a visit. LBJ is reported to have said, "If we've lost Walter Cronkite, we've lost middle America." The stories could go on and on. But, I think it is important for the purposes of this blog to mention the impact he had on the Middle East, not on reporting it but actually on the peace process.

In 1977, he was interviewing President Sadat of Egypt live and asked him if he would go to Israel (no Arab state recognized Israel at this point) to negotiate a settlement after the Yom Kippur War. Sadat said yes on live television - if he received and invitation. CBS news then got in touch with Prime Minister Begin of Israel and, once again on live television, asked if he would invite Sadat. Begin agreed that he would. It was remarkable. Evntually, it led to peace talks, Egypt's recogntion of Israel, the Camp David Accords and a Nobel Peace Prize for Sadat and Begin. I'm not saying Walter Cronkite brought this about, but certainly his prestige as a jounalist and the respect with which he was held helped facilitate the beginning of it. He describes it this way:

"But the openness of television offered a powerful incentive that secret diplomacy did not. The political consequences of a public failure improved the ultimate chances of diplomatic success, and statesmen willing to fail publicly are a courageous lot."

For Cronkite's version of how this all happened, check out the video or transcript on NPR.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6861044

Five Leaders Who Miss George Bush

Foreign Policy has an article on five foreign leaders who miss George Bush and prefer him to Obama. See how many you can guess before reading the article.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/07/08/5_leaders_who_miss_george_w_bush

No Sex - Update

Thanks to Ilana for this tip. Leymah Gboweehttp was on The Colbert Report last night. Here is the site:
www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/233532/july-14-2009/leymah-gbowee

If you are not familiar with her, she is the subject of the movie, Pray the Devil Back to Hell. This is a documentary about a group of women who organized to force the men of Liberia to end the civil war there. She started organizing women in her own Christian church and then they joined forces with Muslim women. They formed the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET). They used things like a sex strike. That is probably where the women of Kenya got the idea, not from the Greek play, Lysistrata. They also barricaded the men who were in Ghana for peacetalks in the building where they were negotiating. When the negotiators sent guards out to remove the women, they threatened to strip naked in public which is considered very bad luck in many cultures of west Africa. A peace deal was made!

You can read Leymah's amazing story and how the film got made in Oprah's magazine. (Now that's a first for Conflicts class!)
http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200812_omag_liberia

Check out Colbert and the Oprah magazine. Colbert is in his usual rare form.

Where Iran and China Intersect

It has been interesting to watch Iran's reaction to what is happening to the Uighurs in western China. As far as I know, Iran has said absolutely nothing. Iran sees itself as the leader of the Islamic world and the defender of Muslims everywhere. And yet when China repressed the Muslim Uighurs and sent in the military, Iran was silent. Could it be that Iran was unable to criticize China because it was doing the same thing to protesters in Tehran? The other consideration is that Iran has strong political and commercial (and maybe even military) ties with China. A cleric in Lebanon wrote, "How could China suppress the Muslims so violently and seek good relations with Muslim countries and sometimes dominate their markets?" The same thing is true of Sudan. The government sponsors the genocide of Muslims in Darfur and then sells oil to China even as it oppresses its Muslim population. But, at least, Sudan never claimed to be the spokesperson for all Muslims.

African Updates

While I was thrilled to see the symbolism of Obama's visit to Ghana, I was disappointed that he did not spend more time there and that he did not mention Darfur. With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, nuclear issues in Iran and North Korea and our economic woes, I am afraid Africa will be relegated to the back burner as it was by former presidents. I hope not.

Two news items out of Africa caught my attention:

Ten women were flogged in public in Khartoum for wearing trousers. This was in keeping with Sharia law which is enforced in Islamic areas of Sudan. However, the women were from southern Sudan which is Christian and animist. Under the peace brokered betwween the north and the south which ended the 20 year civil war, southerners were not supposed to be subject to Sharia. This does not bode well for the rumblings of a resumption of that horrific conflict. If the civil war breaks out again between northern and southern Sudan, it will make Darfur look like a squabble.

The second item has to do with Uganda officials saying they would arrest President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and turn him over to the ICC if he enters their country. This is huge since earlier this month African leaders criticized the ICC for indicting him on crimes against humanity in Darfur and said that they would not extradite him. I don't know what made Uganda take this stance, but I think it is good for Africa if leaders stop protecting all other African leaders no matter what they do in a show of solidarity. How about a show of solidarity for the African people who are the vicitms of these leaders?

Blood Diamonds

Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia, took the stand in his war crimes trial in the Hague today. 91 witnesses have already testified against him including a man who had stumps where his hands used to be and a woman who was forced to carry a bag of severed heads including those of her own children. Taylor caused havoc and terror in neighboring Sierra Leone through the use of child soldiers (Ishmael Beah), terror, torture, mutilation and sexual slavery. It was not for any political gain nor was it an ethnic conflict. It was to get his hands on Sierra Leone's diamonds, later labeled "blood diamonds" for the cost and toll they took. He has been charged with 11 counts of specific war crimes. He is the second head of state and the first African head of state to be put on trial by an international court. I did not know if I would ever see it because it is so hard to tie the crimes directly back to him, but the prosecutors seem confident that they have sufficient evidence. I think it is a real victory for the victims and for international justice. I heard some of his testimony on NPR this morning. If you believe him, he was trying to be a peacemaker and was "too busy defending democrcay" to keep an eye on atrocities committed on his watch. He made it sound as though he should get the Nobel Peace Prize. This trial may set a precedent for autocrats who should be held responsible for what happens while they are running things. I hope Bashir is watching.

Iran's Terrifying Facebook Police

This is stolen, uhm borrowed. from NPR. But it is really scary. I have been cheering how modern communication made the protests in Tehran possible. I never thought of it being a double edged sword.

NPR, July 13, 2009

"A scary anecdote from Iran. A trusted colleague - who is married to an Iranian-American and would thus prefer to stay anonymous - has told me of a very disturbing episode that happened to her friend, another Iranian-American, as she was flying to Iran last week. On passing through the immigration control at the airport in Tehran, she was asked by the officers if she has a Facebook account. When she said "no", the officers pulled up a laptop and searched for her name on Facebook. They found her account and noted down the names of her Facebook friends.

This is very disturbing. For once, it means that the Iranian authorities are paying very close attention to what's going on Facebook and Twitter (which, in my opinion, also explains why they decided not to take those web-sites down entirely - they are useful tools of intelligence gathering)."

North Korea Update.

Reports out of South Korea say that Kim Jong Il has pancreatic cancer. He has been seen in public only twice in the last year (reclusive even for him) and he looked terrible. This is scary because we have no idea what the power situation is. Perhaps his youngest son has real support and will assume power smoothly. Or perhaps, there will be a power struggle. Kim Jong Il is crazy, but the unknown is even scarier. As improbable as it may seem, there could be someone more unstable than the "Dear Leader." However, I doubt if there is anyone with a stranger hairdo. But, at the bottom of all this are the nukes. Who is in control affects all those poor oppressed North Koreans, but who controls the nukes can effect all of us.

Humanity in Western China

The Philadelphia Inquirer had a story today about the continuing unrest in the Xinjiang region of western China. But, they included an incident which happened during the funeral of a Han Chinese family (a man, his wife and his parents) who had been killed during the ethnic riots. Three Uighur neighbors of the victims came near, but were tentative about approaching. And then one of them "grasped the hand of a mourning sister, walked to the altar with her and wailed in sympathy." This touch of humanity amid the strife, deaths and government crackdown was a powerful reminder that people, away from politics, are good. I am so glad the paper put that incident in the larger story. Not all Han Chinese and Uighurs hate each other. They find themsleves in a situation which pits them against each other for use of land and other natural resources and the government encourages it. I believe that same statement can be applied to many of the ethnic conflicts which are going on today. Just grab your White-out and replace Han Chinese and Uighur with Israeli-Palestinian, Black Darfurians and Arab Darfurians, Hutus-Tutsis, and so many etc's.

Journalists in North Korea

Finally, someone is talking about Lisa Ling and Euna Lee publicly. Hillary Clinton mentioned them during a press conference today. If you don't know what happened to them, these two journalists for San Francisco based Current TV were arrested/captured near the North Korea border where they were investigating human trafficking. They had what passes for a trial in North Korea and were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. And, then there has been an eerie silence about their fates. Clinton originally characterized the charges as "baseless". Today, she said that the two journalists "have expressed great remorse" for their actions and that the U.S. was seeking "amnesty" for them. I am relieved that there seems to be something being done about them, but there are still so many disturbing aspects to this whole situation. First of all, what is the connection between their detention and North Korea's recent nuclear activity? Are they being held as a bargaining chip, which seems very possible? Secondly, what about the details of their capture? I do not believe they would have been so foolish as to have wandered across the border of North Korea. This leads me to suspect that the person who arranged the interview or the trafficker himself either lured them across the border or sold them to the North Korean border guards. This would at least provide some hope because it looks as though they really are being used as bargaining chips. Reportedly, North Korean authorities have said that the two women are not being held in a prison but in a "guest house in Pyongyang." However, the scariest thing about this whole situation is that we seem to have no idea about how stable North Korea's domestic politics are right now. After Kim Jong Il's stroke, no one seemed to know who was in charge. And, now it looks as though Kim Jong Il is trying to ensure the succession for his youngest son, Kim Jong Un ("Brilliant Comrade"). Being held prisoner in North Korea is bad news in the best of times (such as it is in North Korea), but to be held prisoner duirng a time of domestic upheaval and instability is even more difficult. Perhaps that is why Clinton is requesting amnesty even though that implies an admission of guilt. She may just want to get the two women out of there. Or, she may be trying to make sure their fates can not be tied to some nuclear negotiations.

Any thoughts?

Ethnic Violence in Western China

Last year when there were uprisings in Tibet, the world took up the cause. Olympic athletes debated whether to defy the Olympic ban on protests and apparel in support of the Tibetans. The Dalai Lama was in demand for public appearances and his presence galvanized support for the oppressed people of Tibet. Well, now it is happening again. The Uighurs of western China rioted over the weekend against their oppression by the majority Han Chinese. As in Tibet, the Han Chinese have been given incentives by the government to move into the Xinjiang region of west China. Over the weekend, ethnic tensions boiled over into violence and, according to the Chinese government, 156 people have died so far with hundreds more injured. As expected, the government blamed Uighur protesters and said the victims are Han Chinese. The few westerners on the scene tell a different story.
It will be interesting to see if this uprising generates the kind of sympathy which the Tibetans received. There are two big differences that I notice. First of all, the Uighurs are Muslims; they are a Turkic ethnic group. Several of them are in Guantanamo as accused or suspected terrorists. What will this do to western sympathy? The other difference is that Xinjiang is an oil rich desert land. I never understood why China was willing to risk interntional sanctions and disapproval to hold on to Tibet, other than natioanl pride. But, Xinjiang has oil! So, although the similarities to Tibet exist, the differences seem absolutely crucial.

For details, read the article in the NYT:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/world/asia/07china.html?_r=1&ref=world

Robert McNamara

I just learned of the death of Robert McNamara, former Secretary of Defense and architect of the Vietnam War. He was the villain of my youth. After he left that position (or was fired. It is not exactly clear.), he spent much of his life analyzing all that the U.S. and he had done. Much of this is examined in an extraordinary documentary called "Fog of War". It is a powerful analysis of power and its use and misuse. At one point, he describes himself as a war criminal. He stated, “War is so complex it’s beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend. Our judgment, our understanding, are not adequate. And we kill people unnecessarily.” I still find this hard to connect this statement to the man who was nothing less than a cheerleader as he sent so many soldiers off to war. Conflicts class went to see the film, and we had very different reactions to it. I still saw the villain of my youth and struggled with his struggle to repent and understand. I believe most of the students saw him as rather noble. I could be wrong, I would urge everyone to see the documentary if possible. At the very least, read today's NYT on Robert McNamara's life and death.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/us/07mcnamara.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Iran: The Blame Game

Well, it looks as though the Iranian ruling clerics have found someone to blame for the recent protests over the fraudulent presidential election. Since they can't blame the U.S. (the Great Satan), the finger is pointed at Britain. "The enemy made made an effort to poison the people" according to Ayatollah Ahmad Janotti, head of the Guardian Council. So the poor Iranians who had been working in the British embassy have become the scapegoats. They will be put on trial for these alleged crimes. It looks as though the EU will present a united front against Iran. They may recall all 27 ambassadors from Tehran. This is the part of the struggle we can follow. What is harder to follow is what is going on within the Guardian Council. Does Janotti's statement mean the moderate clerics have been silenced? A moderate cleric had been scheduled to give the sermon on Friday, but he was replaced by Janotti. And, Rafsanjani, the former president and main suppporter of the opposition, has not preached since May 22. The struggle behind the closed doors may be more important than the struggle which occurred in the streets. Janotti also proclaimed, "We have a global mission." Very scary.

There have been very mixed reviews on Obama's handling of this. Has he been right with his very muted reaction so that the protests can not be tied to the the U.S.? Has he been right to let the EU take the lead in the criticism? Some people think he should have come out strong and quickly against the violent crackdown on the protesters and the obvious fraud in the election.

Any thoughts?

War Crimes/Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Liberia released a report (which it retracted hours later) in which it recommended 52 people be publicly sanctioned for involvement in war crimes. Some names are not a surprise such as General Butt Naked. But, the report also cited President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of an African nation. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf! The report was withdrawn hours after its release so there is no explanation for now. But, I also wanted to add a word in defense of Joshua Milton Blayir (General Butt Naked). Although his crimes are despicable, he has really turned his life around and done much good as a pastor of former participants in the war especially former child soldiers. When does rehabilitation and reconcialiation become more important than punishment?

The news article is at http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-07-02-voa31.cfm

Sarah Palin

I tried to resist putting something on here about Sarah Palin's resignation from the governor's post in Alaska. I wanted to keep this for international issues. But, I'm weak; I can't resist. And, besides, she can see Russia from her home state! I listened to her explanation about why she is resigning, and I don't get it. As near as I can follow, she decided not to run for re-election in 2010, therefore she should resign now. Uh? If there is a logic there, I am missing it. And yet, Mary Matalin, the Republican strategist, declared the move "brilliant". What? If she is talking about it being a brilliant political move, then what does that say about politcs?

Nick on YouTube

He's everywhere. YouTube has site called Reporters' Corner where well known reporters give tips and advice about journalism. Our hero (!) gives tips on how to cover a global crisis with his usual humor, but anyone who reads his column will recognize the particular stories he uses as examples.
Any thoughts? Any smiles?

http://www.youtube.com/reporterscenter#play/favorites/2/SVVdH8n5470

No Sex in Kenya

There is an opinion piece in today's Inquirer about how the women of Kenya united in a no sex protest in order to demand an end to the civil conflict in their country. It sounds like the plot of Aristophanes' Lysistra, but this is for real in Kenya in 2009. It is fascinating to see women speaking up in places where their voices are rarely heard. (40% of the protesters in Iran are estimated to have been women.) In so many places, but in Africa in particular, rape has become a tactic of war, rather than a tragic by-product. So, it amazing to see women from all classes united in this surprising ban. How very empowering it must feel to them. Even the Prime Minister's wife has expressed her support. Sex workers received financial compensation from an activist group so that they could participate in the sex boycott. It is really an innovative way to be heard. Let's hear it for the women.

Any thoughts?

You can read the article at
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20090630_No_peace__no_sex_in_Kenya.html

Click on text to see larger version of cartoon

I don't know if you can see this, but the Doonesbury cartoon from June 29 was brilliant and is the best argument for taking a Conflicts class ever.

Jon Bon Jovi in Farsi

Check out Bon Jovi singing "Stand by me" partly in Farsi in solidarity with the people in Iran.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RASKaZFZtS8

Coup in Honduras

Wow! An old fashioned coup. Almost a classic with President Zelaya being led away in his pajamas. Who say this coming? One of the most interesting aspects of it is that both Barack Obama and Hugo Chavez have condemned it. Now that is a strange alliance. Adn I think it is funny that the new "president" declared that it was not a coup. What else could it be whe the military takes an elected president away in his pajamas and exiles him to another country?

Thoughts?

Power Struggle in Iran

Even though the street demonstrations in Tehran have held us spellbound, the real power struggle may be taking place within the council of senior clerics. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does not not have the stature nor the charisma of his predecessor, the Ayatollah Khomeini who directed and led the Islamic Revolution. And the current Ayatollah's son seems to be calling the shots on the crackdown and oppression of the protesters. Although no one seems to think the Ayatollah is in any trouble with the senior clerics, there could be a real struggle over his successor. He seems to be grooming his son (shades of North Korea?), but the reformers on the council led by former president, Rafsanjani, seem to have no respect for him. The disputed election and the treatment of the demonstrators actually may have strenghtened the the hand of the reformers on the clerical council. So, ironically, the struggle for the heart and soul of Iran's Islamic Revolution may be taking place not on the streets and rooftops, but in a room containing 86 old, bearded clerics. Isn't it interesting how inconsequential Ahmadinejad is in this whole situation?
Thoughts, anyone?

Zimbabwe $$$$$$$

I heard a speaker on NPR who made a funny, tragically funny, comment about inflation in Zimbabwe. She said that Zimbabwe has more millionaires per population than any other country in the world. And when you think how the government has been printing up money by the trillions, I guess it is true. I had predicted Mugabe would be gone by now. Obviously I was wrong. Now I am saying he will not last out the year. Any other predictions?

What about North Korea?

Emily made a really good point about totalitarian governments and theocracies. It made me start thinking about the difference between the religious control in Iran and the totalitarian control in North Korea. Has North Korea succeeded in keeping out democratic ideals by keeping out cell phones and the like? Or are North Koreans so demoralized that they can't even imagine a better society? It seems to me that revolution and change come not in most desperate times but at times when people actually have some hope for the future.

What do you think?

Theocracy - Is it doomed?

Newsweek had a great opinion piece this week explaining why theocracy can not last. And that is what we are seeing in Iran. I would love to hear what you think. Here is the link to the article or at least the address.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/202861

Iranian Protests

I'm so excited that it actually worked. when I had the idea, I went right to an expert - a 9th grader! Anyway, I am anxious to hear what everyone thinks about Iran. What a terrible time not to be in Conflicts class. I am so impressed with the people who are risking so much to go into the streets and protest. I am especially impressed by the women who have obviously not accepted the oppression of the Islamic regime. I am surprised because I don't think there is actually a leader to this movement. It is more as though the movement made Mousavi their leader instead of him leading the movemment. He is not exactly a liberal. But, in comparison to Ahmadinejad, anyone would look liberal - and perhaps sane. :-)

A Bullet Fee in Iran

And now a word from Nick K.:

Farnaz Fassihi in the WS Journal reports something quite amazing: a family of a kid killed in Tehran was billed $3,000 for a "bullet fee" to recover the body. In effect, the government was charging parents for the cost of killing their kids. China used to do that in the 1980's for people it executed, but it only charged a few cents for the bullet. The Iranian authorities are grasping as well as shameless.

I'm still here

Hi everyone,

I am starting a blog (or trying to) to continue the lively discussions we had in Conflicts classes across the years. I hope to hear from one and all - old Conflicters, wannabe Conflicters, and even my right wing relatives.