http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6947399.stm
After the Rwandan genocide in 1994, many Hutu extremists slipped over the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their presence and ethnic tensions caused by them have led to conflicts for over a decade. I had been researching those conflicts for my focus country report and found that the election last year was hailed as being able to stop the conflict. I hadn't found any resources specifically mentioning how the conflict was settled after the election, until now. This article clearly states that the conflict is still going strong. When will it end? Or more constructively stated, how will it ever end?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Bangladesh: Real Life Example of Class Teachings
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6943873.stm
After the class on capitalism and democracy yesterday, I thought this article about democracy in Bangladesh would be particularly fitting. One thing assumed in democracy is that the government will do what the people say. That has not been happening in Bangladesh for three "free" elections. Now a provisional military rule, that is not democratic at all, is in place to turn things around. The hope is that they will hold a free election soon to bring true democracy to Bangladesh. However, the other point brought up in the article, and mentioned in class, is whether a poor illiterate nation like Bangladesh should be democratic or not. I think ideally, a democratic government can work in any atmosphere, rich or poor, as long as there is active involvement from the people, which the Bangladeshi have done. However, I'm not sure if the ideal is ever possible; in Bangladesh now the only way reform is happening is through a non-democratic military.
After the class on capitalism and democracy yesterday, I thought this article about democracy in Bangladesh would be particularly fitting. One thing assumed in democracy is that the government will do what the people say. That has not been happening in Bangladesh for three "free" elections. Now a provisional military rule, that is not democratic at all, is in place to turn things around. The hope is that they will hold a free election soon to bring true democracy to Bangladesh. However, the other point brought up in the article, and mentioned in class, is whether a poor illiterate nation like Bangladesh should be democratic or not. I think ideally, a democratic government can work in any atmosphere, rich or poor, as long as there is active involvement from the people, which the Bangladeshi have done. However, I'm not sure if the ideal is ever possible; in Bangladesh now the only way reform is happening is through a non-democratic military.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Uganda and DR Congo Clash
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6939976.stm
According to Ugandan defence minister, DR Congo keeps attacking Uganda across their joint border. Also, DR Congo is harboring Ugandan rebel troops.
The defence minister's comments don't sound threatening, just complaints. I don't doubt that those things are happening; a country in such turmoil as the DR Congo could quite possibly have people fighting on the eastern side without the western side knowing. The 17,000 UN troops stationed in DR Congo are not enough to monitor every group within the nation so odd events could easily occur by factions.
This is just another example of the instability in DR Congo as it continues to fight towards a healthy government after it gained independence over 40 years ago. Dictators like Mobutu Sese Seko have made that process hard and it wasn't until last year that the DR Congo had its first free election. Creating a new governement is strenuous but DR Congo is slowly getting there.
According to Ugandan defence minister, DR Congo keeps attacking Uganda across their joint border. Also, DR Congo is harboring Ugandan rebel troops.
The defence minister's comments don't sound threatening, just complaints. I don't doubt that those things are happening; a country in such turmoil as the DR Congo could quite possibly have people fighting on the eastern side without the western side knowing. The 17,000 UN troops stationed in DR Congo are not enough to monitor every group within the nation so odd events could easily occur by factions.
This is just another example of the instability in DR Congo as it continues to fight towards a healthy government after it gained independence over 40 years ago. Dictators like Mobutu Sese Seko have made that process hard and it wasn't until last year that the DR Congo had its first free election. Creating a new governement is strenuous but DR Congo is slowly getting there.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Zimbabwean Refugees Kicked Out By South African Farmers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6936967.stm
Many people from Zimbabwe illegally cross the border to neighboring South Africa. Groups of white South African farmers are taking this problem into their own hands by finding the Zimbabweans, tieing their hands, loading them into trucks, and taking them to the police department to be deported. Technically the farmers are assaulting the refugees but so far none have been charged.
This reminds me of the controversial minutemen at our own northern and southern borders who watch for people trying to enter the US illegally. As with the South African farmers, their treatment of the people they catch is sketchy at best. Why can't the farmers and minutemen just leave these poor people alone and let the government do any catching? The effect the refugees have on the farmers and minutemen is minimal compared to the effect a new country (and therefore new opportunities) have on the desperate refugees.
Many people from Zimbabwe illegally cross the border to neighboring South Africa. Groups of white South African farmers are taking this problem into their own hands by finding the Zimbabweans, tieing their hands, loading them into trucks, and taking them to the police department to be deported. Technically the farmers are assaulting the refugees but so far none have been charged.
This reminds me of the controversial minutemen at our own northern and southern borders who watch for people trying to enter the US illegally. As with the South African farmers, their treatment of the people they catch is sketchy at best. Why can't the farmers and minutemen just leave these poor people alone and let the government do any catching? The effect the refugees have on the farmers and minutemen is minimal compared to the effect a new country (and therefore new opportunities) have on the desperate refugees.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
China's Progress Critiqued in Light of Beijing Olympics
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/6934955.stm
The Olympic games, set to take place in Beijing next year, are bringing China's progress into the limelight. The major concern at this time for the planners of the Olympics is the smog. The President of the International Olympic Committee went as far as to say that some of the endurance sports may have to be postponed if the pollution problem doesn't get better. Concerns over human rights violations are being brought up and issues are being addressed that might otherwise be avoided. I am so glad that China has been given the chance to host the Olympics and show the world its development. In the same token, I'm glad important issues like the environment and human rights are being brought up and China is being forced to deal with them.
The Olympic games, set to take place in Beijing next year, are bringing China's progress into the limelight. The major concern at this time for the planners of the Olympics is the smog. The President of the International Olympic Committee went as far as to say that some of the endurance sports may have to be postponed if the pollution problem doesn't get better. Concerns over human rights violations are being brought up and issues are being addressed that might otherwise be avoided. I am so glad that China has been given the chance to host the Olympics and show the world its development. In the same token, I'm glad important issues like the environment and human rights are being brought up and China is being forced to deal with them.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Bolivia's Struggles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6932994.stm
Bolivia's president is a people's president expected to reform the government but in his first year in office, all he has delivered is dissatisfaction. The senate chosen to create a new constitution hasn't finished the constitution on schedule. Indigenous people and middle-class people are protesting, saying that the government isn't addressing their needs.
Although the article makes the situation in Bolivia look dismal, I see improvements already. Just the fact that the indigenous people are protesting means that they have the hopes of having their voices heard. For the past few hundred years, the indigenous people in that region of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru have lived in defeat so with them finally feeling powerful enough to raise their voices in protest, they eventually will get some power in the government. When we had our revolution in this country, it wasn't easy to start out, especially in writing a constitution. I trust that the same is true of Bolivia and we will see things smoothing out gradually there.
Bolivia's president is a people's president expected to reform the government but in his first year in office, all he has delivered is dissatisfaction. The senate chosen to create a new constitution hasn't finished the constitution on schedule. Indigenous people and middle-class people are protesting, saying that the government isn't addressing their needs.
Although the article makes the situation in Bolivia look dismal, I see improvements already. Just the fact that the indigenous people are protesting means that they have the hopes of having their voices heard. For the past few hundred years, the indigenous people in that region of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru have lived in defeat so with them finally feeling powerful enough to raise their voices in protest, they eventually will get some power in the government. When we had our revolution in this country, it wasn't easy to start out, especially in writing a constitution. I trust that the same is true of Bolivia and we will see things smoothing out gradually there.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Monsoonal Flooding Displacing Millions
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6927389.stm
The flooding in South Asia that was mentioned in class yesterday happened to be a top BBC story today. The numbers are amazing: 12 million stranded in India, rivers rising 9-10 meters, 34 cattle camps set up in one district, 500 villages evacuated in another district. In many areas, people are waiting on their roof tops for assistance.
On one hand, how ironic that a developed nation such as the US would have the same problems as these third world South Asian countries. Even developement can't protect people from floods such as in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina or the swelling of the Snoqualmie River in Washington.
On the other hand, the current flooding in South Asia is incomprehensible to us in its magnitude. Those figures are astounding, and people have been calling it the worst flooding in years. Government and NGO assistance can't even reach many areas even if they had enough man-power, food, and water to do so, which is in short supply. The fact that millions of people are stranded at this moment is wrong, but how do we stop it? It is not possible to get on a plane to South Asia and start handing out our pantry or rescuing people in the most remote areas but I feel that we should be able to do something.
The flooding in South Asia that was mentioned in class yesterday happened to be a top BBC story today. The numbers are amazing: 12 million stranded in India, rivers rising 9-10 meters, 34 cattle camps set up in one district, 500 villages evacuated in another district. In many areas, people are waiting on their roof tops for assistance.
On one hand, how ironic that a developed nation such as the US would have the same problems as these third world South Asian countries. Even developement can't protect people from floods such as in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina or the swelling of the Snoqualmie River in Washington.
On the other hand, the current flooding in South Asia is incomprehensible to us in its magnitude. Those figures are astounding, and people have been calling it the worst flooding in years. Government and NGO assistance can't even reach many areas even if they had enough man-power, food, and water to do so, which is in short supply. The fact that millions of people are stranded at this moment is wrong, but how do we stop it? It is not possible to get on a plane to South Asia and start handing out our pantry or rescuing people in the most remote areas but I feel that we should be able to do something.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Help for Darfur?
Lederer, Edith. "U.N. Security Council OKs peacekeepers for Darfur". Deseret News. 1 August 2007.
The UN, urged by Britain and France, is developing a resultion that would allow 26,000 peacekeepers from the UN and AU to occupy Darfur in the hopes of bringing peace to that war-torn area.
Finally, someone is doing something about Darfur. The proposed peacekeeper numbers would be larger than the group assigned to Rwanda, a similar genocide, so hopefully they would have more of an impact than they did in Rwanda. I am also concerned that they won't be able to use weapons, like in Rwanda, and so their impact may not be sufficient to end the conflict. At least an attempt is being made after years of the world turning its back.
The UN, urged by Britain and France, is developing a resultion that would allow 26,000 peacekeepers from the UN and AU to occupy Darfur in the hopes of bringing peace to that war-torn area.
Finally, someone is doing something about Darfur. The proposed peacekeeper numbers would be larger than the group assigned to Rwanda, a similar genocide, so hopefully they would have more of an impact than they did in Rwanda. I am also concerned that they won't be able to use weapons, like in Rwanda, and so their impact may not be sufficient to end the conflict. At least an attempt is being made after years of the world turning its back.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Rape Vampant in DR Congo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6922132.stm (article)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/africa_elusive_peace_in_eastern_congo/html/1.stm
(related pictures)
Although an election last year was supposed to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo, fighting continues and a popular form of fighting is rape. In terms of weapons of choice, rape is ideal because anyone can do it (police, soldier, or rebel) with little legal consequence but the message given to the community of the person raped is powerful. In terms of humanity, using rape as a weapon of war is atrocious! It's like fighting has degraded to medieval terms.
Rape victims, if they survive, are often scarred for life both emotionally and physically. I can't imagine that these presumed women are the fighters; they are just caught in the middle of a conflict that has gone too far. Peace can not be soon for a civil war in which the people are raping their own people.
What can be done? The genocides of Darfur have gone largely unnoticed from the world eye and the rapes/deaths in DR Congo could easily do the same. These people need to know that to fight through rape is not ok. Punishments need to be used against those that do use rape. As childish as it sounds, I wish I could wrap a blanket of protection around every woman in DR Congo.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/africa_elusive_peace_in_eastern_congo/html/1.stm
(related pictures)
Although an election last year was supposed to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo, fighting continues and a popular form of fighting is rape. In terms of weapons of choice, rape is ideal because anyone can do it (police, soldier, or rebel) with little legal consequence but the message given to the community of the person raped is powerful. In terms of humanity, using rape as a weapon of war is atrocious! It's like fighting has degraded to medieval terms.
Rape victims, if they survive, are often scarred for life both emotionally and physically. I can't imagine that these presumed women are the fighters; they are just caught in the middle of a conflict that has gone too far. Peace can not be soon for a civil war in which the people are raping their own people.
What can be done? The genocides of Darfur have gone largely unnoticed from the world eye and the rapes/deaths in DR Congo could easily do the same. These people need to know that to fight through rape is not ok. Punishments need to be used against those that do use rape. As childish as it sounds, I wish I could wrap a blanket of protection around every woman in DR Congo.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Cuban Farmers: First Step Towards Free Enterprise
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6923717.stm
Cuban farmers may be the first to have private businesses as Raul Castro hints at wider reforms. Already, the majority of farms are privately owned. They must provide a certain amount to the state and whatever is left they can sell at the farmer's markets.
I was drawn towards this article because of its relevance to the article I posted yesterday. In both cases, food is the means by which reform happens. In the case of the Green Revolution coming back to nab people in third world nations with food shortages (yesterday's article), the scarcity of food already led to a major change towards modified crops and now will require another major change if distruction is to be avoided. In Cuba's case, food is the leader in the reform towards a freer state. In both cases, food was the catalyst. Until someone figures out how humans can survive without food, food's necessity will continue to make it the means for revolution.
Cuban farmers may be the first to have private businesses as Raul Castro hints at wider reforms. Already, the majority of farms are privately owned. They must provide a certain amount to the state and whatever is left they can sell at the farmer's markets.
I was drawn towards this article because of its relevance to the article I posted yesterday. In both cases, food is the means by which reform happens. In the case of the Green Revolution coming back to nab people in third world nations with food shortages (yesterday's article), the scarcity of food already led to a major change towards modified crops and now will require another major change if distruction is to be avoided. In Cuba's case, food is the leader in the reform towards a freer state. In both cases, food was the catalyst. Until someone figures out how humans can survive without food, food's necessity will continue to make it the means for revolution.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Agriculture Can't Keep Up
Barta, Patrick. "Feeding Billions, A Grain at a Time." The Wall Street Journal. 29 July 2007, weekend ed.: A1, A10.
The rice that was the miracle of the Green Revolution is now putting a strain on farmers as they try to produce enough food for billions of people. The strains of rice that were developed to be more resilient and produce more have now depleted the soil enough that crop yields are declining and prices are rising. This reminds me of the ch. 6 Isbister reading where he discusses the pitfall in third world nations of an agriculture sector that isn't as advanced as the industrial sector. In order for a strong industry, and strong economy, the agriculture must be high-yielding so it can produce enough for the rural farming people as well as the urban industrial people. Hopefully technology can catch up quickly enough to get the agriculture up to speed before famine strikes.
The rice that was the miracle of the Green Revolution is now putting a strain on farmers as they try to produce enough food for billions of people. The strains of rice that were developed to be more resilient and produce more have now depleted the soil enough that crop yields are declining and prices are rising. This reminds me of the ch. 6 Isbister reading where he discusses the pitfall in third world nations of an agriculture sector that isn't as advanced as the industrial sector. In order for a strong industry, and strong economy, the agriculture must be high-yielding so it can produce enough for the rural farming people as well as the urban industrial people. Hopefully technology can catch up quickly enough to get the agriculture up to speed before famine strikes.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Gorilla Deaths in D.R. Congo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6918012.stm
I thought I would look at some news from my focus country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. The top story was five gorillas found dead in a wildlife park. The deaths are thought to be caused by people who want to scare the wardens out of the park. With only 380 gorillas in the park, over half the total population in the world, five deaths is a considerable amount and makes the seven total deaths this year seem like a lot. How can this be stopped? I imagine it would be hard to patrol every inch of the park. Until it can be stopped, every gorilla shooting will be a hard hit to the gorilla population.
Yet, I'm amazed that the top story was about gorillas. With all the struggles a 3rd world country faces, I highly doubt that the most important news was about gorillas. True, the gorillas were shot possibly by groups that wanted to use the park for resources (like charcoal) and in a small developing country, every bit of land is considered for its potential. However, the gorillas couldn't be the nations biggest concern at the moment. They just made interesting news. I'm left wondering what the more important, less intriguing news actually was.
I thought I would look at some news from my focus country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. The top story was five gorillas found dead in a wildlife park. The deaths are thought to be caused by people who want to scare the wardens out of the park. With only 380 gorillas in the park, over half the total population in the world, five deaths is a considerable amount and makes the seven total deaths this year seem like a lot. How can this be stopped? I imagine it would be hard to patrol every inch of the park. Until it can be stopped, every gorilla shooting will be a hard hit to the gorilla population.
Yet, I'm amazed that the top story was about gorillas. With all the struggles a 3rd world country faces, I highly doubt that the most important news was about gorillas. True, the gorillas were shot possibly by groups that wanted to use the park for resources (like charcoal) and in a small developing country, every bit of land is considered for its potential. However, the gorillas couldn't be the nations biggest concern at the moment. They just made interesting news. I'm left wondering what the more important, less intriguing news actually was.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Zimbabwe Econony Spiraling Downward
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6913148.stm
Zimbabwe, once a comparatively stable African nation, is seeing food shortages, unemployment, and monetary crises as inflation has risen 5,000%. Just imagine if inflation was 5,000% in the US; chaos would ensue. No wonder refugees are fleeing Zimbabwe (at almost 3,000 per day). In the article, a quotation from the president of Zimbabwe mentions that Zimbabwe's enemies are making sanctions on goods to increase inflation. I don't understand who those enemies could be and how their actions could cripple Zimbabwe so dramatically. With 4 million people needing food aid, something has got to be done.
Zimbabwe, once a comparatively stable African nation, is seeing food shortages, unemployment, and monetary crises as inflation has risen 5,000%. Just imagine if inflation was 5,000% in the US; chaos would ensue. No wonder refugees are fleeing Zimbabwe (at almost 3,000 per day). In the article, a quotation from the president of Zimbabwe mentions that Zimbabwe's enemies are making sanctions on goods to increase inflation. I don't understand who those enemies could be and how their actions could cripple Zimbabwe so dramatically. With 4 million people needing food aid, something has got to be done.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Sudanese Refugees Find Violence in Egypt
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6915187.stm
Refugees from Sudan living in Egpyt came for a better life but many are getting sucked into violent gangs. How can this be better than where they came from? Similar occurences have happened in other countries. As new ethnicities have flooded a place, the circumstances aren't the wonderful future the people thought it would be. Their insecurity in their new situation leads to violence and worsening conditions. Many times natives' fear of the new people taking over jobs also contributes. Possible examples include Moroccans in France and even Mexicans in the US.
Refugees from Sudan living in Egpyt came for a better life but many are getting sucked into violent gangs. How can this be better than where they came from? Similar occurences have happened in other countries. As new ethnicities have flooded a place, the circumstances aren't the wonderful future the people thought it would be. Their insecurity in their new situation leads to violence and worsening conditions. Many times natives' fear of the new people taking over jobs also contributes. Possible examples include Moroccans in France and even Mexicans in the US.
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