The first article, I would like to draw your attention to clearly points out that there has been significant progress in recent months in Baghdad's security operation. The fact that the insurgents have much such leaps and bounds in their progress is certainly evident of their courage and dedication to a "free", "democratic", West-leaning government. They should be praised for their glorious acts on behalf of their nation-state... Oh, wait...
Mogadishu Street Battle Rages for Second Day
Speaking of wonderful security situations that have seen tremendous progress in the last ten or so years, Mogadishu stands out as another great example of the West's interference in the Developing World in general, and in Africa in particular. At least this time they're dragging their fellow Somalis through the streets. That could be considered progress along the road to a flourishing democracy with robust civil society involvement, right?
Six Party Talks to Recess
North Korea Nuclear Talks End With No Progress
First of all, the difference in headlines between these two news publications, China Daily and Reuters, is telling in its slant. The China Daily article contains a lot more dry facts about the delegations' depuartures. I think it's interesting to see that the Russian delegation left even before the North Koreans, but that may be reading too much into it.
My favorite quote from the Reuters article:
"U.S. envoy Christopher Hill said he had not anticipated the delay in transferring the funds to a North Korean account at the Bank of China, adding that he hoped it could be resolved quickly.
"Every time I think there is a solution to the banking issue something else crops up," he told reporters. "We do hope that they can do this in the next few days.""
Wow... that would be amazing... Imagine the US State Department actually reading up on banking regulations in China or having a consular official meet with officials at the Bank of China who, apparently, received any request for any such transaction. This pretty much speaks for itself.Virtually Alone and Frightened
Here's an article from Harare, Zimbabwe about the changing tide in Zimbabwe's relations, in particular the ZANU-PF's relations, with the rest of the world. The first point that should be more widely considered is the shortage of foodstuffs in Zimbabwe and the surrounding countries. With an almost complete lack of foreign currency to draw on, the Zimbabwean people will find themselves in dire straits. Unless, of course, the Chinese intervene again to save Mugabe from a premature exit from office.
It's interesting that the author chooses to cite quotes from the Presidents of Ghana and Zambia, but also the UN Secretary-General, to establish the credability of the opposition in Africa. These developments, barring more decisive language from the SADC and Nigerian President Osegun Obasanjo, are only a slight movement in the tide. Without these regional powers in Africa, especially Southern Africa, exhibiting the political will to intervene in the situation for the better of the people of Zimbabwe, the situation is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, the implores of the author have fallen on the deaf ears in the rest of the world, despite the obvious moral imperative.
Musharraf at the Exit
As self-serving as the author is in publishing this particular op-ed piece, it does draw the reader's attention to the support that President Musharraf once enjoyed but is now slipping away from him like so much quicksand. Obivously, he didn't anticipate the response from Pakistan's legal community to his heavy-handed intereference in the duties of Pakistan's Supreme Court. Regardless, the author also commits the fatal error in assuming that the elections that Pakistan will have will come close to establishing a functioning, representative democracy that is responsive and accountable to the people. As if any such country ever existed, the idea is absurd.
What's left to resort to if the law itself and the rule of law is turning against your power?
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