EQ in Top 10 Countries most vulnerable to climate change

The global community can provide a very limited amount of funds to those countries dubbed as being "most vulnerable" to climate change and judging which countries fall under this category has proven to be very difficult. Things such as weather-related threats and the countries' ability to cope with the potential disaster must be taken under consideration. This issue was presented to the United Nations at the climate change conference in Cancun, Mexico where the G-77 was faced with defining what is means for a country to be "vulnerable". China ranked as most vulnerable, central african nations, including Equatorial Guinea made the top 10 of most vulnerable countries list, too. A Green Fund conference is scheduled for this month in Bonn, Germany to further discuss funding options.

By: Ivana Miljic

"Dirth Dictator Loot"

Newsweek featured an article today being highly critical of both the Obiang Regime in Equatorial Guinea and the Obama administration. This article first compares Obiang to Gaddaffi (which, probably isn't completely inaccurate) and then criticizies the US for the hypocracy demonstrated by freezing Gaddafi's family's assets in the US, but allowing the Obiang family's funds to flow freely throughout the US. It states that a congressional investigation revealed that there are tens of millions of looted-Equatoguinean funds in the US being stored under fictitious "shell"companies, in addition to other assets the family owns in the US (this articles specifically mentions almost $500 million, but gives no total).

The article commends the US for the freeze on the assets of Mubarack, Ben Ali and Gaddafi but states that it is not ok to be selective in the despotic leaders of which they choose to freeze assets. It also states that the US is just as much of a "haven for the loot of bloodthirsty foreign despots" as other international banking centers (Switzserland, Dubai, Cayman Islands).

by brianna howell

France arrest ETA Chief

France arrested Alejandro Zobaran Arriola and three otehr members of the Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA), a movement that fights for the self determination of the Basque people. The organiation, founded in 1968, is blamed to having killed close to a thousand people. It is classified as a terrorist groups throughout the European Union and the United States.

ETA is already seriously weakening, having declared a ceasefire early this year. The ceasefire was rejected by Spanish Prime minister, Zapatero who called on the entire movement to disband.

I find this to be an excellent case of ethnic nationalism, and wonder whether the Basque have no other means of fighting for their rights other than taking up on an armed struggle.

Etienne

France formally acknowledges Libyan Rebels

France became the first country to extend formal recognition of the Libyan rebels. At the same time, French President Nicholas Sarkozy has renewed his call for an immediate "No-fly zone".

There are several ways to interpret the French move. One, it could be an altruistic, a virtuous plan by the French in light of the outraging human rights violations committed by the Libyan government. But human rights are rarely a motivation for such a policy shift. After all, France has a history of supporting dictatorships , such as Gabon that are no better than Libya when it comes to human rights.

I suspect that France is trying hard to be on the right side of history. They probably know that the Libyan regime is crumbling, and they want to be associated with the victors. This is a perfect realpolitik move, likely to be rewarded once the rebels gain full control of the oil fields. We have to wait and see.

Etienne

Rwanda in Six Scenes

In a lengthy article entitled “Rwanda in Six Scenes” that appeared in the London Review, Stephen W. Smith gives a reflection of his years covering Rwanda as a journalist with Le Monde. The outcome is a priceless article, which discusses Rwanda in a humble and candid way. Smith is concerned that the truth about Rwanda has become almost untenable. He writes, “The problem with Rwanda is not only that opinions and facts have parted company but that opinion takes precedence.”

He seems to imply that the current ruling regime, the RPF has over the course of the years, spread deceptions through a system of careful information management. While this might seem impressive, it is not something new. Belgian scholar, Filip Reytnjens has previously written about it in his must read work, which I attach here for your convenience.

Smith is unsure whether what he wrote over the years is indeed truth. From a basic level, he cannot say with certainty that a conspiracy to commit genocide existed prior to 1994. So far, the international criminal tribunal on Rwanda, founded to investigate the genocide related cases, has not convicted anyone of this crime. In addition, there seem to be mounting evidence that Paul Kagame and his rebel group Rwanda Patriotic Front, participated in the massacres. Even more problematic, it has long been held that the former first lady, Agathe Habyarimana planned and executed the assassination of her husband in order to pave way for the 1994 genocide. Smith asks how this woman, currently exiled in Paris, would have ordered the shooting of a plane that included his own brother, as a passenger.

When he visits the former first lady in France, she is in a threadbare apartment surrounded by her sons and grandchildren. Absent is the ubiquitous opulence that is characteristic of African dictators. The author wonders whether her children, all adults, would be comfortable hanging around an individual (their mother) suspected of having killed their father. It seemed like a joke to me that the entire world had bought into this simplistic lie. It has many holes that any amateur analysts should have been able to question it. Unfortunately, Kagame and his allies—highly suspected of gunning down the plane, have been able to sell this version to the international audience.

Lastly, throughout the article I couldn’t help but think of Rene Lemarchand article “Whose Genocide and What Genocide?” In particular one of his quotes has never left my memory. “Can there be reconciliation without truth?”

Christian/Muslim Tensions Rise

After the ousting of former President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak in which Christians and Muslims worked together, tensions between the two religions have been steadily rising. It was the impression of the Christian population that upon the institution of a new government Egypt would no longer have Islam as the state religion and that Christians would stop being treated as 'second class citizens'. However, after a Muslim girl was caught seeing a Christian boy, violence has erupted between the groups. Christian churches are being burnt to the ground, 13 are dead and over 140 have been killed during the clashes.

megan smith

The Dangers of Nuclear Power

After the devastating 8.9 earthquake hit Japan followed by a tsunami with 10 foot waves Japan has effectively destroyed much of Japan. In addition to Japan worrying about recovering from the sheer destruction of these disasters, there are even greater worries on their minds. Though the nuclear reactors shut down as a safety measure, fires continue to rage on in the area. There have been no leaks reported yet, but according to several sources there is one reactor that has a broken cooling mechanism. If the reactor is not cooled properly and timely, the ramifications on this already devastated nation could be epic.

megan smith

Russia Takes a Stand

According to a recent report, Russia has halted all arms sales to the Gaddafi regime. Although there was a resolution adopted by the UN that bans all weapon sales to Libya, this step by Russia, who is the worlds second largest arms exporter in the world, is reinforcing the embargo and making a statement as to the gravity of the situation. According to the report, this move is even more bold as Libya has been the single largest buyer of Russian arms in the second half of the 20th century. This move, costing Moscow 4 billion in revenue, is sending a message clearly to Libya that the world is watching and is concerned with not only the outcome of the situation but how it is handled. If the idea of playing fairly can be applied to this seeming civil war, then the world is sending the signal to Libya to play fairly with the rebels.

megan smith

Goodbye Dali Lama?

The Dali Lama has been the spiritual leader of Tibetans for centuries, and relatively recently has acted as their governmental leader currently living in exile. Making a bold move, the Dali Lama has announced that he feels the people of Tibet deserve to freely elect their leader rather than a spiritual monarchy of sorts. Apparently the Dali Lama has been pushing this agenda since the 1960s, but only recently has he felt that the time is right to make the shift. How this will impact the Tibetan/ Chinese relations is yet to be seen, but sure to be interesting.

megan smith

Radicalization of Muslims

Committe Chair, Peter King, is holding meetings acknowledging that some muslims, not all, are responsible for violent acts. However, the sole muslim congressman, Keith Ellison, is pointing finger at King for blaming the entire Muslim community for evil violent acts of few individuals. Ellison is calling this to be "the very heart of stereotyping and scapegoating." King however is denouncing this claim, saying the hearing are not "un-American." Muslim leaders feel that they are being unfairly targeted by this committee and King. The bigger question begs to differ is how and if this will affect the muslim leadership in the United States as well as Middle Eastern reactions to these accusations.

By: Ivana Miljic

Protests in Yemen Turn Deadly

On Tuesday, Yemen police forces have beaten and fired upon protestors in Sana, the capital city, killing one and injuring nine and leaving dozens suffering with the after effects of tear gas. This was the first time that live ammunition was used on protestors since the demonstrations began two months ago, though two protestors were killed by men in civilian clothes two weeks ago. Tens of thousands of protestors have accumulated outside of Sana University, and more seem to arrive each day. The new arrivals add diversity to the crowd, initially made up of only students and the unemployed, the crowd now contains individuals from all levels of society. Two different stories developed after the violence, as the protestors claimed that the police began beating protestors and the police claim that protestors had automatic rifles hidden in their camping equipment. Yemen's Interior Ministry promises to investigate the episode. Yemen's Foreign Minister appealed to wealthier Persian countries on that same day for an additional $6 billion to confront the economic crisis in the country. Also on Tuesday, a large demonstration calling for the resignation of the government was held in Dhamar, the city that many of the the ruling officials come from.

By Margaret Nunne

Reform in Bahrain

In a show of true strength, three separate Shia groups within Bahrain have banded together to call for an end to the current Monarchy to be replaced with a democratic republic. The groups aim to dismantle the current regime and institute a government which is conscious of, and listens to the desires of the people. The protests to install this form of government have lasted about 23 days now, and due to this newly formed coalition there are no signs of slowing. Haq leader Hassan Mashaima told a news agency that 'we are different in the demands, but it doesn't mean we can't cooperate'. It is this unselfish desire to create meaningful change within the nation that will, in my opinion, ultimately lead to the successful transfer from an oppressive monarchy to a thriving republic.


megan smith

War...Again...

North Korea is yet again causing trouble, this time by threatening to declare war on South Korea for distributing pamphlets which talk about the protests in Egypt as well as food, medicine and radios for residents in a bid to encourage North Koreans to think about change. North Korea is labeling these acts as part of the psychological campaign by the South Korean military. North Korea has issued several warnings to the South to refrain from these acts. Seeing as North Korea has kept an extremely close eye on all forms of communication, most citizens have been unaware of the revolts in the Mid East until the leaflets were dropped into North Korea by the South. Whether North Korea is serious about its threat of war or not, I highly suspect they are not, only time will tell.

megan smith

Obama Says Gaddafi Must Relinquish Power Quickly

President Obama spoke by way of phone with British Prime Minister David Cameron today to discuss the situation in Libya. Obama and Cameron agreed that Gaddafi must step down immediately and considered additional measures, including a implementing a no-fly zone, to force him to comply. A White House statement said that they had discussed a "full spectrum of possible responses" that would meet the desire of the Libyan people for freedom and help end the violence. This comes on the heels of efforts by Britain and France to draft a U.N. Security Council resolution for a no-fly zone, which though possible would require broad international support according to legal scholars. Despite support from across the aisle domestically, the Obama administration has so far been reluctant to attempt to enforce a no-fly zone. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton emphasized the need for international consensus on any potential actions in Libya, saying that the decision to impose a no-fly zone should be made by the UN.

Chris Bilbro

Gadhafi bails

Gadhafi was expected to give an address to journalist at a Tripoli hotel. He had already been late to the address and ended up leaving instead of speaking. Journalists swarmed the hotel after hearing of Gadhafi's departure.

Libya's rebels are finding themselves outgunned by pro-Gadhafi forces. This leaves the global community and the U.S. especially with pressing questions of immediate question.

By: Ivana Miljc

West wants a Hands Off Policy in Libya

With the Western military powers in need to save their budgets, we see an increasing "concern" over what the international community thinks regarding institutiong a no fly zone. Increased reliance on the U.N. and desire to supprt what the global community thinks seemed to be apparent indicators that western powers do not want to be responsible for funding a military campaign in Libya.

This quote seems to sum up the position of many western powers:
""The longer this goes on the greater the chances of the rebels increasing their combat capability, and the more chance there is for sanctions to bite," said retired British Army Brigadier Ben Barry, of the institute.""

Greg Voegtle

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110308/ap_on_re_eu/eu_military_power;_ylt=AsdLEFeLXW8YiRw3QoLC6FgUewgF;_ylu=X3oDMTM1am90bDZjBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwMzA4L2V1X21pbGl0YXJ5X3Bvd2VyBGNjb2RlA21wX2VjXzhfMTAEY3BvcwMyBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcmllcwRzbGsDZXhwZXJ0bm8tZmx5

Religious Split in Egypt

Christians,a minority in Egypt, have expressed concern over their treatment in Egypt. Recently, a christian church was burned by a mob in a cairo suberb, The Prime minister met with protestors to show his concern and they were promised it would be rebuilt. However recent attackas against christians in the country continues to increase their upset. This split though has always existed in Egypt, even before the the overthrow, and will have to be dealt with by the new government.

Greg Voegtle

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110308/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_egypt;_ylt=Ao2qKSASAmpbX_vNSJkxGMsV6w8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJzYWppZDZvBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwMzA4L21sX2VneXB0BGNjb2RlA21wX2VjXzhfMTAEY3BvcwM1BHBvcwM1BHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcmllcwRzbGsDY2hyaXN0aWFuc2Fu

What would Charlie do in Libya?

Up until recently, rebel forces have been able to push back at pro-Gadahfi forces. However this push has been halted by the pro-goverments forces use of military palnes to bomb cities and prevent rebel forces from crossing the dessert.
This has alowed his strong hold of Tripoli, which will probably be his strongest and last stand.

Talks about a ceasefire seem very ulikeley to occur, the opposotion has made it clear they will not negotiate with the former regime underaby circumstances. The idea of a no fly zone appears to be a verbal football being thrown back and forth, with no real momentum in either direction. Other options, such as covertly funding the rebel forces seem to be a more plausible solution in my opinion,becuase western antions would not have to risk in the short term, their diplomatic image. Charlie Wilson anyone?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110308/ap_on_re_af/af_libya



Greg Voegtle

Ivory Coast joining the rebellion sweep?

Protests have occurred in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, since last week. Though the protesters themselves have been peaceful, a total of 11 have been killed by rogue army officers who support President Laurent Gbagbo. Gbagbo's presidency is disputed as his rival, Alassane Ouatara is the internationally-recognized winner of last year's election. Last week 7 women were shot and killed, and today's protest march was to recognize them for International Women's Day, but four more protesters were shot and killed. According to the U.N. refugee service, 300,000 people have fled the city of Abidjan and 70,000 have fled the country entirely.

-Abbey Smith

"Corrective Rape: fighting a South Africa Sourge

While South Africa is known broadly as a "beacon of tolerance" in Africa, TIME reports an unnerving article about sexual discrimination and violence in South Africa. According to this article, a disturbing new trend has arrisen which is being called "corrective rape", in which men rape openly-gay women in order to "teach them a lesson," as stated by a 43 year old male currently under trial for rape. It is estimated that ten corrective rapes occur in Cape Town, South Africa alone, per week.

This sees to follow the hopophobic trends that have been seen throughout other parts of Africa (Uganda, Tanzania). South Africa, the first country in the world to outlaw sexual discrimination, and the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage, has a large gay population in Cape Town, which holds annual gay pride parades and has a lively gay nightlife.

Much discrimination happends right outside the city limits in rural areas, which already have extremely high rates of violence against women. Human rights organizations currently estimate: "40% of South African women will be raped in their lifetime, and add that only one-in-nine rapes are reported--which is to say that the average South African woman is more likely to be raped than to attend secondary school."

South African authorities have addressed this issue, by stating that they recognize progress needs to be made, but do not recognize sexual violence and discrimination as being a major issue.

by brianna howell

Further Censorship in China

The Chinese government seems to be pursuing heightened degrees of media censorship in attempts to mitigate the spread of the democratic revolutions to Chinese provinces. China has recently allocated $95 billion for "public security", part of which will pay for "internal threats"-- essentially preventing public dissent of the government. According to a recent article in the Washington post, Chinese officials have been particularly keen on monitoring the activity of foreign journalists, stating that these journalists must obey Chinese laws. The government denies claims of the police attacking journalists last week (despite the eyewitness accounts and even video evidence).

These heighted controls are reversing the free-press laws that were established prior to the Beijing 2008 Olympics as an attempt to show China as modernizing and free nation. The 2008 regulations allowed for foreign journalists to interview any citizen who agreed to be interviewew; foreign journalists now must first receive permission from the government before they can interview any citizen in a public arena. There have been mutliple accounts of foreign journalists being "reminded" of Chinese reporting policies, and also accounts of journalists being tracked, detained, and harrassed.

by brianna howell

Japanese PM Receives Pressure.

Overshadowed by the happenings of the Middle East, the Prime Minister of Japan has been called. According to recent reports, PM Naoto Kan's governing ability is lacking severely, and the best decision for the nation as a whole would be his resignation. This, alongside the recent resignation of Seiji Maehara, "the foreign minister who was a strong contender to succeed Kan" is suggesting that the state of Japan is in more trouble than once perceived. However, analysts suggest that this potential upset within the government would not significantly affect the international economy to a great degree immediately. With the focus on the Middle East rather than Asiatic nations, this could be the perfect opportunity for a shift in power within Japan as there is a potential for less emphasis and press on the matter, causing much less potential international hysteria over suspected international economic ramifications if the shift does not go smoothly.

megan smith

Answering the Public, Egypt Names a New Cabinet

On Sunday, Egypt's interim prime minister appointed a the new cabinet. Joining the newly nominated cabinet is Nabil Elaraby, former United Nations ambassador and former judge on the International Court of Justice in The Hauge, who will be foreign minister, replacing Ahmed Aboul Gheit. At a democracy forum last Friday, Mr. Elaraby detailed a list of problems that plague the Egyptian government, including a lack of separation of powers, a lack of transparency and a lack of judicial independence.

By: Ivana Miljic

China Tracking Foreign Journalists

As unrest spreads in the Middle East, China has taken preemptive measures to prevent its own unrest by tracking foreign journalists. According to the New York Times, a dozen European and Japanese journalists were held in an underground bunker on Sunday for two hours. Those journalists were working to cover the possibility of a walking protest that a Chinese website called for citizens to participate in, similar to the start of protests in Egypt. In Beijing, police officers visited the homes of multiple journalists, warning them not to attempt to try and topple the party. The government's strong hold on the internet resources of China's people has helped prevent protests in China's largest cities. China's crackdown on foreign journalism is a departure from the 2008 Olympic games' relaxation of the rules to allow foreign journalists to cover the event. Today instead of free journalistic reporting, several journalists from multiple papers have been interrogated, asked to sign documents promising they will not report on the Jasmine Revolution, and had their email accounts hacked. Chinese anxiety was on display for a planned protest, as Chinese security smothered the place where people were urged to meet. These measures reveal how seriously the Chinese government fears being toppled like the Libyans, Egyptians, and Tunisians.

by Margaret Nunne

Egyptian women work on continued participation

Approximately one-quarter of the protesters in Egypt were women, lining up, marching, shouting, and sleeping in Tahrir Square alongside their male counterparts. Now, as the new government begins the re-forming process, Egyptian women will need to continue to participate in order to maintain a voice in the government. Activists assert that the country has not changed, but is in the process of change. Thus, it will take women's continued involvement in order to not forget them. Egyptian women are in a good starting place, though. Compared to their counterparts in the region, Egyptian women already have many rights. They can work outside the home, and about a quarter do, and they are allowed to drive. However, a World Economic Forum claims that 42% of Egyptian women cannot read or write and there are almost no women in politics. Hopefully, as change begins to take hold and spread, these statistics will change.

-Abbey Smith

Eight newspapers close after threats in Ivory Coast

The newspapers say they are facing threats by officials loyal to disputed president, they are also subjected to fines by a media regulatory body, groups say. The incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo, is clinging to the presidency despite calls for him to concede as he lost the to challanger Alassane Ouattara, the winner of the November election.

By: Ivana Miljic

Libyan Rebels Said to Debate Seeking U.N. Airstrikes

Rebel leaders are growing more frustrated over Col. Muammer el-Qaddafi's power trip in Libya and are debating asking for Western airstrikes under the United Nations banner. By invoking the United Nations, a council of opposition leaders made up of lawyers, academics, judges and others will help distinguish betweenairstrikes and foreign intervention, which the rebels said they emphatically opposed. The people of Libya would prefer to see Qaddafi fall without any outside help but do acknowledge the amount of destruction he has caused already and are ready to take the next step in toppling him.

By: Ivana Miljic