Desmond Tutu Wins The Nobel Prize (1984)

 

Desmond Tutu( 1931-2021)  was a priest, theologian, and anti-apartheid activist. He was one of the figures leading the fight against white minority rule. His efforts got him recognition and in 1984 he won the Nobel Prize. Tutu was criticized for taking a stance that was based on non-violent resistance . The Apartheid regime was inflicting serious harm to the black population with torture and police brutality. Peaceful methods would not be effective against a government based on violence. Tutu was interviewed by Dan Rather in this news report. Desmond Tutu explained South Africans were frustrated with the policy of constructive engagement. The policy really was a means of protecting the regime from international criticism. By 1994 the regime was defeated not by violent means, but through a democratic election. Tutu continued to remain active and also criticized the ANC for failing to adhere to its political promises . 

Bell Hooks Explains The Problem With Supporting Hillary Clinton (2016)

 

Bell Hooks (1952-2021)  at one time was a supporter of Hilary Clinton. There was a major contradiction in that support. It became apparent with Clinton's actions as Secretary of State. The war in Libya and Clinton's poor record on race relations were issues that caused division in the Democratic Party. Women should not support any woman in politics. Those women that advance imperialism and war are not allies. Identity politics has created a trap in which critical thinking about politics has become limited. No matter what the sex or race of the politician, there must be scrutiny of their actions. The problem with the feminist movement is that it focused on white women, ignoring the experiences of African American, Asian American, and Latino women. Building solidarity among  groups in America will continue to be difficult. 

George Shultz Answers Questions About The Iran Contra Scandal (1986)

 

George P. Shultz (1920- 2021)  served as secretary of state under the Ronald Reagan administration. He went on Face The Nation to defend US policy in Latin America. The US was attempting regime change in Nicaragua by funding the Contras. The funds were generated from arms sales to Iran. Congress forbid this, but the Reagan presidency went ahead with covert action. Shultz in hi testimony denied having any knowledge of the arms for hostages agreement. The truth however was that he had knowledge of arms sales between December 1985 to May of 1986. The image of George P. Shultz being an honest figure in the Reagan administration  was more so a fabrication. Shultz during the interview states that the USA was being tough on terrorism and the arms embargo directed at Iran. The reality is that the US was sponsoring multiple terrorist organizations and armed groups globally. The scandal could no longer be covered up and members of Reagan's cabinet were charged. Shultz was able to avoid criminal charges, but that did not mean he was innocent of wrong doing. George P. Shultz was aware of the sale of TOW and HAWK missiles. 

Aung San Suu Kyi Has Been Sentenced By The Military Regime

 

The military regime has sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi. She faced a total of 11 charges, all which she denies. Her trial is not about wrong doing. It is an attempt for the military junta to neutralize its long time adversary . Suu Kyi's government was deposed by a coup. The legal basis for the trial is weak, because power was taken by extralegal means. The military regime has engaged in violence against protesters and this action will only cause more demonstrations. The charges directed at her include corruption, violating COVID-19 restrictions, and inciting violence. Prior to this, Suu Kyi was once under house arrest. The National League for Democracy  won the elections, but the military took power. Just like in 1990, whenever civilian administrations win elections the military reacts. Suu Kyi's lawyers are trying to prevent her from being imprisoned for life. Justice is not possible in a regime that has proven to be criminal. The population will no longer tolerate abuse and a disregard for human rights. Myanmar's actions may cause it to be isolated in Asia. Citizens could start armed resistance, if protests are met with more brutal crackdowns. Combined with the ethnic tensions in Myanmar the military  continues to make more enemies. The one foe that they cannot defeat has been Aung San Suu Kyi. Imprisonment is a method of stopping her from being a major political force. The increase in repression only makes the NLD  more popular. Although Suu Kyi's reputation was damaged by the Rohingya crisis, she still has a large amount of support. 

Xiomara Castro Elected President of Honduras

Xiomara Castro has been elected president of Honduras. This brings an end to the conservative administration of President Juan Orlando Hernandez. Xiomara Castro's husband was deposed by a military coup in 2009. President Manuel Zelaya was removed by not just by the military , but the right-wing business elite. The National Party is losing power. The concern is if another coup could happen due to external pressure from the United States. The US has already attempted to interfere in Nicaragua and Honduras could be the next target. The Obama administration did not cuts ties or aid when the 2009 coup occurred. Celebrations are happening for a change in administration, yet many challenges remain . Xiomara Castro is the country's first president to not be either in the Liberal Party or National Party. Her party is Liberal and Refoundation Party. It is uncertain how this political party will govern. Xiomara Castro has stated that reproductive rights, fighting corruption, and reversing the policies of the Hernandez administration. Drug trafficking also has become a major concern having links to the current president. Xiomara Castro will take office in January of 2022. This will make her the country's first female  president. How this will impact women living in Honduras is yet to be seen. The president elect has much to consider. Honduras should make the needed alliances with other leftist governments  such as  Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua . This ensures protection from coups and  foreign intervention.  

Barbados Is Now A Republic

 

Dame Sandra Mason 

Barbados has removed Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state. This makes Barbados the world's newest republic. This is a significant moment considering the island's history. The legacy of enslavement and colonialism  left a horrible mark. The trans-Atlantic slave trade caused much damage across the Caribbean, while enriching the British Empire. Dame Sandra Mason will take over as president of Barbados. Mason served as Governor-General and will be taking over the role that was filled by Queen Elizabeth II. What has been done in Barbados will hopefully encourage other former ex-colonies to remove the British monarchy as serving a head of state role. A new political trend could be emerging. Prime Minister Mia Mottley will remain  in office following the change in government. There remains uncertainty about the relations between the United Kingdom and Barbados. The country will remain in the Commonwealth of Nations . Barbados has been independent since 1966,but now it looks to a new future in the Americas. Reaching out to South American nations should be a foreign policy priority. The island must continue to diversify its economy beyond sugar exports and tourism. A new patriotic enthusiasm is building and leaders should channel that energy to further development objectives. The establishment of  the  republic makes way for multiple opportunities.    

Austria Imposes Lockdown On The Unvaccinated

 

Anti-lockdown protests in Austria that took place in early 2021 

Austria is imposing lockdown on the unvaccinated. This policy will  cause much civil unrest. Europe is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Anti-lockdown protests spread throughout Germany and Austria as the measure was causing more stress on the population. Forcing vaccination will not make people compliant. That results in more resistance. COVID-19 is not going to be defeated by mass vaccination. People who are vaccinated can also spread the virus. Countries with high vaccination rates are showing an increase in cases. COVID-19 has an ability to mutate into multiple variants. Austria wants to get infections down, but isolating the unvaccinated will do little to protect public health. The vaccines do protect against severe illness and death. The vaccines do not have the ability to wipe out the disease like smallpox. If more variants emerge, at some point booster shots could become ineffective. Greece also seeks to put the unvaccinated in lockdown. Segregating the unvaccinated is not going to end the pandemic. The pandemic could end when more of the world population attains herd immunity or the disease becomes endemic. Austria's public health policy should not be replicated. Lockdowns were not effective at dealing with pandemic. Domestic abuse, mental health decline, and economic deterioration were the results of a failed strategy . Austria intends to do this once more, but it will not produced the objective of controlling the disease.   

F.W. de Klerk's Last Public Statement (2021)

 F.W. de Klerk (1936-2021) released a  public statement before his death. The last president of Apartheid South Africa made an apology for the damage the system caused to the African, Colored, and Indian population.The question remains why this was not done earlier. Guilt could have been the motivation. The regime killed and abused the black majority in order to preserve the political and economic dominance of whites. The National Party continued to be active even with the end of the Apartheid regime in 1994. The party would dissolve in 1997. It then formed into the New National Party in attempt to improve its image. Klerk won a Nobel Prize, which he shared with Nelson Mandela. Although seen as a peaceful mediator , he did not confront the numerous human rights abuses by the security services  during his presidency. The public statement he released expresses the need to uphold the constitution and maintain the independence of the judiciary. The need for job creation and economic empowerment is critical to South Africa's future. F.W. de Klerk discussion on the rule of law seemed contradictory. He presided over a regime that did not acknowledge it and was not happy that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission formed to investigate abuses. F.W. de Klerk will remain a controversial figure in South African history.       

The American Militarist State

The United States has one of the world's most powerful armies. The country's influence and power can be seen on almost every continent and has few challengers. The US faces new competition from a world moving toward a multipolarity relative to international relations. China and Russia have moved closer together in both an economic and political alliance in response to American actions around the globe. This alliance may not be enough to neutralize American prominence around the world. The desire to remain the world's sole superpower has disturbed the peace. What has emerged from it is a new political and social phenomenon. America has molded itself into a militarist state. The national security state was used to describe how the US build up it military power and security apparatus to confront the Soviet Union at the expense of civil liberties. The American militarist state goes much further. It seeks to impose a global order by force and undermine liberal democracy as well as human rights. The American militarist state can only function under conditions of perpetual warfare and a military industrial complex. As long as their is an economic incentive in arms production a stable and peaceful world will never be attainable. The main objective the American militarist state is to maintain US dominance and  the economic position it hold in the world. Foreign and domestic policy have gradually been revolving around the US Military establishment. The American militarist state glorifies the armed forces combining it with a fanatical patriotism. While this is common among the conservative political factions, few leftists ever speak seriously about anti-war politics or criticize the the military establishment. Centrists even do this claiming to be part of a politics of moderation. There has been such a change in thought and public opinion that some acts that would be considered deplorable are now accepted. Aggressive war, civilian deaths, and war crimes do not phase the American public as much as in previous generations. From the end of the 20th century to early 21st, the US has shifted to a political model seen in authoritarian regimes. Countries may have democratic institutions, but the military has an abnormal amount of power. Sudan, Algeria, Egypt, Thailand, and Myanmar continue to struggle with the challenge of the military controlling civilian government. If the military or abuses of law are not confronted, it is possible the US could resemble an authoritarian political structure. The American militarist state was born out the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the War on Terror. The result is unrestrained military power having influence in world politics and domestic affairs. 

     After World War II the geopolitical structure changed. The defeat of fascism left a void in world politics that was filled with two new superpowers. The United States and the Soviet Union became enemies  for  global influence. The US began taking on a role as a policing figure to counter the Soviet Union. NATO was formed as a military alliance against the Soviet Union. Russia formed the Warsaw Pact as a response.  The former African and Asian colonies of the European empires were joining the non-aligned movement. This was known as the Third World, which became areas of Cold War conflict. What emerged was the myth America was the defender of the free world. The United States aided and fought for various dictatorships as long as they were anti-communist. Leaders such as Joseph Mobutu( DRC  ) , Ferdinand Marcos ( Philippines)  , Ngo Diem (South Vietnam ) , Suharto (Indonesia ), and Augusto Pinochet (Chile) served US interests. This was why their human rights abuses were never scrutinized.  The origins of the American militarist state emerged from containment policy . The United States fought wars in Korea, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. As the British Empire and France lost their colonies, America's involvement grew in both Africa and Asia. From 1950 to 1989 the US justified military action using anti-communism as a reason. 

 The Korean War was a turning point. The containment policy put the US on the path to war on various continents. 

Simultaneously, the US was engaged in a nuclear arms race with Russia. Nuclear war was avoided, but only through diplomacy.  The Cuban missile crisis was a point in which nuclear brinkmanship put the world in danger. Nuclear weapons did not prevent the two superpowers going to war. The devastation that was caused by World War II was an event both countries wanted to avoid. The Soviet Union suffered more, due to the German invasion. Russia would have not been able to survive another World War. Yet, a myth emerged that the Soviet Union was set on global domination. A simplistic world view cast America as a protagonist and Russia as international menace. The world was undergoing a realignment and the communist governments around the world were not monoliths. Albania and Yugoslavia did not follow a Soviet model. China and Russia relations deteriorated in the late 1950s resulting in the Sino-Soviet split. Cuba's communism was adjusted to its Latin American political traditions. The non-aligned movement did not favor the US or the U.S.S.R  in terms of world politics. The objective of the newly independent states was development and preserving national sovereignty. What these new nations discovered was  the US targeted  them for their natural resources. The CIA became involved in deposing legitimate governments Guatemala, Iran, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Chile. The defeat in Vietnam did not cause the US to adopt a more peaceful policy. At the end of the Cold War saw an invasion of Grenada , Panama, and airstrikes on Libya. CIA covert action in Afghanistan would have dire consequences years later. Between the years of 1989 to 1991 the Soviet Union underwent a deterioration. Without another superpower, the justification for a permanent state of warfare could not be maintained. One opportunity did come with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The American militarist state had another reason to exist. 

       The myth of human rights and democracy promotion  has been used to keep the US involved in military intervention. The expansion of warfare only undermines liberal democracy. Imposing political system by force is nothing more than disguised neo-colonial imperialism . The Gulf War and the Iraq War was not about liberating people from Saddam Hussein. The intent was to ensure the US has access to the oil of the Middle East. The bombing of Kosovo was not out of concern for  ethnic cleansing in Yugoslavia. A federal socialist government  model could not coexist with neoliberal capitalist  EU states. The United States recognized three of the Yugoslav republics. Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina were given recognition in 1992, while Yugoslavia was in a state of civil war. Instead of attempting to mediate an intense situation the US and European Community aided in its collapse. New countries that were war torn would require financial assistance . Even with a change in administration certain nations faced attack. The US was part of a UN mission in Somalia and conducted a failed raid in 1993. Iraq although under sanction was subject to bombing in 1998. Operation Desert Fox  was an act of aggression and justified by the accusation that Iraq was not complying with the UN Security Council resolutions. Iraq was suspected of hiding weapons of mass destruction. When Iraq was invaded in 2003, no weapons of mass destruction were found. The US wants to present acts of aggressive warfare as saving people from tyrants or terrible conditions. War as it is in the American militarist state is necessary to save civilians. The illusion is shattered when the results of nation building projects are shown. Before Iraq, Afghanistan was an experimental area for the neoconservative  vision. Twenty years the United States could not defeat the Taliban or Haqqani  Network. Drone strikes and acts of terrorism caused a high amount of civilian death. The mendacious claim used was that the US was fighting for women's rights and to free the Afghans from Taliban rule. What  the state transformed into was a puppet government with an insurgency that it was not able to defeat. 

When America entered the 21st century, anti-communism was replaced with counter-terrorism. The military intervention  parallels  containment policy. Acts of aggressive war were conducted in both Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The military direction of the United States went from anti-communism and counter-terrorism. There is a stark difference. Communism is an economic and political ideology. Terrorism is a tactic of using violence to achieve a political aim. Attempting to wage war on a tactic is not possible. The War on Terror is nothing more than coded language for endless military intervention. The label terrorist could be applied to any country. The United States between 2001 to 2017 used counter-terrorism to strengthen the militarist state. The death of Osama Bin Laden and the decline of Al-Qaeda's significance caused the argument to lose cogency. Syria and Libya were attacked under responsibility to protect concept rather than counter-terrorism. The drone strikes in Yemen are the only example of counter-terrorism being used an excuse for aggression against the Houthi rebels. A new existential threat needed to be imagined. 

     Relations with China, Russia, and the US have been in sharp decline. Russia  has once more been demonized by the US. China a rising economic and military power has caused fear in the US-EU elite. The American militarist state welcomes the new era of tension and possible conflict. Developing a new Cold War or sparking mass global conflict enables a permanent state of warfare. Counter-terrorism has reached its limit. Fighting ISIS, Al-Shabab, or Al-Qaeda will not longer be enough to get public support. Creating one enemy allow for people to be more fearful. Presenting Russia and China as nefarious countries contributes to preparing the public for military action. Narratives do not need to follow any logic. The United States remains at the moment, the most powerful country in the world. America's influence extends across the globe. Russia and China would not be able to win in a conflict against the US. The notion that both countries are striving for  world conquest is more farcical than fact. The United States has more military bases around the world and  high quality military equipment. Both Russia and China  have to take a defensive position in relation to America. NATO is another military extension which could in the distant future expand. The United States is shifting its attention to Asia-Pacific. The sale of nuclear submarines to Australia, demonstrates that the Asia pivot is going to be a permanent part of US foreign policy. Tensions between Taiwan and China are exploited to expand America's influence in the Asia-Pacific region. North Korea also becomes a  justification for belligerent actions by the US. The dispute in the South China Sea is between various Asian nations. However, America interferes as a method of provoking China. Efforts or attempts at diplomacy are either rejected or not given a chance. The United States of America wants to remain the world's sole superpower no matter the cost. Doing this risks military confrontation with both China and Russia. 

        The American militarist state makes regime change a foreign policy objective. The United States has a long history of removing governments and establishing authoritarian regimes that support American policies. Countries that are able to resist the US are either subject to extreme sanctions, sabotage, or bombing. Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran  are nations that may at some point see military strikes from the US. Cuba has been subject to US sanctions since 1962 and  no matter what presidential administration they remain in place. Venezuela is a candidate for invasion. The United States induced a coup under the Bush administration in 2002. The Obama administration continued to pressure the Hugo Chavez government. Both the Trump and Biden administrations  made attempts to have President  Nicholas Maduro deposed. Regime change is made to be a humanitarian mission, rather than what it really is. The US wants to establish puppet governments that are subordinate to geopolitical interests. A powerful Iran undermines America's foothold in the Arabian peninsula. Without regional resistance, the US would have a more access to oil fields of the region. This explains why the US refuses to leave Syria, because of its oil resources and alliance to Iran. If both governments were to fall, America would have a free hand to mold the region. Waging aggressive war in a blatant manner would generate international condemnation. To avoid backlash, the US will  use elements of asymmetric  warfare combined with degrading the economy of a particular country. CIA funded armed groups or opposition can help in causing internal insurrection. Sanctions and diplomatic isolation are methods to further crush a nation. What are referred to as rouge states do not have enough military power to be serious threats. The US has the power to destroy or destabilize numerous regions. What stops it to a degree is international public opinion and the aftermath of massive conflicts. Refugees, war crimes, and diplomatic disputes hinder America's ability to act without restraint. There will come a time in which the country becomes so abusive the majority of the world might unite against it. 

      The public has been conditioned to believe that all of the wars waged are for a just cause. Pro-war propaganda has been a part of the media and entertainment. Paid patriotism at football games and news programs acting as a public relations arm for the Pentagon are just a few examples. The military has gained a larger influence over American culture. It is not enough to have influence over foreign policy. The cultural narrative must be centered around the idea that the US must constantly fight an enemy. More commercials appear on television directed at young men and women to join the US military. It is presented as a stable career  that comes with opportunities for advancement. For some, it is a way to get a college education. There are benefits, but the more negative aspects are not mentioned in recruitment. Veterans struggle with homelessness and unemployment. Issues with the distribution of benefits are a persistent problem. The way veterans are treated is not the best example of an honorable fighting force. The American militarist state makes it seem as if this institutional corruption does not exist. The military is depicted as a heroic force for good. Despite the long history of atrocities, the myth is agreed upon both the liberal and conservative factions of  American politics. The existential crisis is when the realities of a multipolar world order and military defeat are apparent. Complex geopolitical issues are reduced to simplistic analysis as a battle between good and evil. Sometimes there is no righteous cause; there are malevolent actors. Fear has to be presented in the media about certain nations, races, and various groups. This is the only means in which the US military can control pubic perception of its actions. The national security apparatus is not designed for protecting people living in the US. It exist to maintain American geopolitical dominance. Holidays such as Veteran's Day and Memorial Day are used to advance political agendas, when it is really meant to remember those who lost their lives. Instead their deaths are used as an excuse to expand conflict. To oppose wars in American culture has become a sign of disloyalty. As social problems increase this type of aggressive jingoistic ideology becomes more acceptable. It creates cohesion in a society in gradual decay. Americans are becoming  more divided by class, race, and politics.  The militarist state maintains its power by directing that hostility overseas. 

       The economic incentive is a major element of the American militarist state. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and various arms manufacturers  make enormous profit from warfare. The military  industrial complex is a significant part of the US economy. The irony is that it causes economic instability. To maintain a war machine of this magnitude requires an immense amount of funds. The US citizen must therefore pay higher federal income tax to aid the military budget. If money is being extracted mostly from the poor and middle class excluding the rich economic health suffers. The majority become impoverished, while simultaneously education, infrastructure, and welfare programs are underfunded. The public appears to favor this immense flow of money to the military, despite the repercussions. The money that is spent on weapons, military bases, and aircraft could be used for healthcare or universal basic income. The American militarist state is supported by corporations intent on increasing profit maximization.. Peace would mean an end to business. Networks of lobbying allow defense contractors to have hold over particular political figures. This explains why there is no significant change related reducing US military engagements. The economic motivations are too powerful. The majority of countries that America has attacked are one's with certain natural resources. Fossil fuels are becoming  scarce and the United States is slow to make the transition to alternative energy. Consumption increases and demand remains high. Oil rich nations such as Venezuela, Libya, and  Iraq were inevitably going to be targeted by the United States. Afghanistan has vast mineral wealth that has not been fully explored. An empire tends to extract resources from its colonies. The problem is that the US met large amounts of resistance from the nations that it invaded. The profit came from the production of tanks, aircraft, and guns. Private security companies benefited from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The American militarist state does not exist for a political purpose only. The military industrial complex is part of a larger economic foundation.

        The American militarist state has impacted daily life. Violence becomes more common within the United States. Militarized law enforcement is a growing concern. Weapons used in past conflicts are given to various police departments throughout the nation. The obsession with war is transforming America into a police state. Every aspect of life becomes more focused on security. Those who oppose the establishment are going to be the victims of violence. The abuse of protesters in the anti-racist demonstrations in 2020 was a reminder of the power of the American militarist state. Fears of future coups or mass civil unrest have been discussed in political circles. The combination of militarized law enforcement and an extremist faction of the US military could mean the representative  republic is in a fragile condition. Individuals are becoming more paranoid of what the government classifies as potential threats. Inducing trepidation and uncertainty into the public is a means controlling them. Militarized police and a huge military budget are justified as maintaining security. The illusion of safety is cover to increase government power and reduce legal protections for citizens. There may be a time in which material conditions become so awful that the population might revolt. Multiple injustices and economic inequality could be a catalyst for mass insurrection across the US. If it spreads the military would respond. The methods of war and military occupation would be applied to US streets. A country cannot go around the world inflicting violence with out  repercussion. The abuses in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will be replicated on American soil. The United States has undergone a dramatic transformation. The shift went from being a mere national security state to a militarist aggressor. The objective is not to reduce war or conflict, but how to start new disputes. The United States continues to embrace the militarist state at the expense of basic rights and freedoms.           

The TPLF Advances Further In Ethiopia

 

The regional insurgency that started in Ethiopia transformed into full  scale civil war. The Tigray People's Liberation Front appears to be getting closer to Addis Abba. Other rebel groups have joined the TPLF to depose the government. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed now faces a major internal conflict with limited support from the African Union. If the AU condemns the military coups in Sudan, Mali, and Guinea then there should be a vociferous response to violent insurgencies by rebel groups. The new coalition seeking to remove Ahmed is known as the United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces.  Eight different groups are part of the force, with the Oromo Liberation Front participating. The civil war did not start because of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The TPLF attacked a federal military base. Under the leadership of Ahmed, the Tigray felt displaced. Since 1991 the Tigray had dominance in government. That changed with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Attempts to centralize power caused a bigger ethnic divide. Accusations that Eritrea aids rebel forces have been made. Kenya has called for an end to hostilities to prevent regional instability. Every conflict produces refugees and it is possible Kenya would be their destination. Ethiopia is facing its largest crisis to date. A TPLF takeover  would not be a democratic government. The coalition could collapse and fight with one another.  

Abdul Qadeer Khan Explains The Reasoning For Pakistan's Atomic Weapons Program

 

Abdul Q.  Khan ( 1936-2021) was the responsible for Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. He explains the reason that Pakistan needed nuclear weapons was a means to balance the power with India. India had a larger army, navy, and air force. Khan claims that in 1998 Pakistan was capable of making a nuclear strike on New Delhi. India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974. This alarmed Pakistan, so it sought to develop atomic weapons of its own. The defeat in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 made the country change its national security policy. The Khan Research Laboratories were established in 1976. By the end of the 20th century India, Pakistan, and China had nuclear weapons. Abdul Q. Khan was later accused of selling nuclear secrets to other nations. It was discovered that he sold secrets to Iran, North Korea, and Libya. Nuclear proliferation among nations will continue to be an issue among various regions of the world. Khan was pardoned by Pervez Musharraf  in 2004. The more conservative political circles considered Khan a national hero. Others believe that nuclear power should be used for peaceful purposes, rather than military applications. 

Facebook Will Rebrand As Meta

 

Facebook will be calling itself Meta. The world's most popular social media platform is undergoing a rebranding process. The company seeks to also do more with virtual reality. The circumstances surrounding this are not entirely about expanding the company. Facebook has come under criticism from the public and government for sharing user data with other corporations . The controversy of disinformation on its platform, content moderation issues,  and censorship have damaged Facebook's image. Privacy is not protected and what is classified as disinformation has a political bias. Claims that the platform contributes to worsening mental health can be disputed. Individuals would most likely have self-esteem or depression issues even if the social media giant did not exist.   The fact checking system need vast improvement. Facebook has been described as a monopoly, but there exist other social media platforms. MeWe, VK Media, and Myspace are other social media platforms. These companies have not attained the same amount of users. There will come a time in which Facebook will have formidable competition. Creating a metaverse which combines virtual and augmented reality. Corporations do change their names as a form of public relations offensive after scandals. The sudden rebranding is evidence of this. The other objective is to keep Facebook as dominant in the tech industry .   

Sudan Has Fallen To A Military Coup

 

After months of protests, another military coup has occurred in Sudan. Previous attempts were made to depose the civilian government, but were thwarted. The transitional government has been dissolved and a state of emergency declared. The ruling military junta has promised elections for 2023. Prime Minister Abdalla Homdok is being detained. Prime Minister Homdok failed to address the growing discord of the population exhausted from the major changes that came with the fall of Omar al-Bashir. Two years have passed since the fall of the regime, but stability and democratization has remained elusive.   The Sudanese public has reacted with more demonstrations being held in various cities. Concerned citizens took to the streets in both Khartoum and Omdurman. A large source of contention was the issue of handing over Omar al-Bashir to the International Crimes Court. This split the Sovereign Council The economic conditions have become worse. Inflation and the lack of certain goods was not being fully addressed by Prime Minister Homdok. Even with foreign aid, this has not produced dramatic improvements. The African Union, United Nations, and Arab League have expressed opposition to the political developments. Homdok's removal was a combination of rebel groups and political parties working with the military. Sudan's challenge is like  Algeria, Nigeria,  and Egypt.  The military is an obstacle to political change. Other African nations are dealing with military take overs such as Mali and Guinea. The African continent is seeing an increase in military coups over the past three years.  

Muammar Qaddafi Calls on Libyans To Resist NATO (2011)

 

Ten years ago Muammar Qaddafi was assassinated.  Libya was in a state of civil war, however this was induced by the UK, France, US, and NATO countries. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates also contributed to regime change in Libya. Protests did occur in response to the events in Tunisia. These were peaceful  demonstrations. Armed groups and terrorist organizations not associated with protestors started violence. Libya descended in civil war and NATO began a bombing campaign. Qaddafi called on all Libyans to resist aggressive war waged by NATO. The African Union was seeking  to end the conflict with diplomacy. This was ignored by both the UN and EU. The violent destruction of a prosperous African country was planned for decades. Libya's oil resources and influence in the global south made it a target of Western powers. Qaddafi earned much respect for his contribution to anti-colonial freedom struggles and the fight against white minority rule regimes in the Southern African region. His death was a major blow to the African continent. 

Allyson Felix Has Been Named Sportswoman of The Year By The Women's Sports Foudation

 

Allyson Felix has been named the sportswoman of the year by the Women's Sports Foundation. Her athletic performance  has gotten much praise. Felix holds seven  Olympic gold medals. Her total medal count is eleven.   Besides being active in track she also helps other athletes. Working with Athleta and the Women's Sports Foundation she developed a program that provides childcare grants for female athletes. This is an issue that women face in the world of athletic competition. That will no longer be the case when accommodations are expanded. Felix is currently the most decorated track athlete in US track and field. She is unsure on about continuing competition. Other plans and possible business ventures are part of her plans. Allyson Felix  could be making appearances at track meets in 2022. If not, she has end her athletic career with a stunning record. 

Colin Powell Makes The Case For The Iraq War At The UN (2003)

 

Colin Powell (1937-2021)  on February 5th 2003  made the case for war against Iraq at the UN. The speech he gave at the UN Security Council was designed to get a use of force authorization. Secretary of State Powell made the accusation that Saddam Hussein was producing weapons of mass destruction and aiding terrorist  organizations. The evidence provided were satellite images,  phone calls, and testimony from other sources. What was presented to the UN Security Council  was not true. Iraq was not amassing arms nor was it assisting  al-Qaeda. The US did not get the multilateral military alliance it desired. Instead there was a dramatic shift to unilateral military intervention. The US Report on Iraq was a declaration of aggressive war. Colin Powell contributed to this. His reputation was damaged for his involvement. As time passed Colin Powell abandoned the Republican Party.  His service as Secretary of State lasted from 2001 to 2005. The US became more active in warfare generating international condemnation. 

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and Samoa's New Political Era

Fiame Naomi Mata' afa  became prime minister of Samoa in may of 2021. She is the first woman to do so and this marks a significant change in the island's politics. Since 1998, Tuilaepa Sa' ilele Maleiegaoi had been prime minister. The Human Rights Protection Party held dominance for close to 40 years. Then a wave of change occurred. Prime Minister Maleiegoi refused to accept election results. That triggered a constitutional crisis. Once resolved, Mata' afa was able to take office. She is not new to politics. Her career as a politician started back in 1985 serving in parliament. Her family  has a history of being active in politics. Fiame's father Mata' afa  Faumunia Mulinu' u was Samoa's first prime minister. There may not be any radical change with a longtime establishment figure in power. Unpopular bills that were introduced that undermined the  independence of the judiciary. This caused the formation of a new political party known as Fa' atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi  Party.  Tuilaepa Sa' ilele Maleiegaoi has vowed to maintain staunch opposition to the  FAST  Party. The challenges are not only domestic. Relations with China, climate change, and the current status of the Pacific Island Forum are concerns. Samoa may need to extend diplomacy into the wider Oceania region. 

Rwanda Is Conducting Military Operations In Mozambique

 

Rwanda has been fighting in Mozambique. Since August it appears the 1,000 troop force has been successful in taking back control of Cabo Delgado. The armed insurgency is thought to be connected to either ISIS or al-Shabab. There still remains uncertainty if this is entirely local or work from an external terrorist organization. Discord in the area was growing in 2017, which escalated into violence. Rwanda is not the only country active in Mozambique. Mostly African countries of the Southern African Development Community are aiding Mozambique's military. The question is whether or not President Filipe Nyusi will become more dependent on President Paul Kagame. Long term occupations do not work and there is potential for a violation of national sovereignty. Rwanda has seen the horrors of conflict. Having experienced a civil war and genocide military entanglements could endanger the decades of peace. The gas rich region is also of interest to foreign investors, which maybe way it the conflict in Mozambique has gotten more attention. TotalEnergies was forced to halt work on the liquified natural gas project due to the attack in Palma. The conflict will enable Rwanda to have more of an influence in Mozambique. The actions of  regional organizations are being put to the test. The SADC risks making the situation are larger humanitarian crisis if more military operations are conducted. Rwanda could find itself  in a larger war of attrition. 

Haitian Refugees Are Met With Violence At The US Border

 

Haiti has been in a state of crisis since the assassination of President  Jovenel Moise. The 2010 earthquake and another in 2021 has caused much damage to the island nation. Haitians made the dangerous journey across Latin America to seek safety. Limited economic opportunity and increasing crime have forced them to flee. Upon reaching the Texas border, refugees were met with violence from border patrol. The Biden administration had promised humane treatment of immigrants, refugees, and others seeking asylum. Instead, it demonstrates behavior similar to that of the previous administration. Plans are under way to have the refugees deported by flight. Detention centers are still operational and could be a public health risk with an ongoing pandemic. These actions demonstrate that no matter who is president US immigration policy still maintains its racist and xenophobic attributes. The reason people flee from Latin America and the Caribbean is due to US foreign policy. The US supported Moise who was clinging to power despite election results. The support for autocratic or authoritarian regimes in the region made certain nations no longer safe to live in. Haiti has been subject to US interference for an entire century. If President Joseph Biden goes through with mass deportations of Haitian refugees, this will only further alienate leftist factions of the Democratic Party. More people will come unless the US ends manipulation of foreign governments and military intervention around the globe.   

Former Algerian Abdelaziz Bouteflika Has Died

 

One of Algeria's longest serving presidents has died. A 20 year presidency saw an end to the Algerian Civil War in 2002. His leadership was able to survive the Arab spring in 2011. However, when Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced he was running for a fifth term, protests broke out. Questions surrounding his health and growing corruption became concerns among Algerians. The response was to end emergency rule. This was done prior to the 2019 demonstrations. His career as a political figure began in 1962. Prior to this he fought for Algerian independence joining the National Liberation Army. Eventually, he would participate in the 1965 military coup  deposing Ahmed Ben Bella. Algeria under his presidency attempted to gain closer ties to France, while improving  relations with Sub-Saharan African states. The 2005 French riots harmed relations with France. The discrimination of the Algerian French population and rising Islamophobia became a concern. Tuareg rebellions in Mali and tension with Morocco became major issues in his second term. Suffering a stroke in 2013, many believed that President Bouteflika was no longer fit to govern. Over the decades, the country was becoming more authoritarian similar to Tunisia and Egypt. Algeria is charting a new political course. The hinderance to change comes from the military and the NLF Party that Abdelaziz Bouteflika contributed to.   

Vaccine Mandates Are Going Into Effect

 

The Biden administration has announced vaccine mandates are going into effect. Business with more than 100 employees will either require them to take a COVID-19 vaccine or get regularly tested. Federal workers are subject to the same rules. This policy may not produce the desired results. Another issue is related to an individual's choice related to their health. Part of the reason the population may be hesitant to get COVID-19 vaccines is that medical professionals had not done enough to educate the public. Doctors must talk with their patients about these new vaccines and which one would work best for them. The US government wants to see an end to the pandemic, but mass vaccination may not cause that. The multiple variants that have emerged prove that is not an ordinary virus. The mistake was to ignore the World Health Organization's recommendations on masks. Those who are vaccinated should still wear one, because there is a chance of still getting the virus. Public health measures should be taken seriously. The US has become more lax over social distancing over the past few months. Growing fears of the Mu and Delta explain why this policy has gone into effect. If a variant emerges that is vaccine resistant, then the only method would be either lockdown or quarantine. The global economy and population could not survive that. Vaccine mandates could cause more political and public health policy disagreements. 

President George W. Bush Announces Military Action In Afghanistan (2001)

 

As a result of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the US went to war with Afghanistan. President Bush announced the military action to the US public in October of 2001. The Taliban did not declare war on the US. Al-Qaeda did not have political control over the country, but was present there. The US demanded that Osama Bin Laden be extradited. The Taliban only would do this if the US provided evidence of his involvement in the attacks. The Bush administration did not do this and embarked on airstrikes and a ground invasion. The Afghan War was not about freedom or fighting terrorism. The country has vast mineral wealth, which has not been fully extracted. Afghanistan contains iron, lithium, copper, cobalt, chromium,   and uranium . The Bush administration's agenda was to advance the military industrial complex and expand the arms industry. The invasion of Iraq was the next logical step in the neoconservative vision. Afghanistan was the first  experiment in nation building and imposing  liberal democracy by military force. The US  entered into a country with two factions fighting each other. The Northern Alliance was fighting the Taliban prior to US invasion. The war was fought for 20 years and drew parallels to the US defeat in Vietnam.      

The Military Takes Power In Guinea

 

A coup has been staged in Guinea. The country's new leader Mamady Doumbouya has declared curfew for Guinea. Certain industries are exempt and are encouraged to continue their work. President Alpha Conde who has been in power for ten years is in custody. Tensions have been building ever since he ran for a third term. The 2020 presidential election saw accusations of fraud. Conde was once more president, which caused growing protests. Guinea is a country rich in resources, but the country struggles economically. The UN, ECOWAS, and African Union have condemned the coup. All have called for Alpha Conde's release. The change in the constitution allowed Conde to run for a third term. If this never happened, Guinea would not be in this condition. The concern is that bauxite mining might come to a halt if the country gets too unstable. Although mining increased under Conde, the average citizen did not see an increase in wealth. What remains unclear is if  ECOWAS will either invade or impose sanctions. This was done to Gambia. However, this was not done to Mali. The uneven application of rules and policies display a clear bias. 

Jocelyn Bell Burnell Awarded The Copley Medal

 

Jocelyn Bell Burnell won the Copley Medal. This is the oldest scientific award still in existence. She was instrumental in the discovery of pulsars. Pulsars are a type of star that rotates and emits high amounts of electromagnetic radiation. The radiation comes out of the magnetic poles. They are spherical in shape and have mass that exceeds that of the sun. Pulsars were only discovered in 1967 and changed what scientists knew about outer space. Space is a strange environment of black holes, planets, stars, comets, asteroids, and dark matter. Pulsars are just another strange object that astronomers and astrophysicists examine. Classified as a neutron star its rapid spinning from a far away distance makes it look like a blinking  of lights. Burnell did not get a Nobel Prize in 1974, but instead it went to her PhD supervisor. She was a graduate student that contributed to a major discovery and would not get recognition until decades later. Jocelyn Bell Burnell continues to study various binary starts and has assisted in the construction of radio telescopes. Later She served as president of  the Institute of Physics. Being the first to identify pulsars was an important  advancement in the field of astrophysics. 

Former Chadian President Hissene Habre has died

 

The former president of Chad has died of COVID-19. Hissene  Habre  was serving time in prison for crime against humanity during his rule from 1982 to 1990. The regime was supported by both the US and France. The reason why he was important to both countries was that Chad was fighting a war against Libya. The Ronald Reagan administration was seeking Qaddafi's removal and  using Chad was a means of carrying out that objective. Chad was fighting Libya for control of the Aouzou Strip. France and the US had interest due to the area having being rich in uranium deposits. The Chadian-Libyan conflict became another part of Cold War conflict. As the US got more aggressive with Libya, its diplomatic ties to the Soviet Union grew. Although Chad retained control of the Aouzou Strip and won the war, Habre's rule did not survive. He was deposed by Idriss Deby in 1990. The controversy around his trial was that he was the first former  head of state to be convicted for human rights abuse in another nation. His trial was in Senegal not Chad. Before, there were other attempts to have him stand trial. No French or American officials have been brought to justice for their role in the Chadian-Libyan conflict. Habre leaves behind a legacy of oppression, support for neocolonial imperial interests, and war crimes.  

Runoko Rashidi On The Importance of African History

 

A great historian and writer has passed. Runoko Rashidi passed away while on tour in Egypt. No cause of death has been announced. Rashidi had wrote about the African Diaspora and African History for decades. Preserving history is important to an identity of a people. Africa has much history to be recorded and preserved for future generations. The need for education and the spread of knowledge becomes more critical as Africa will become a major influence on global affairs. It is essential to realize that for too long the teaching of history has been presented in a Eurocentric world view. When Africa was colonized and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade was occurring Europeans made the claim Africans did not have a history or civilization. This was used to justify violence and racism from European empires. Runoko Rashidi explains liberation comes with knowledge and  new ideas. Africa has a long and rich history and to exclude it undermines social studies as an academic discipline . 

The Taliban Take Power In Afghanistan

 

The Taliban has returned to power in Afghanistan. President Ashraf  Ghani has fled the country. Kabul fell to the Taliban and now other citizens  are leaving the country. Russia previously was doing military exercises with other Central Asian states in response to the Taliban's rapid take over of territory. Observers claim that the withdraw of US-NATO troops made this possible. The occupation was not evidence of success. Attacks and fighting from the Taliban was consistent ever since 2001. The country did not gain much from the foreign presence. Economically, the Afghan War was not sustainable. There was not way to win a war that became unpopular as the decades past. The Afghan War was a conflict of aggression. The objective the US claimed was to dismantle al-Qaeda. Osama bin Laden was in Afghanistan . There were no Afghans responsible for the attacks on the World Trade Center or the Pentagon. However, the country was subject to bombing and drone strikes. The government failed to improve the lives of the Afghan  public. The question remains whether or not a new Taliban government will be recognized. China has suggested it may recognize the new Taliban regime. Pakistan will have more influence in Afghanistan, which could result in a response from India. Iran's concern would be a Sunni Muslim state on its border.      

Warnings From The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

 

The IPCC report has issued a warning about climate change. The report noted that across the world's regions the climate system has been altered. The Earth's  temperature is rising and there is a link between carbon dioxide emissions. The result is the exacerbation of the green house effect. This will effect the polar ice caps. The gradual melting will result in rising sea levels. Floods could be more prevalent in the UK, India, South Africa, and the Pacific  region. The IPCC report indicated that the world could reach the 1.5 degree Celsius level. If the temperature goes beyond that then the damage may not be reversible. The new extremes of heat have the the potential to be a public health risk. Too much heat can have a negative impact on agriculture. The water cycle has been effected with not only more floods, but drought in certain parts of the world. The ecosystems of the ocean are going to be harmed. Coastal areas have to consider measures adjusting to rising sea levels. The IPCC report is more mere conjecture. Data was accumulated examining temperature changes from the past to present. The changes in human environment interaction between 1850 and 1900  altered the climate. The use of fossil fuels and the corporations that profit from them are culpable. Governments refuse to challenge this business elite, even when they are contributing to a major environmental crisis. The burning of coal and the emissions from automobiles create higher temperatures. Climate change has occurred without human interference, but economic activity exacerbates a fragile situation. The changes in rainfall patterns could harm basic food security. The constant release of various air pollutants and added methane cause deleterious effects to the environment that could last centuries. More reports are being produced examining paleoclimate compared to the current conditions  and possible solutions. 

President Kias Saied and The Crisis in Tunisia

 

President Kias Saied has suspended parliament. Saied was elected as an independent who vowed to challenge political corruption in Tunisia. The major source of contention was control of the security forces.  The security forces were what kept the authoritarian structure functioning . Disagreements and political factionalism are dividing the country. Saied decided to remove the prime minister and invoke emergency powers. Tunisia experiment with an accountable and democratic government may be coming to an end. Some speculate that what occurred in Tunisia around 2010 was nothing more than a regime change. Since the fall of Zine Abidine Ben Ali Tunisia has struggled to maintain stability. A stagnant economy and problems from a global pandemic only made conditions worse. Demonstrations are growing through out the country. While President Saied still maintains support, it remains in question how much  popularity  the Ennahda Party. Tunisia was suppose to be a model of democratic transition. The narrative of the Arab Spring as being a revolutionary movement does appear to be an accurate assessment. President Kias Saied could become like former leaders of Tunisia. North Africa continues to deal with the fall out from the uprisings that happened ten years ago. Algeria, Libya, and Egypt have similar difficulties. The use of emergency powers in Tunisia could be used against political opposition.  

COVID-19 Infections Increase During The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

 

As celebrations and the Olympics are underway, there has been a spike in COVID-19 infections. Japanese citizens did protest having the games  go ahead. There were growing concerns that the 2020 Olympics would be cancelled. Japan made too much of a financial investment for the Olympics to be cancelled. Despite volunteers quitting due to safety concerns, that did not deter officials. The spike in cases has to do with athletes coming from all over the world to compete. Even with athletes vaccinated, there is a possibility of getting COVID-19. Although it is a low chance, variants are a cause for concern. The pandemic is not over, yet many are willing to ignore public health measures. Japan is in a state of emergency due to the rise of COVID-19 infections. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga claims that it was vacations and a four day holiday that resulted in the increased infections. Although no spectators are part of the games, this not entirely accurate. The more people coming to the country, the more precarious the condition of the country becomes. Japan may have to go under lockdown and other restrictions to deal with the spike in COVID-19. 

New Viruses Found In 15,000 Year Old Tibetan Glacier Ice

 

Viruses can survive in cold weather. Researchers and virologists discovered new viruses previously unknown in a Tibetan glacier ice . The samples were obtained from the Guliya Ice Cap. The discovery could explain the evolution of viruses. The ice is 15,000 years old, which provides a long history of biological information. Genetic codes were uncovered for 33 viruses. Only four were identified  and twenty eight were novel or unknown. Viruses appear to like cold environments according to the data collected. The origin of viruses might have been from plants and the soil not animals or humans. Scientists  used an ultra-clean method ( clean surface decontamination procedure)  to avoid contamination or being infected . The concern is what happens when global temperatures increase. Heat will cause glaciers to melt and could enable viruses to be exposed. A growing concern is over gain of function research and the hazards of manipulating viruses. Microbes have the ability to thrive in extreme environments. The ice samples provide details of the function of viruses over time. What is now confirmed is that climate can impact microbes as well. 

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest Occur After Former South African President Jacob Zuma Is Jailed

 

President Jacob Zuma has been jailed. The accusations of corruption brought criminal charges. The aftermath was that demonstrations broke out from the verdict. An appeal was denied was denied by the high court. Currently, demonstrations are being held in various cities and townships. The military has been deployed to deal with the violence and reported looting in the country. His support among the rural poor is strong and Zuma does retain loyal followers. President Zuma was a dominant force in South African politics. He was charged wit contempt of court for refusing to appear to answer questions about corruption during his administration from 2009 to 2018. The reason Zuma has support is that he was willing to programs of economic distribution . This is very popular among South Africans who experience the harsh conditions of economic inequality. The apartheid regime impoverished the black majority and the ANC has failed to reverse the damage of the past. President Jacob Zuma promised a change that was refreshing to young voters living in poverty. The reason supports still follow him was that he was actually trying to improve the conditions of South Africa. Despite charges related to money laundering, arms deals, and contempt of court many think this has a political motivation. The imprisonment of former Jacob Zuma will only divide the country more. 

Haitian President Jovenel Moise Assasinated

 

The embattled president of Haiti was killed at his residence. The suspects are currently in custody. Haiti has fallen further into disorder following reports of his murder. The country was already in a constitutional crisis, when President Moise refused to leave office. His term was over, but he refused to relinquish power. Now that he is gone, a power void will follow. To the majority of Haitans his administration represented the worst corruption of government. The police and army are expected to do more crackdowns as protests continue. Demonstrations will not stop simply because there is a new president. The demand for employment, accountable government, and improved living standards is too great. Jovenel Moise had been accused of electoral fraud and graft related to Venezuelan aid. Gangs are becoming more powerful with connections to prominent leaders in the country. The situation could resemble Colombia 's long history of violence. The aid that has come from other countries has not improved the lives of the average citizen. It has been speculated that most has been stolen, but there has not been any confirmation of this. Claude Joseph will be acting president. Without a functional parliament, reforms are not possible.  

Donald Rumsfeld on CNN (2002)

 

Donald Rumsfeld (1932- 2021) served as Secretary of Defense for both the Gerald R. Ford and George W. Bush administrations. During the early 2000s he was making the case for the invasion of Iraq. Rumsfeld made an appearance on CNN September 12, 2002. He was one of the major architects of the Iraq War. Here in the interview Rumsfeld denies that the US provided Saddam Hussein chemical weapons in the 1980s. He was not prepared when archival footage was shown of him visiting Iraq in 1983. At the time Donald Rumsfeld was part of a special envoy to bolster support for Iraq against Iran. Syria  was also discussed in  meetings with Saddam Hussein including the situation in Lebanon. The Bush administration pushed a false claim that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and that Iraq had to be attacked for national security. Donald Rumsfeld also along with other officials made the accusation that Saddam was supporting terrorist organizations. There was no evidence of this and weapons of mass destruction were never found. Rumsfeld left behind a legacy of aggressive warfare, which still effects  the Middle East today.  

Laurent Gbagbo Return and The Irovry Coast

 

Laurent Gbagbo has returned to Ivory Coast. There is no indication if Gbagbo intends to be active in politics following ten  years out of the country . He was acquitted of criminal charges by the ICC. The legitimacy of the International Crimes Court has been called into question. A disproportionate  number of African leaders have been targeted by the ICC. European leaders rarely are subject to the ICC despite involvement in numerous wars in both Africa and Asia. President Alassane Outarra has held the presidency ever since 2011 and Gbagbo's return could be a political threat. Ivory Coast fell into violence following the disputed election in 2010. Fears grow that peaceful transfers of power could result in a long lasting civil war. During Gbagbo's presidency, there was war between the opposition. The French backed and UN forces captured Gbagbo in 2011 placing Outarra in power. The run off election did not bring an end to disputes. The narrative was that he lost the election and was clinging to power. The ICC case found no evidence that their was a plan to keep Gbagbo in power. Nor was there evidence of a plot to murder civilians. Gbagbo could still face prison in Ivory Coast. Such an action would cause more outrage in a country divided. 

RIP Kenneth Kaunda

 Kenneth Kaunda Zambia's first president and liberation hero has passed away. He was part of  the generation of African leaders fighting for independence and an end to to colonial rule. Kenneth Kaunda was the last liberation era leaders still living. When Zambia became free from the British Empire, Kaunda also  wanted to see the end of white minority rule in Southern Africa. Support was given to the anti-apartheid movement. Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique also got support from Zambia. President Kaunda provided a base of operations for various liberation organizations. The African National Congress, ZANU, ZAPU, and SWAPO were allowed to operate within Zambia. Working closely with Tanzania, the strategy was to gradually weaken the white minority colonial regimes. There were  times Kenneth Kaunda did seek mediation. When the negotiations for peace failed, he continued to aid various guerilla groups. Although the situation became precarious, President Kaunda got resources from China and the Soviet Union to assist  in the fight against white minority rule regimes. Kenneth Kaunda was a strong supporter of the Non-Aligned Movement. Taking sides in the Cold War was never beneficial to newly independent countries. Zambia  experimented with a model of African socialism and nationalization of  economic sectors. The economic policies did not create the stability and development goals Zambia was trying to achieve . Failure to reach economic development goals resulted in the end of his presidency in 1991. Becoming president in 1964, there was improvement over the decades in education and modernizing Zambia. Although there is controversy over one-party rule and economic policy, Kenneth Kaunda is remembered fondly by most Zambians. 

Benjamin Netanyahu's Premiership Comes To An End

 

The 12 year rule of Benjamin Netanyahu is ending . Israel could be heading for political crisis as Netanyahu wants to challenge the confirmation vote. A new coalition government is being formed. This new coalition  has left-wing, Arab, and centrist political parties. What Netanyahu is attempting to do is make it fall apart before the confirmation vote. Naftali Bennett will be the new prime minister if the confirmation vote goes forward. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made claims of electoral fraud, but has not provided any evidence. Fears of possible violence have been expressed by the internal security agency Shin Bet. The Zionist state is going through a major political crisis. The Yamina Party most likely will not differ much from the Likud Party in terms of politics. The Likud Party is attempting to get some from the Yamina Party to defect before the vote of confidence. Israel is normally cited as a model democracy in the region by the West, but this is not the political reality. Netanyahu's government has been charged with corruption and he might face arrest. A state that values only the rights and worth of Jewish people is not democratic. Anti-Arab racism has become more intense and the desire for settlements grow. A political era is coming to an end, but real change may not come for awhile.