Richard Dawkins Answers A Question About Atheism At Randolph-Macon Women's College (2006)

 

Richard Dawkins presented a lecture on his book  The God Delusion  at Randolph-Macon Women's College. Dawkins is a major figure in evolutionary biology. His studies in zoology made him conclude that God cannot exist. The lecture afterwards had students come and ask questions. One student asked if Richard Dawkins could be wrong. Dawkins responds that your religious beliefs depend on the culture in which you were born. If a person was born in Europe, they most likely would be Christian. If a person was born in West Asia they would probably be Muslim. A combination of history, sociology, and culture explain these convictions. The theory of evolution is working off a fossil record. Religion operates on a person's faith. Religion does not require a system of verification. The scientific method has to be used to discover facts. God as theist state exists, but do not provide evidence. Science has to provide data, observations, and experiments that have to be replicated. Faith is not evidence of the existence of a God. When debating this topic, it favors evolutionary biology. God does not explain why there are so many life forms or why certain organisms go extinct. A God cannot be detected. Genetics, paleontology, and biological research demonstrate evolution explains life on Earth.   

The Israel-Gaza War

 Hostages were taken October 7, 2023  by Hamas. Israel responded with a campaign to annex Gaza. The reason for the capture of hostages was to have Palestinians who were imprisoned exchanged. Israel asserts that it wants to enhance its security and curtail terrorism. The actual objective by the government is to expand Israel's borders. Most analysts call the recent conflict the Hamas-Israel War. This ignores the actual nature of the confrontation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is waging a war on Gaza, not the political party that controls the territory. The Zionist state does not want a nation with Arabs. Israel holds limited regard for its Somalian, Ethiopian, and Sudanese population. Arabs and Africans have no place in the theocratic ethnostate being created.  The Israel-Gaza War is a more precise description of the crisis in West Asia. Stopping an independent Palestinian state and incorporating more land into Israel are the motivations for violence. The hostages are an after thought. If there was a desire to get them all back unharmed, the Mossad  could have extracted them. Instead bombings and ground invasion are being used as a means of retaliation. The map of the Middle East could be changed once more. Just like the Six Day War Israel seeks to gain more territory. A new Nakaba is taking place similar to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. As the civilian deaths mount, Arab nations continue to grow more vexed. The longer the war goes on the greater chance of a regional war. Egypt and Jordan are coming under pressure for a response. Iran's involvement would include the support of Syria  and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The region has oil reserves, which can be effected by a region wide war. The consequences related to the global economy has the potential to be devasting. The Israel-Gaza War is the culmination of  racism , Israeli occupation, and the settler colonial ambitions of the Zionist state.  

          The Gaza Strip has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The area remains encircled by a wall and is under blockade  by Israel. The Gaza Strip was for a period under Egyptian military rule from 1949 to Egypt's defeat in the Six Day War. During Israel's wars with its Arab neighbors Palestinians were not allowed to return. Instead they remained  refugees. The year 2005 marked a turning point. Israel withdrew its forces and removed settlers. Israel still had control of the borders and airspace. Elections were held in 2006. Hamas was able to win the parliamentary elections against Fatah. The response by the EU, Israel, and the United States was to impose sanctions. Disunity between Palestinian political parties  and organizations resulted in civil disturbance. Since 2007 after the failure of the coalition government Hamas retained control of the Gaza Strip, while Fatah remains in the West Bank. Israel would then launch a series of military strikes on the Gaza Strip. The first major attack was between 2008 to 2009. The Israel bombed Gaza in 2012 and then again from 2014. The last military strike before the recent conflict was in 2021. 

The purpose of these attacks by Israel was to ensure the control of Gaza and undermine the leadership in the area. Targeted assassinations have been Israel's policy against Hamas leadership. With all these strikes more Palestinian civilians die. The air strikes caused massive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Hospitals, schools, residential areas, and UN facilities have been attacked.  The Israel-Gaza War is not using air strikes only. Ground invasion is underway which means possible annexation. Gaza City has gradually become surrounded by the Israeli Defense Force. The population has limited access to clean drinking water, electricity, and medical care. Hospitals have been subject to bombings. The refugees do not have options and Arab nations are not accepting them.  

         Hamas does not have the ability to defeat the IDF. The armed wing of the political party is known as the al-Qassam Brigades. When ever there is combat these are the soldiers that fight in Gaza. The fighting force is estimated to be 30,000 according to Israeli intelligence. The al-Qassam Brigades does not have a navy, air force, or tanks to compete with the Israeli military. The confrontation thus is an uneven one. Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades has to use asymmetric warfare or guerilla tactics. Rocket strikes and terrorism are not going to defeat Israel. The assertion that Israel is in danger is exaggerated to push expansion into Gaza. The extent of the tunnel networks is not entirely known. Israel has accused Gaza of using tunnel networks to transport weapons from outside the territory. Tunnel networks are not like bunkers or command centers. Hamas is not formidable enough to force a military defeat of Israel or make a peace settlement. If Hamas did want to defeat Israel it would require help from another regional power. Iran has not provided aid in this recent conflict. However, Hezbollah  could be drawn into the conflict. Israel's occupation of Lebanon from 1985 to 2000, left it many enemies. Hezbollah has connections with Iran and that would mean a wider regional war. The al-Qassam Brigades and Hezbollah are not strong enough to invade or capture Israeli land. What both armies could do is open a multiple front war. The IDF would have to fight both in the north and west . Syria if it was not in a state of civil war,  that would mean another front would be opened  in the east. Israel has been bombing Syria which means it is in a state of war with that country. If Syria were to completely stabilize and defeat armed groups its energies would be directed at Israel. Hamas at the moment does not have Syria or a dedicated Hezbollah to assist. Hezbollah is better equipped to fight a defensive war, rather than doing an offensive military operation. Jordan and Egypt are not going to attack due to the fact they have signed treaties with Israel. The situation would be different if this were no the case. The al-Qassam Brigades does not have a strategy to win a long term conflict. The narrative that Israel is a victim of  the  confrontation collapses with the analysis of military strength and regional conditions. 

      The dramatic increase in racism was inevitable. Israel's objectives have shifted. Saving hostages was the excuse for the violence. At the end of October, the goal was regime change in Gaza. Simultaneously, annexation will be part of this project. When the conflict is over Gaza will not be habitable. The removal of those who remain will be official Israeli policy. This also related to conditions in the West Bank. Settlers have already attacked the local population. The forced changes in demographics demonstrate a process of ethnic cleansing. Jewish settlers will replace Arab populations in both the West Bank and Gaza. The war also serves another purpose. The concern about another intifada happening has been thought of in Israel's security planning. Years of abuse could spark a mass uprising not just in the occupied territories, but across the country. Israel has an Arab population and as measures get more draconian they might sympathize with the Palestinians in the occupied territories. The structure of the state is using bantustans system of  the South African Apartheid regime  as a model. Israel by building walls around Gaza and the West Bank is imposing racial segregation. Arabs are regulated to a second class citizenship. Those in Gaza or the West Bank do not have citizenship at all. A two state solution was never an agreement Israel wanted. The last attempts were failures under the facilitation of the United States. Israel is  wants a state for European  Ashkenazi Jews only. The only reason non-European Jews would be allowed in the country is to contribute the nation's growth. They need more numbers to counter the indigenous population. This explains why there is an effort to kill children in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel wants to have the demographics work in its favor.

       Israeli occupation was justified by the government as a method of defense. The assertion is that Israel has the right to exist and defend itself. People have the right to exist, but the borders of nations have changed throughout history. A country will respond when attacked. However, use of the phrase right to defend yourself is a cover for military occupation. At the moment there are few countries in the region that could challenge Israel in terms of military power. Iran has the potential to do so, but lacks nuclear capability. Resistance groups, terrorist organizations, or political parties cannot bring about an Israel defeat. The aid from the United States ensures that Israel survives. Without the aid from the European Union as well, Israel would not be able to succeed. Israel uses groups such as Islamic Jihad, Hamas, the PLO, and Hezbollah as reason to occupy Arab land. The implication is without the occupation Israel would be overrun. The past wars in 1948, 1967, and 1973 have shown Israel would be difficult to defeat. A national liberation movement for Palestine cannot succeed militarily without a powerful Arab coalition. The groups trying to resist are minimally effective. Israel might not want to wipe them out completely. The long time excuse was that military occupation was designed as a series of buffer zones. The occupation was not actually about buffer zones, but removing populations and utilizing the land for Israel's economic benefit. Framers want more land in the West Bank and to sell their produce to EU countries. The Ben Gurion Canal project involves construction through the Gaza Strip. The challenge is that it would require removing populations and clearing the area. Building the canal would means there would be a ship transport area other than the Suez Canal. The war on Gaza has an economic motivation. The occupation was the first step in a much larger national project.  

      Israel was never a Jewish state. Over the past 75 years, it has been a Zionist state. Judaism is a religion, while Zionism is a nationalist ideology. Judaism and Zionism are the the same. Zionism may take aspects religion, but the idea focuses on statehood, rather than theology . The nationalist movement had its origins in eastern and central Europe. The concept of return and the that the land belonged to Jews emerged from the Haskala movement. Theodore Herzel during the 19th century believed Jews assimilating in European society was not the best position to take to combat anti-Jewish hatred. Jews needed a homeland, because of the growing antisemitism  in Europe. The Ottoman Empire refused to allow Zionist settlement, so Herzel made appeals to the British Empire. Uganda was offered as a place for settlement, but most Zionists wanted Palestine. When Israel was established  in 1948 the settler colonialist convictions and nationalist goals materialized. Israel was to be a state for Jews only, which meant expulsion of the Arab population. Simultaneously, areas that were Arab would be replaced with Jewish populations. Zionism basically takes elements of a religion then uses it as a justification for a colonial state. If the establishment of the country was based on ancient boundaries there who be two states. The Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judea were two separate political entities. This brings into question of Jewish right to return. The majority of Israelis cannot trace their ancestry back to 1200 B.C.E. The conclusion is that Israel is not different from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the US, and the South American countries. The indigenous populations faced extermination by an invading force. The attack on Gaza and other conquest was a logical culmination of Zionist thought. After the war, Gaza will be redeveloped to make way for Israeli residents. Those who do survive will either have to flee to the Sinai peninsula or make the dangerous journey to Europe. 

       The war is not like past strikes. The objectives include regime change, forced removal of populations, and labor exploitation. Israel does have the advantage, but there have been repercussions for aggressive war. The Houthi rebels are attacking ships ,n the Red Sea. The strikes on Israeli ships began in November and increased the following months. As images of Gaza are seen around the world , Israel becomes more isolated. While the governments of America and Europe support Israel's war a growing number of protests are spreading internationally. African, Asian, and South American countries are more sympathetic to Palestinians due to historical circumstances. The lugubrious reminder of colonial oppression still is part of the Global South's consciousness. Israel while winning a military operation is losing the propaganda war. Asserting that Israel is a victim of an antisemitic conspiracy can no longer be used to cover up human rights violations. Refugee camps are also targets of  military strikes. This is evidence that forced removal is being enacted. No reports suggest that Hamas has fighters in refugee camps. The deliberate  murder of civilians are war crimes, which Israel will never be punished for. The protection it gets from the United Nations allows the country to avoid sanctions or a UN resolution directed at it. Israel at the moment cannot be defeated and the West will not stop its economic relationship with the nation. Instability within Israel itself  possibly would bring the war to an end. Soldiers could mutiny or demonstrations paralyze the government. Removal of  prime ministers does not result in a change in policy. The protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are for the judicial reform and political corruption. The demonstrations are not for racial equality or the support of Palestine. The war would continue, even if his government was voted out of office. The anti-Netanyahu protests began prior to the war. The conflict has prevented his government from collapse. A distraction allows Netanyahu to avoid criminal charges for abuses in office. The Israel-Gaza War will spill into other countries. Iraq might become another theater of war, with the United States attack on the Kataib militia. Hezbollah backed militias and other Iranian backed armed groups could be directed at US forces in the region and Israel. The Israel-Gaza War could alter the regional dynamic of West Asia.              

Angola Leaves OPEC

 

Angola is set to leave OPEC. This is due to a dispute over oil production and the policies set for 2024. Angola does not want to cut production and wants to fulfill contracts as the reason for the exit from OPEC. How this could impact the global economy is unknown. Angola is one of the biggest oil exporters in Africa. The end of the 16 year membership will have an effect on Angola's economy. Other countries have left OPEC unable to come to a consensus. Oil prices have gone up due to the Russia-Ukraine War and Houti rebel attacks on ships in  the Red Sea. The intent of OPEC is to make a decision about how much crude oil should be sold on the world market. Angola wants to sell its oil without certain restrictions. The minister for mineral resources, gas, and petroleum Diamantino Azevedo expressed that being in OPEC did not advance Angola's interest. Angola did not meet its obligations of production quotas. Simultaneously, members might be getting frustrated with Saudi Arabian domination in the group. Angola has the potential to use it vast oil wealth for further development. This requires improvement to infrastructure and have oil traded in the Angolan Kwanza. The MPLA needs to get back to its democratic socialist ideology ensuring economic advancement for the majority of the population. Angola is a lower middle income country, but should have a higher GDP and GNP. Angola's diamonds, agricultural, and hydroelectric potential means it one day could be one of Africa's richest nations.  

The Hunter Biden Indictments

 

Hunter Biden has been indicted for multiple counts of tax evasion. This comes as an election year nears closer. The criminal charges that the president's son faces could be used against President Joseph Biden during the presidential campaign. Hunter Biden has been accused of failing to pay taxes and file. Other charges include false tax return and possible evasion of tax assessment. The trials are happening while Republicans are making an attempt to impeach President Biden. According to prosecutors Hunter Biden amassed a total of $7,000,00. The bigger question is if this accumulation of income has links to Burisma or the Chinese private equity fund in which he was employed. Some have made the accusation that President Biden was a part of a conspiracy in relations to his son and business in Ukraine. So far, there is little evidence that the president has connections to Hunter's criminal charges. If the president did have a connection to the business dealings related to Burisma it would harm his chances of reelection. Although the trials are on going, the fact Hunter Biden's legal team requested a plea deal is suspicious. Hunter Biden would most likely not see prison time. Depending on the court dates, if Joseph Biden is still president Hunter could get a pardon. The indictments were made in the states of California and Delaware meaning court dates will differ. Hunter Biden could face up to 17 years in prison if found guilty of the recent charges.  

Mali, Burkina Faso , And Niger Form An Alliance

 

A major change is coming to the Sahel region. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are forming a closer alliance. The new alliance will encompass both security and economic agreements. The security security for three countries remains a concern. Terrorist organizations, interference from France, and ECOWAS possibly doing military operations against these governments are the concerns. The Alliance of Sahel States is going into effect. The pact is designed to bring stability to a region in turmoil for 13 years. The Liptako-Gourma region  is where Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger's borders meet. The area has been a place in which multiple armed groups are active. The current condition in the Sahel was blowback from the Arab Spring in North Africa and NATO's attack on Libya. France used the disorder to further its influence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The alliance between these three nations is also going to be economic. A new currency is in the process of being developed  among military governments. The intent appears to be to break away from a currency connected to the euro. The West African CFA franc in use in the region is a symbol of dependency of France. The policies suggested are establishing a joint stabilization fund and creation of an investment bank. All three countries also want to further development efforts. The success of this new alliance depends on the leaders, proper coordination, and the defeat of external enemies. The new alliance has a potential to be a competitor to ECOWAS, if the new currency spreads through out the continent. 

The Development of Proteins From The mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

 

The mRNA vaccines have unintended side effects. What has been discovered by virologists is that the mRNA vaccines are creating proteins in cells. The report makes some concerned about the safety of using mRNA vaccines. So far, there is no indication that mRNA vaccines can produce abnormal proteins. The goal of certain pharmaceutical corporations is to apply mRNA technology beyond vaccines. Corporations should bot dictate public health policy. The reason the pandemic became such a crisis is that officials were making decisions in relation to business interests. The effects of the mRNA technology might not fully be known. The hope is that the vaccinated will not have future health conditions. The ribosomes of the body act as the builder of proteins. RNA provides instructions to ribosomes for protein production. The ribosome examine the mRNA. The codons have to provide information on the amino acid in the protein. What mRNA technology does is use an artificial version of RNA. The artificial RNA carries new directions for a specific protein in the cell. An immune response is created by means of the spike protein. The obstacle is that the artificial mRNA can be attacked by the cell. The concern about frameshifted proteins emerges. The consensus is that the frameshifted proteins are no threat. One problem is that virologists did not consider that it could be if too many vaccinations are given. Getting a booster shot for every single COVID-19  variant is not practical. If a person was previously vaccinated and had COVID-19 they would have hybrid immunity. Using mRNA technology for other treatments or therapies would not be advised until a clear understanding of  the long term effects are known. 

Kim Ju-ae And North Korea

 

Kim Ju-ae  is the daughter of  supreme leader Kim Jong Un. It is assumed that the head of state has three children. They rare make public appearances. Kim Ju-ae made was first seen in public in 2023. It was at a missile launch, which is not common. Images of Kim Jong Un's kids are rare. Not being seen in public could be a security measure. Kim Ju-ae being seen with her father makes some observers speculate about her being a future successor. The public appearances are more than just for propaganda. The image of a happy family can be useful to the regime. The Kim family has ruled North Korea since 1948. To a degree it is more of a dynastic monarchy, rather than a one party communist state. The Kim family does not consider itself royalty and never officially declared the government to be. The office of supreme leader is inherited. While Kim Ju-ae is still a child, Kim Jong Un could be positioning her to be the next supreme leader. The complications from this could be from siblings or a military that wants to takeover. Transitions of power might become more unstable as time goes on. If there was a collapse of North Korea, then refugees would be the result. South Korea and Japan would not be willing to provide safety. If Kim Ju-ae does become supreme leader in the future, uncertainty remains about domestic affairs and North Korea's foreign policy. 

Henry Kissinger Protested At Senate Armed Services Committee (2015)

 

Henry Kissinger served as national security advisor and secretary of state. Under both the Nixon and Ford administrations he was connected with war crimes. Kissinger's role in the atrocities in the Vietnam War involved promoting long term bombings. This effected both Laos and Cambodia. He was also instrumental in the coup in Chile and Indonesia's invasion of East Timor. What historians also forget to mention is Kissinger's determination to halt Angola's liberation war against white minority colonial rule. When Kissinger  was coming to provide testimony at the Armed Services Committee, he was protested by CODEPINK. The anti-war demonstrators proceeded to to remind the public of his human rights violations. When this happened in 2015 the US was at war with Afghanistan, arming terrorist organizations in Syria, and getting confrontational with China. The fact that Henry Kissinger was still deemed a respectful figure in American society demonstrates the amount of corruption in the American political system.  

Javier Milei's Economic Plans For Argentina

 

Javier Milei has been elected president of Argentina. What distinguishes him from other politicians is his right-libertarianism. The ideology does share ideas with other conservative political movements. The emphasis on free markets and capitalism are positions of common thought. Limited regulation and the emphasis on laissez-faire are what both ideologies desire. Milei's agenda is to end Argentina's central bank and put the country through a process of dollarization. Central banking as been a concern, but if a leader is serious about challenging that system it would invest in cryptocurrency. The dollar is losing its power as countries in BRICS want to move away from it. A rational policy would be to trade natural resources in Argentine pesos. Supply side economics will not generate prosperity in Argentina. The Austrian school of economics has a limited scope in a rapidly changing world. Javier Milei also expressed that he does not want Argentina to have economic relations with communist or socialist countries. North Korea, China, Venezuela, and Cuba were the countries he mentioned. Although Javier Milei is an economist, none of the anarcho-capitalist concepts can work. The nature of employment, trade, and  global economic centers are undergoing a revolution. Neoliberal capitalism might implode implode upon itself if government did not intervene. At some point no amount of reforms and regulations can fix a system that is corrupt by its function. Argentina will become a testing ground for the limits of right-libertarianism and the neoliberal capitalist system. 

John F. Kennedy Discusses A Change In Vietnam Policy (1963)

 

President John F. Kennedy gave his final press conference on  November 14th , 1963. What was different about this discussion with the press was a change in Vietnam policy. After the coup that saw the death of Ngo Diem it was clear that the policy with South Vietnam had to be adjusted. The Honolulu conference was proposed by Kennedy's administration to address the issues surrounding the instability and war in Vietnam. President Kennedy expressed he wanted Americans out, but did not want to abandon the conflict. This seems like a contradiction, because a military industrial complex would not allow such a policy. President Kennedy articulated that he wanted the South Vietnamese military powerful enough to fight the Viet Cong by itself. The desire to make South Vietnam democratic was not possible. To a degree it was more of a puppet state with military rulers. Some have theorized that the reason Kennedy was assassinated was because he wanted withdraw from Vietnam and an eventual peace with the Soviet Union. When American and South Vietnam officials met in Honolulu in 1966, policy had been dramatically altered. From that point onward, the war would be escalated. If President John F. Kennedy had lived, the US Military might not gotten trapped in a violent conflict. 

Ibrahim Traore Explains The Importance of The Youth

 

President Ibrahim Traore recognizes the importance of Burkina Faso's youth. Having them employed and developing future leaders will ensure the country's survival. The youth of Africa might be disillusioned with unresponsive governments and unstable societies. The threats posed by neo-colonial imperialism and terrorist organizations are obstacles. Burkina Faso is a major exporter of gold. This should make  the country prosperous, but years after the death of Thomas Sankara left its economy in disarray. President Ibrahim Traore wants to reverse this and  the youth have to be the driving force. What this means is challenging France's exploitation of  Burkina Faso's resources. This is not a change for one African country. President Ibrahim Traore wants to see African economies become more powerful. Burkina Faso might be seeing a revolutionary  change in political thought. The youth should not seek to go to Europe. Developing Burkina Faso to what it should be is what President Traore desires the most. Modernization and more technology will make Burkina Faso economically secure and preserve its independence. 

The Pyramid of Karazhartas Discovery

 

Central Asia has an ancient history. Only now is it being uncovered with an exciting new discovery. Archeologists uncovered what is known as the pyramid of Karazhartas. The location of the structure was along the Taldy River in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan. The age of the building is thought to be 3000 years old. The culture that built it was Begazy-Dandibai  culture. The Late Bronze Age had a thriving Central Asian civilization. The Kazakh National Museum was involved in the excavation. What was extrapolated was the structure served as a mausoleum for a member of the aristocratic class. The pyramid of  Karazhartas does have a burial chamber. that is 65 feet by and 98 feet across. The Taldy River Valley contains many of monumental stone mausoleums . Kings and queens are buried there. Archeological excavation of the Taldy River Valley has been conducted since 1933. Now historians and archeologists can figure out what life was like in Central Asia in 15th to 14 centuries B.C.E. Central Asia can now take a place in ancient history like Rome, Greece,  or Egypt. Kazakhstan will have to do revision to their history. New information means changes must be made to history curriculums for students. Artifacts and buildings are helping scholars reconstruct the ancient past. Begazy-Dandibai culture was not just present in Kazakhstan. It was present in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan  had this culture. The pyramid of Karazhartas will reveal more information about the history of Central Asia.    

Anti-Serb Austro-Hungarian Empire Propaganda (1914)

 

The Balkans during the 1910s was a region of ethnic tension and racial hatred. The Austro-Hungarian Empire wanted to stop its diverse ethnic groups from breaking away into their own nations states. The tension been Slavs and Germanic peoples was evident with the imperial order. The  Austro-Hungarian Empire annex Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908. The Serb population there went from being ruled by the Ottoman Empire to Austrian rule. Serbia was enraged by this action and it motivated Serbian nationalist to become more extreme. The Black Hand was responsible for the assassination of Archduke  Franz Ferdinand. The propaganda at the time depicted Serbs as ape like creatures. The image shows a fist crushing a Serb saying "Serbia must die." The drawing implies all Serbs are terrorists and that the country and people should be attacked. This was published after the murder of Franz Ferdinand. His death was used as a justification for war. Anti-Serb riots broke out in Sarajevo. The anti-Serb violence then spread throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The acts of violence were not random. They were encouraged by the government. The governor of  Bosnia-Herzegovina Oskar Potiorek organized violence against Serbs. The ethnic tension, rival alliance systems, and European colonial imperialism would spark World War I. 

Kenya Makes Changes To Visa Requirements

 

Kenya intends to end visa requirements for African countries. The policy is set to go into motion in 2024. Visa requirements and the cost of air travel make getting around the continent difficult. The motivation for the change in visa requirements are economic. Kenya wants to have a greater role in an African continental free trade area. Attracting workers and tourists could  stimulate East African economies. The African Union also has wanted to expand intercontinental African travel. The problem with the AU passport is that it applies mostly to diplomats and government officials. The AU passports are not in the ownership of  the average citizen. The benefit is that this could break barriers among peoples and nations. President William Ruto hopes that it helps retain Africans on the continent, rather than going to Europe. The youth are leaving, seeking opportunities abroad. If Africa is going to be competitive, it must have its youth invest in their countries. African nations are hesitant that reducing visa requirements could be a security risk. Certain nations would have to stabilize to reduce this concern. Countries such as the Democratic  Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Libya, Chad, and Somalia are facing armed conflict. Kenya's challenge is Somalia and another TPLF war in Ethiopia. Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles have unrestricted travel for Africans only. These countries have not had major security risks from that. As long a national sovereignty is respected, reduction of visa requirements should be promoted. The African demand for visa free travel  has increased. The opportunities for more trade and economic growth are possibilities with changes in visa policies. Commerce can benefit from the movement of goods and services. Kenya wants to be ahead in relation to economic development. The new visa free travel could be the first step in a new program. 

Kwame Nkrumah And Jawaharl Nehru Address International Concerns At the Non-Aligned Conference (1961)

 

Kwame Nkrumah and Jawaharl Nehru addressed the Non-Aligned Conference about growing concerns regrading the tension between the superpowers. The leaders of Ghana and India had much influence in the Third World and were hoping to be a mediating force between the US and U.S.S.R. Non-alignment was designed to be its own power block. It did not favor  either of the superpowers. During this period the possibility of a nuclear war was a growing concern. This is why Kwame Nkrumah  demanded that both superpowers disarm. A series of treaties were needed. Jawaharl Nehru expressed that the world should be preparing for peace, rather than war. Only then would global security to achieved . The Third World would find itself being a battleground for Cold War confrontation. Nkrumah's government would be deposed by a CIA backed coup. The Indo-Pakistani Wars would divide Asia. Wars and conflict have been a part of history. What was different about the 20th century was that nuclear war could result in humanity's eradication. Africa and Asia did not have nuclear arsenals like the superpowers. Leaders were conscious of the reality that such weapons could be used in a recolonization effort. 

Norman Finkelstein Debates Wolf Blitzer At The University of Pennsylvania (1989)

Wolf Blitzer a longtime journalist made the argument for Zionism and Israel. Blitzer asserts that Zionism is a national liberation movement. Jews did face persecution in Europe, but Zionism was not about getting equal rights for Jews. It was about an ideology of settler colonialism. If the argument is made that Jews need a homeland due to historical suffering, why are other groups ignored ? The Kurds and the Roma do not have a state and the United Nations did nothing for them. Norman Finkelstein counters Blitzer's claims. The political scientist and activist exposes the myth that Israel was fighting for its national security. The country occupied land from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. Israel was focused on expansion and hostility directed at its Arab neighbors. This is why a free  Palestinian state will not exist . Israel does not recognize Gaza or West Bank as an Arab state. As Dr. Finkelstein explains the occupation has nothing to do with security. The objective is about an imperial project which involves forced removal of the Arab population and the restriction of their rights.   

Syria's Growing Diplomatic Relations With China

 

Syria and China are expanding their diplomatic relations. The motivation for Syria is to circumvent France, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, US, and Qatar. These countries were aiding terrorist organizations and armed groups during the civil war. Seeking a stronger alliance is a means of deterring a possible NATO intervention. Syria is now back in the Arab League. This demonstrates that Syria was able to avoid being isolated in the West Asian region. Syria has not been isolated in the Global South. It will no longer have positive relations with the West considering the sanctions and attempts to overthrow the government. China could be a useful investor in a country that requires reconstruction. Bombings from Israel and the civil war has damaged infrastructure. China wants to have more extensive diplomatic relations with the Arab world. Then there is the concern about China's access to oil. Chinese firms could return to Syria, but the US occupation of certain areas and terrorist organizations are security concerns.  The Chinese energy firms Sinopec Corp, Sinochem, and CNPC were forced to leave. The civil war made it impossible to operate. The firms invested $3 billion in Syria between 2008 and 2009. President Xi Jingping appears to want to reverse a decade long absence of investment in Syria. President Assad was able to survive with Russian military assistance. Now Syria is getting economic aid. Now that Syria is a member of the Belt and Road Initiative  it could get greater access to the East Asian economy. 

Lee Kuan Yew Discusses Southern African Liberation Struggle (1966)

 

Zimbabwe and South Africa were  during the 1960s attempting to liberate themselves from white minority rule. The racial oppression could not be hidden . African and Asian leaders took notice. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore spoke on the matter of white minority rule in Southern Africa. The people of Zimbabwe he stated would have to form their own Viet Cong. No one was coming to help free Africans in the white minority regimes. While China and Russia did provide aid to liberation movements, it was the job of the colonized to free themselves. Prime Minister Yew predicted that the Rhodesian Bush War would last a long time. The war lasted from 1964 to 1979. The Zimbabwe National Liberation Army and Zimbabwe' People's Revolutionary had to fight an extended conflict to defeat colonialism. This parallels the Vietnam War. The war in Indochina lasted from 1954 to 1975. Both were caught up in Cold War geopolitical maneuvers between the superpowers. Lee Kuan Yew expressed once the liberation movement becomes formidable, then the world will take notice.   

Iceland's Women Workers Strike

 

Iceland saw women workers do a labor strike across the country. Taking place on October 24, it only lasted a day. This was not genuine labor action or protest. Labor strikes are designed to last as long as certain demands are met. The focus was also to draw attention to unequal pay and gender based violence. These are feminist concerns that should have their own demonstration. The attempts at worker solidarity have limitations. If there is a concern about domestic violence, then more laws should be made to address it. When it comes to income inequality, as long neoliberal capitalism exists equal pay is not possible. Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir claimed she remained home to show her support. The move was more of a public relations stunt, rather than a serious political position. The strike itself seemed to lack direction or purpose. The World Economic Forum has ranked Iceland one of the most gender equal countries. The problem with international institution rankings is that they do not recognize the reality of the experiences of the regular person. The strike ignores the immigrant women's struggle in Iceland. The tactics of fouth wave feminism could be self defeating. Making all men seem like an enemy disregards that men of low income are exploited. Building an alliance requires compromises and collaboration with  various organizations. The discussion of domestic violence at a worker's rights demonstration becomes a non-sequitur. Unequal pay does not just effects women. Among various racial and ethnic groups there is a gap. Then it must be understood, that women are not going into certain sectors as men are. More women have to get involved in mathematics, science, technology, and engineering. Working women should question why Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir has not made economic and women's issue a priority. New legislation has not been introduced since the October labor strike.  

Ancient Engravings Found In Brazil

 

The Amazon  has struggled with a drought. What the lack of water exposed were ancient rock  engravings. Brazil's history goes back far. South America also has a history of ancient civilizations just like  Rome or Egypt. The engravings of  human faces are thought to be from 2,000 years ago. Jaime Oliveira an archeologist of the Brazilian  Institute of Historical Heritage stated this is a significant discovery. The area they were found was Praia das Lajes in the Negro River. The discovery highlights the need to do more study of the ancient  Brazil. The human faces have various expressions and it makes observers wonder what the purpose of the rock engravings  were. The engravings could be a mere decoration or be part of some form of cultural representation. The art might have been part of a religious ritual. The indigenous peoples of Brazil's history is not completed documented. When the Portuguese made contact in 1500, the Amerindian  population was under threat. Much of their history was preserved through oral traditions, but colonizers never respected it. Brazil has a total of 305 Amerindian ethnic groups. Each has a unique history. The newly discovered engravings should be used as a means of generating interest in the history of indigenous peoples. Brazil's history contains an element of mystery and wonder. The people who made the art remains unanswered. There is no evidence which of the 305 ethnic groups made the rock engravings.   

Healthcare Workers Go On Strike

 

Healthcare workers have gone on strike to demand higher pay and better working conditions. This next wave of strikes demonstrates that neoliberal capitalism will exploit the labor force no matter what sector. Hospitals have ignored the demands of nurses and medical professionals for too long. Across the country they have to deal with long hours, low staffing, and limited pay increases. The strikes that have been occurring in entertainment, the service sector, and railroads show an economy that is not functional. Combined with inflation and the rising cost of living this is putting strain on the American workforce. Organized labor could under go a renaissance. The challenge is not allowing labor unions to act as a barrier between the government and labor force. At times labor unions have been used  as a means to hinder aspirations for change and settle for meager reforms. It may take revolutionary action to improve working conditions in the United States. The 75,000 employees that were able to force change in Kaiser Permanente may provide a guide  to worker empowerment. The Kaiser Permanente strike was the largest healthcare worker strike in US history. What the obtained was a $25 an hour increase in pay over the next decade. Although it is a victory, it could be short lived if inflation continues and energy related sanctions remain in place. Housing, utilities,  and food consume most of the population's income. Healthcare workers have more power than they realize. Without them, COVID-19 would have been more devastating. The pandemic and the recent strikes demonstrates the healthcare system in the US had declined. The fight is not over as healthcare nurses in other states are still on strike. 

Paul Biya's First Presidential Inauguration (1982)

 

Cameroon has one of the world's longest serving leaders. Paul Biya was  elected in 1982 and has remained president ever since. At the time he was seen as a reformer and a new wave of African leaders who wanted change in the political system. However, during the 1980s Biya was able to remove political rivals. Cameroon did not have a multi-party system until 1990. The opposition parties have claimed they are being harassed by the government. Allegations of electoral fraud have been made. Now the 90 year old head of state governs in a country and continent much different when Biya first entered government. It was 1964 when Paul Biya became director of the Cabinet of the minister of national education. The Constitution was revised to allow Paul Biya to run for president multiple times. The end of  presidential term limits caused public protests. Paul Biya would best be described as de-facto president for life. Frustration grows as the oil wealth has not been used to improve the standard of living in Cameroon. The outbreak of the Ambazonia War has caused more division in the country. Uncertainty remains about a post-Biya Cameroon. Cameroon might become like Togo, Chad, or formerly Gabon with dynastic succession.  

Earthquakes In Afghanistan

 

Afghanistan has suffered a major earthquakes. This has been the most destructive natural disaster in the country's recent history. An estimated 2,000 people are reported dead. The damage done to villages will result in an increase in homelessness. Herat province was struck the worst. The only countries providing humanitarian aid include Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan , China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Other countries from the EU or NATO members have done nothing. Only rumors of financial aid have been expressed from the West.  The reason is because of the Taliban regime. Denying the people help, because other countries disapprove of the government is itself a human rights violation. The Afghan people have never been able to select their government. The act of collective punishment becomes very apparent when seeing who refuses to give humanitarian assistance. Pakistan is in a complicated relationship with Afghanistan. The question of undocumented refugees becomes connected with aid. If Pakistan did not want to take more refugees, then it should have an interest in helping with its neighbors development. The first earthquake was a 6.3 magnitude classification. Recovery will take time and this only sets the country back after years of war. The logistics of getting aid to Afghanistan provide a unique challenge. The mountainous  terrain makes travelling more difficult. Food, clothing, shelter, and clean drinking water need to be provided from those escaping the western section of the country.  

South Sudan Declares Independence (2011)

 

A referendum was held in 2011 for South Sudanese independence. The result showed most wanted their own nation and President Omar Al-Bashir acknowledge the result. This seemed like the logical step after a the Second Sudanese Civil War, There still were issues that went unresolved. Oil revenues, ethnic tensions, border disputes, and the question of citizenship continue to be concerns. War in South Kordofan and Blue Nile broke out. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North was responsible for the hostilities. This also became connected to the violence in Darfur. South Sudan then fell into civil war between the years of 2013 to 2020. South Sudan is a country of multiple ethnic groups. The conflict between Neur and Dinka halted the process of development. The country has not developed a democratic political structure. Since 2011, it has known only one president Salva Kirr. President Salva Kirr justifies remaining in power asserting that South Sudan would collapse without him. The dissolving of parliament in 2021 in favor of a smaller representative body indicates he has no intention of sharing power. After 12 years of independence  the South Sudanese do not have their basic needs met. The aftermath of the Second Sudanese Civil War, South Sudanese Civil War, and an the rise of an authoritarian government left citizens in a precarious situation.   

Israel Declares War On The Gaza Strip

 

Israel has declared war on the Gaza Strip. This is in response to a surprise attack and the capture of hostages. The motivation for violence can be revealed in Likud Party policy. The desire to expand territory and settlements explains the Israeli aggression. Hamas attacked due to the fact most Palestinians live in a prison like atmosphere. The real fear is that another Intifada is on the horizon.   Subject to a blockade and occupation means there is no possible way to live as an equal. The Benjamin Netanyahu government makes it clear Arabs are not welcomed in the Zionist state. This is not a war against Hamas, rather against Palestinians. The current conflict could be a pathway to annexing both the Gaza Strip and West Bank. These will not be areas under occupation, but full absorbed into the Zionist framework. The recent aggression has caused reactions in the region. Saudi Arabia is reconsidering normalizing relations with Israel. Jordan was expressing its frustration with Israel prior to the conflict. There have been claims that Iran was the instigator in the recent Gaza war. No evidence has been provided for this assertion. If the conflict continues it could escalate into a regional war. Such a conflict could be on the scale of the Six Day War or Yom Kippur War. The policy  settler colonialism has created more conflict and instability in the Middle East. If the West Bank and Gaza Strip are to be fully absorbed, this means more refugees will come into Jordan. The Golan Heights might also face a similar threat of being merged into Israel. A possible intervention of Hezbollah could change the situation. Israel probably not be able to fight both Hamas and Hezbollah simultaneously for a long war. The war also has another consequence in Israel's internal politics. The Gaza war provides Prime Minister Netanyahu a convenient distraction for his criminal trials and the efforts related to judicial reform.  

Dianne Feinstein Claims Iraq A Threat To The US (2014)

 

Senator Dianne Feinstein (1933-2023) stated that Iraq was still a threat to the United States. She claimed that ISIS could attack the US, but did not provide evidence in a CNN interview. What was ignored is that she voted for the Iraq War and then later said she was lied to by President Bush. Her vote on October 11, 2002 contributed to the destabilization of Iraq. The removal of Saddam Hussein enabled terrorist organizations to enter the country. Then it has been revealed that some of these organizations were being aided by the US, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to depose Bashar Al-Assad. As long as the US was attacking Syria Senator Feinstein's suggestion of reproachment with Iran was an empty gesture. As Chair of  the Intelligence Committee she had knowledge of US operations in the Middle East. When this was aired in 2014, the Syrian Civil War was being exacerbated as a result of attempts at regime change. ISIS was fighting between the borders of both Iraq and Syria. There is no serious discussion of why people would want to go fight in these countries. US foreign policy has generated much anger among these populations making terrorist organizations appear to be an alternative to US influence in West Asia. Senator Dianne Feinstein claimed there will be plots to kill American citizens. ISIS had not made an attack on the US so far. Inducing fear in the public is another way to justify neo-colonial projects in other countries. The fact Senator Feinstein remained in power so long represents a problem with the American political system. Refusal to change policy or usher in new leadership means more foreign policy failures and internal concerns. 

The Struggle of Eritreans In Israel

 

Israeli Eritreans and Eritrean asylum seekers are facing violence and discrimination in the Zionist state. The dispute developed around a festival celebrating Eritrea at their Israeli embassy . The anger was around the idea that it was celebrating a government that Eritreans have fled from. The asylum seekers were protesting President Isasis Afwerki in Tel Aviv. Since 1993, Eritrea has only had one president. The celebrations and festivals were commemorating independence. Then counter demonstrations emerged by supporters of President Isaisis Afwerki. Then the police began attacking the protesters and showing Israel's longtime anti-black racism. Discrimination and police brutality are common experiences of people of African descent in Israel. The government is now seeking to deport Eritreans in the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used xenophobia and fear to push for more strict border controls. Then referred to Eritreans as a problem. The tactic of scapegoating is used by the right-wing elements to defelct attention away from more serious concerns. The judicial reform is seeking to give the government authoritarian levels of power. The Likud Party seeks to expand into the West Bank ignoring the political consequences of this policy. The harsh treatment indicates that Israel is not adhering to the UN Refugee Convention. When Prime Minister Netanyahu  refers to Eritreans as "illegal infiltrators"  it  implies espionage. References to invasion were used. Eritreans are not going to Israel to conquer  or spy. They are trying to escape a government they dislike. Israel is not welcoming  to those of different skin color. They do not value religious freedom. Non-Jews do not get a preference. Zionism has enabled the creation of an ethno-state. Sudanese and Ethiopians living in Israel have similar experiences in Israel. If the judicial reform is successful, it will make it easier for the government to do deportations. Eritreans seeking to go to Israel should opt for Europe. Eritreans are facing discrimination, racism, and police brutality.  

Armenians Flee Nagorno-Karabakh

 

Armenians are now fleeing the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan has escalated and is evolving into ethnic conflict. Nagorno-Karabakh's population is majority Armenian and Azerbaijan sees it as part of it territory. A  de facto government was in place, but few nations recognized Nagorno-Karabakh's independence. Azerbaijan is set to take over the break away region and there is speculation more areas could be seized. Reports of ethnic violence have been circulating. Armenians are left with two choices. Either stay in Nagorno-Karabakh and accept being citizens of Azerbaijan. The other option is to flee to Armenia. The fear of reprisals has made Armenians want to leave. Crackdowns are going to follow in an effort to bring the region back into Azerbaijan. Russia at one time sent a peacekeeping force to the region. Some do remain, but the situation in Europe means Russia will not focus on the South Caucasus.  The military action will only increase the power of President Ilham Aliyev. The conquest also has implications for Armenia's own security. Turkey and Azerbaijan are allies. Both countries have an ethnic hatred of Armenians. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did offer to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan. The condition was that the Armenian population would have their right protected and would not face racial discrimination. The peace offer was rejected. The first war lasted from 1988 to 1994. The following conflicts emerged from the power void left after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The war in 2020 resulted in a ceasefire. The conditions in 2023 were different considering Prime Minister Pashinyan is facing massive opposition. The refugees are a symbol of Armenia's defeat by an enemy. Armenian refugees now face the challenge of getting resettled in other aeras. 

Haiti Could Be Invaded By Kenya

 

An African nation could be invading a Latin American country. The United States has convinced Kenya to sign a defense agreement to deploy troops in Haiti. The justification of  stopping gang violence and lawlessness has been used for an invasion. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the agreement with Kenya's Defense Minister Aden Dulae. Kenya would be leading the mission into Haiti. The multinational force is not about restoring order or human rights protection. The United States is using other nations to be regional enforcers in Latin America. The intent is to keep an unpopular regime in power. Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested assistance from the international community to save his government. The United Nations has been supportive of military intervention. All the the UN missions in Haiti have left the country in a worse condition. The reason military intervention has not occurred sooner is because few countries want to volunteer. The only way to stop a military strike is if the UN Security Council does not approve a mandate. The way of hiding imperial designs is by having Global South nations engage in most of the fighting. The optics of  European countries occupying Haiti would increase suspicion of intent. Kenya has been involved in missions in Kosovo, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is why the US reached out to Kenya. The interest in Haiti is in the untapped naturals resources in its territory. Iridium and gold are present in the country. Haiti has oil, but all of the sites are not fully explored. Natural gas potential has not been unlocked either. The reason Haiti is attacked by various nations is due to its wealth. Destabilization, corrupt government, and foreign occupation hinder economic development. A Kenyan led military mission will cause another humanitarian crisis in which Haiti cannot not recover from. What Kenya does in Haiti could cause controversy on the African continent itself.      

Paul Kagame Seeking A Fourth Term

 

President Paul Kagame is going to run for a fourth term. Doing this is no shock considering the 2015 constitutional amendment . For two decades Rwandan politics has been dominated by one president.  The difference now is the African continent has been turning against longtime leaders and those deemed as puppets of  the West. Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Sudan have seen leaders deposed. Rwanda has had the same president since the year 2000. The presidential terms are seven years. This means Paul Kagame could remain in office up until 2034. Some suspect that another constitutional amendment could be made in the coming years. The end of presidential term limits would mean Paul Kagame could be president for life. The Green Party seeks to defeat him at the polls, but the Rwandan Patriotic Party has a powerful grip on the political system. Frank Habineza is seeking to become Rwanda's next president. The invention in Mozambique, the Rwandan asylum plan, and the status of relations with Uganda are going to be pivotal topics in the election. There is considerable controversy about the Rwandan government's support for the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of The Congo. The concern is that Ugandan and Rwandan involvement in the DRC could create a wider regional conflict. The DRC and Ugandan forces have fought the Allied Democratic Forces. Armed groups and longtime leaders are making the region more unstable. There is the fear of what  would happen with the end of  the Paul Kagame era. This explains why voters might support him, even with  growing diplomatic concerns and military engagements.  

The Rise of Global Flooding

 

Flooding has become more lethal in various nations. Libya, Brazil, Greece, and China saw major floods. The disaster in Libya was of concern seeing as it was a country with low flood risk. Climate change does not just create heatwaves. It can make heavy rains more powerful. Combined with rising sea levels coastal arears will be effected the most. Derna Libya was vulnerable because the storm known as Daniel moved in from the Mediterranean Sea. The dams and infrastructure has fallen into a poor condition since the civil war. Turkey was also struck by heavy rainstorms. Many countries have not modeled emergency preparedness in relation to climate change. Various cities do not have the infrastructure needed to protect against such storms and flooding. The refusal to explore alternative energy or  end the use of fossil fuels means flooding will be more frequent. The aftermath of such natural disasters is homelessness, loss of life, and  financial efforts to repair the damaged properties. Government and corporations are not going to change policy on fossil fuel use and climate policy. The only result will be social and political problems that come with flooding. At some point it might force people to leave their countries. Weather warning systems and infrastructure have to be updated frequently. Otherwise, there could be populations that are refugees as a result of climate change. More data must be collect to analyze patterns and see were other floods could occur next.    

Josep Borrell Refers To The Global South As A Jungle (2022)

 

Josep Borrell serves as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Borrell in 2022 stated that "Europe is a garden" then compared the rest of the world to a jungle. The analogy was a common racist trope. Borrell's statements were directed at Africa, Asia, and South America. The image that he presented was one of invading immigrant hordes destabilizing Europe. Many European politicians ignore why the Global South is in such a condition. The NATO invasion of Libya caused the migrant crisis. Venezuela is being targeted for regime change. Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria were invaded. The arms industry promotes conflict to increase profits. His statement also present a false image of Europe being a paradise. The UK and France are facing economic difficulties. Public discord, xenophobic nativist nationalism, and civil disturbance are more prevalent. Borrell represents what the political elite truly feel about Global South nations. The European Union's inability to foster batter diplomatic relations with African and Asian nations is rooted in attitudes such as Borrell's. Overtime Europe's racism and prejudice will isolate it from the world.  

United Auto Workers Go On Strike

 

More labor strikes are becoming common. The automotive industry is now seeing workers protest their grievances. The UAW are on strike and it is entering its third day. Without a settlement, this could have negative consequences for the US economy. Corporate avarice has driven workers to protest. This is the largest strike in the automotive industry's history. A total of 13,000 automotive workers have joined the movement. The United Automobile, Aerospace , and Agricultural Implement Workers of America has an estimated 400,000 members and 580,000 retired members. The corporations effected are the three major one in the United States. Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis refused to meet the demands of employees. What the UAW seeks is increased benefits for retirees, limiting the use of temporary workers, paid leave, cost of living allowance, a pension benefit, reduced work hours, and a 40% wage increase related to contracts. The cost of living allowance demand is an obvious symptom of inflation caused by the conditions in  Europe. Another pressing matter is the right of workers to strike against closing plants. The labor  strikes are active in Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. The CEOs of the car corporations are seeing their  pay increase, while auto workers are struggling. The government tends to side in favor of the corporate elite, rather than the average worker. Frustration has been building across the country over economic inequality and unchecked power of business. The Biden administration's poor handing of the railroad worker strike demonstrates a limited support for organized labor. The UAW does have a solution to protect auto workers. The strike fund can provide workers pay. Depending on how long the labor strikes last and inflation it might not be enough. The strike pay fund is estimated to be $825,000,000. 

A Major Goal of The New Development Bank

 

The New Development Bank has outlined major objectives in the coming years. The focus will be on Africa. The NDB founded by BRICS wants to see changes in the global economy. The New Development Bank will finance infrastructure and digital projects. Investments will also be made in education. Such a policy makes sense considering the jobs of the future will require more skills and knowledge. A fourth industrial revolution is coming and the Global South should not be left behind. The African continent has large amounts of natural resources. This means it is a significant force in the world market. NDB President Dilma Rousseff  noted that direct foreign investment in Africa went from 4.9% in 2010 to 8.8 % in 2021. Rousseff described African nations as  quality partners. The challenges that remain are related to expanding payment mechanisms Rousseff added. Cooperation, stability of the continent, and banking procedures remain persistent obstacles. Economic growth is not slowing down in Africa. The result of this is that the New Development Bank's importance will be elevated. 

Gabon's Government Says Ali Bongo Is Free From House Arrest

 

Ali Bongo according to the government is allowed to move freely. The president of Gabon prior to this released a video in which he asked for assistance. The video was not a political prisoner asking for help, rather an indirect message for military intervention. Ali Bongo assumed that France would come to restore him to office. France is the reason the Bongo family has remained in power for half a century. The government states that he was released on medical grounds. Ali Bongo is free to go abroad for medical check-ups. What it sounds like is that the government is encouraging exile. Some might have the desire to see the Bongo family prosecuted for crimes that took place for the past 55 years. The country is not entire free of the family. The current president Brice Nguema is a cousin of Bongo. This is the reason why Ali Bongo might not be charged or remain incarcerated. Ali Bongo does have health concerns considering he did suffer a stroke five years ago. The Nguema government does not want to be accused of trying to worsen Ali Bongo's health. The coup was a bloodless one and there is no desire to have a civil war. A trial might not happen. Enough evidence has to be gathered to expose wrong doing. While there is evidence of kleptocracy, Bongo loyalists might still have an influence on the criminal justice system. Ali Bongo could remain free and unpunished. The Bongos could face charges such as embezzlement, electoral fraud, and  human rights abuse. 

Representative Barbara Lee Votes Against The Afghanistan War (2001)

 

US Representative Barbara Lee was one of the few congress members to vote against the authorization of force against Afghanistan. The 9/11 attacks made the public and government vexed as well as frightened. An invasion Lee stated would not reduce international terrorism. If Al-Qaeda was a large network, it would not matter which country was invaded. The Taliban did not order the attacks and the culprits were not even from Afghanistan. Barbara Lee throughout here political career as opposed military intervention. The video of this vote is a warning about the military industrial complex and its influence over US foreign policy. The US-Afghan War was one of America's longest conflicts. The result was a defeat and the return of the Taliban to power. The question remains why does Lee continue to be part of a Democratic Party that does not value peace. This issue will continue to divide the Democratic Party.  

The Status of Togo

 

The change in government in Gabon will have an influence over Togo. Togo also shares a border with Burkina Faso, which has a new military regime. President Faure Gnassingbe has been the Togolese head of state since 2005. Since 1967 one family has ruled Togo. Gabon and Togo are similar in this regard. The sons inherited the presidency from their fathers. The northern region has become more unstable with infiltration of terrorist groups. Part of this was the reason for the drastic change in state security. The ministry of the armed forces became part of the presidency. The intent is not about fighting terrorist organizations or armed groups. The policy established in 2022 was designed to secure the power of the Gnassingbe family. The measure was a presidential decree to ensure President Faure Gnassingbe remains in power. The state will become more authoritarian in the face of changing governments in the region. Political opposition is not strong enough to vote President Faure Gnassingbe out of office. Demonstrations were held in 2017 and 2018. These had little effect on the government. If ECOWAS actually does intervene in Niger, Togo would probably support it. The hope is that if there was a coup in Togo, ECOWAS would come to the aid of President Gnassingbe. A conflict would draw Benin in as well, while destabilizing Ghana and Nigeria. The parliament approved the constitutional change which would allow Faure to remain in office to 2030. The next election would be in 2025 and terms are a total of five years. President Faure Gnassingbe could  convince the parliament to eliminate term limits completely. Considering the changes to the security apparatus, it appears Faure will not be subject to removal like other longtime leaders in West Africa. The presidential election of 2025 could tear the Togo apart. The Gnassingbe family's grip on power is similar to the governments  of Syria, North Korea, Chad,  and Cambodia. One family has dominance over the nation's politics. Togo as the years pass could be built up as a bulwark against the newly formed military regimes in West Africa.