Gabon Imposes A Social Media Ban

 

Gabon has imposed a social media ban . The reason cited was that social media platforms were spreading disinformation and creating division. When national security is used as an excuse, it is a euphemism for suppression of free speech. The High Authority for Communication does not support a free press or the basic right of Gabonese to free expression. With the end of the rule of the Bongo family, there was hope reforms would come. Now Gabon seems to be falling into a similar pattern of authoritarian practices. Ali Bongo and his family are now in Angola. The Bongos most likely will not return to Gabon due to the new military government and the embezzlement charges. Questions are being asked about why the former president and his family were allowed to select exile. Another reason for the social media ban is to stop discussion of the release of the Bongo family. The African Union called for the Bongos to be freed from house arrest. President Brice Oligui  Nguema  came to power through the military coup. He won the presidential election in 2025, but wants to consolidate power. Banning social media prevents organizing protests and political opposition. The social media ban does have negative consequences beyond the press and public. This can harm businesses in terms of e-commerce and advertising. The Bongos are in some way still a force in politics. President Brice Oligui Nguema is a cousin to Ali Bongo. This explains why the former president and his family will never face trial. Discussion and dissent are hindered with social media bans.   

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced To Five Years In Prison

 

Another former South  Korean head of state is going to prison. Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison. The decision has left some divided. The prison term seems to lenient  for an abuse of power case. An objection to a harsher punishment could come off as criminalizing a figure for political reasons. To a degree, this demonstrates that not even a head of state is above the law. The negative consequence is South Koreans lose trust in their government. The Sor outh Korean presidency has been damaged by scandals and criminal activity. Imposing martial law could have resulted in South Korea reverting to an authoritarian political system. Prosecutors were seeking the death penalty for the case. Yoon was found guilty for obstructing justice, the falsification of documents, and abuse of power. These charges should be punishable by prison, not capital punishment. It would be a mistake to execute a former head of state, when the martial law declaration did not result in deaths. The trials and the prison sentence will damage the the People's Party Power. The PPP may not be able to recover from the actions of President Yeol. South Korean conservatism is becoming linked with crime and corruption. The void left by the PPP allows more extremist elements to become prominent. Yoon Suk Yeol does have a path to avoid serving prison time. Getting a pardon , commuting the sentence, or appealing the decision are options. These paths are only available if a conservative government is elected.  

The Epstein Files Are Set To Be Released

 

After protests and political contention, the Epstein files are going to be released. The motivation for keeping the files hidden relates to who was complicit or guilty of crimes. Various political figures, celebrities, academicians, and other public figures made contact with Jeffery Epstein. Members of  both the Republican and Democratic Party were known to be associated with the disgraced financier. Even as the files are being prepared for release, redactions will be made. This means certain individuals part of the Epstein network will never be arrested or stand trial. After must research, it has been found that Jeffery Epstein was involved with intelligence. Epstein's connections to the Mossad are gradually being uncovered. The Justice Department has a month to make the documents public. President Trump's vacillation related to the release of the files cause a rift amongst the conservative movement. Previously, President Trump refused to push for release of the documents. The reversal of the past position was either out of pressure or the hope the documents would contain damaging information related to his political opponents. The speculation was that President Donald Trump was involved in the abuses on Epstein's estates or was helping him with criminal activities. Another possible explanation is the White House wanted to use the Epstein files as method of extortion against members of  the US Congress. So far these speculations have not been proven. What is known is that criminality and corruption are operating at the highest levels of society.      

Nicolas Sarkozy Will Serve Five Years In Prison

 

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will serve five years in prison. He is now the third French head of state to be sent to prison. Sarkozy was charged in a campaign finance scandal. The former leader was charged in accepting funds from Muammar Qaddafi in 2007. An appeal has been filed for the court ruling. Despite President Nicolas Sarkozy's actions as head of state, supporters did come to protest his imprisonment. France's republic could be experiencing a crisis and an increase in corruption. Five years in prison seems to be a minimal sentence for crime of this nature. France through out its history has cycled through various republics. Erosion of the criminal justice system could be the spark for another collapse of the Fifth French Republic. The criminal charges explain why Nicolas Sarkozy wanted to participate in the NATO war on Libya. The murder of Qaddafi would cover-up the campaign finance connection. At the time, Sarkozy was seeking reelection and was low in the polls. Attacking Libya was also a means to increase prospects of retaining the French presidency. The unfortunate element is that Nicolas Sarkozy will never be charged for war crimes or a war of aggression. Limited outrage is seem when France attacks the African continent. The French as time progresses will lose faith in the presidency. Sarkozy minimal prison sentence demonstrates the criminal justice system privileges powerful public figures.  

The Nepal Protests and Violence

 

The Nepalese public became even more vexed with the ineffectiveness of their government. The youth became active in demonstrations, which resulted in attacks on government buildings. Gen Z was represented the most in the protests. Images are now being seen of the parliament building being set into flames. Prior to this, there was an attempt to ban social media. The reason was to stop organizing and undermine free press. The protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli into resignation. His own safety is at risk, with protesters attacking his residence. Economics was a factor  in the violence. Large amounts of unemployed youth are struggling. The upper class of Nepal is able to maintain a higher standard of living. Simultaneously, Nepal is dependent on finances from citizens living abroad. Personal remittances are transfers of funds that are non-commercial. Individuals do send money to their families, yet this should not be the basis the the gross national product. Decades of this practice left Nepal in an unstable economic condition.  No party obtained a majority, so forming a new government would be difficult. Nepal could descend into a coup or a possible civil war. If the military takes over, violence will escalate. Law enforcement has already engaged in violence against protesters. A change in government at some stage will attract the attention of India and Pakistan. More instability might cause certain citizens to propose reestablishing the monarchy. The question remains is if the protesters and the government can reach a consensus.  

Thailand's Growing Political Instability

 

Paetongtran Shinawatra has been removed from office. The charge was an ethics violation, however upon further analysis there was a political motivation. A phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was deemed an ethics violation. Prime Minister Paetongtarn's crime was she criticized the Thai military. The phone call was and discussion was not a serious criminal offense. No evidence exists of acts of treason or conspiracy. The dialogue between two figures was an act of diplomacy and conflict resolution. The removal of another Thai head of state could result in another coup. Thailand's 2006 and 2014 coups demonstrate that the military has more power than a civilian government. The Shinawatras can never govern effectively  due to the interference of the Thai military and the weaponization of the Constitutional Court. Whoever becomes the next prime minister will confront political factionalism, the military, and the attacks from the Constitutional Court. The elites, military, and the monarchy itself do not support a liberal democratic system. Various political parties are fighting to get majorities in the parliament. When neither can obtain dominance, fragile coalition governments are formed. The political impasses are used as a justification for the military to depose the government.  The Pheu Thai Party's strategy is to seek a means of dissolving parliament. Taking this action would be a means of preventing a military coup or deadlock with other political parties.  Thailand has the risk of becoming more like Myanmar and a wider conflict with Cambodia breaking out. The Thai public might want some authoritarianism as an alternative to ineffective government. Snap elections could be coming in the following months, yet this will not resolve domestic and regional challenges.  

Marine Le Pen Seeks To Appeal The Ban On Running For The French Presidency

 

Marine Le Pen was found guilty of embezzlement. She will not serve any prison time . Two of the custody detainments are suspended, while the other two years will be a status of house arrest. This will require the use of an electronic tag .  Instead Marine Le Pen is prohibited from running in the next French presidential election. The misuse of European Union funds is a serious charge, but the ban on political office is has indications of political partisan motivations. If  Marine Le Pen was such a threat, a harsher prison sentence would have been imposed. The fact that individuals of such a corrupt nature can reach that level demonstrates the weakness of  the European liberal democratic system. This also has another negative consequence. Leaders are going to criminalize their political opponents on both the left and right. As Europe struggles economically, more are going to favor the conservative and far-right political factions. Suppressing political figures or movements is not going to defeat extremist elements within France. Marine Le Pen is seeking an appeal. It is dubious if the ruling can be overturned by 2027. Every attempt Le Pen made to be elected president she failed. The motivation to disqualify her now, might be due to the possibility Le Pen could win. A small number of Le Pen's political competitors also expressed concerns about the ruling. The National Rally Party is going to plot reprisals in reaction to this verdict. The appeals process is going to have legal complexities and opens the debate about the law in relation to political figures. 

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President Yoon Suk Yeol Charged With Insurrection

 

President Yoon Suk Yeol has been charged with insurrection. Prior to this, he was impeached. President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting president to be charged with a crime. Yoon is not the first South Korean president to commit criminal acts. Park Geun-hye was charged with abuse of power and bribery. She would eventually get a pardon. President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest sparked protest from supporters. Now, there is going to be a trial that will change South Korean politics. The fear is that both opposing political parties will criminalize figures they see as competition. President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt at imposing martial law was unconstitutional. The actions in December of 2024  are impeachable offenses. The insurrection charge would be easier to prove in court, if it was done to extend his term in office. Taking such action during an election or after the outcome of it would be insurrection. The South Korean Constitutional Court is debating on the impeachment process and if President Yoon Suk Yeol should be removed from office. Under conditions of removal, an election would held in 60 days. South Korea has fallen into a deep political crisis. The trial of Yoon Suk Yeol is polarizing the South Korean public. Even if President Yoon Suk Yeol survives insurrection charges, his future in politics has been damaged. The trial might expose a larger network of corruption and conspiracy in the South Korean government. 

Donald Trump, The Influence of Corporate Power, And The Corrupt System of American Politics

 Donald Trump became the second president to win non-consecutive terms. This so far, only happened with President Grover Cleveland in 1892. The US presidential election of 2024 was unlike any other. President Biden was forced out of the race over concerns about his cognitive health. Although Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are both senior citizens, Biden's age became a topic of discussion. The first presidential debate was held before Biden and Trump were made official nominees of their political parties. The error was having President Joseph Biden debate that early. Donald Trump's return to the presidency was the outcome of the public's dissatisfaction with the Biden administration. Kamala Harris replaced Biden, but did not distance herself from his policies. Worsening economic conditions, concerns about immigration, and interventionist foreign policy caused President Biden to slip in the polls. Donald Trump was able to exploit discord, resentment, and disillusioned individuals. Voters who were once Democrats decided to vote for Donald Trump. Libertarians, anti-political establishment voters, and far-right factions  are a part of the Trump base. Elon Musk used his resources to assist the Trump campaign. The unusual coalition of groups elected him president both in 2016 and 2024. Donald Trump's loss in 2020 was due to the inadequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The election of Joseph Biden was an attempt to go back to a form of normalcy. Instead Americans were faced with inflation, the consequences of escalating the Russia-Ukraine War, and a growing housing crisis. Donald Trump would have never been able to win, if the Biden administration was able to address dire issues. Donald Trump's election in 2024 demonstrates corporate power has an abnormal amount of influence in American politics. Billionaires have  created an oligarchy, which only has some institutions of a liberal democratic structure. Donald Trump has been presented as a unique threat by the political establishment. The exaggeration ignores the fact that both political parties are beholden to the business elite, special interest groups, and a number of lobbies. Donald Trump demonized not because of his corruption or crimes, rather he ruined the mythical image honest government. American politics is  a corrupt system, yet many want to believe it can be reformed or used for revolutionary change. The Donald Trump presidency dismantled these long held American convictions. 

      Donald Trump built his wealth through real estate. It was 1976 when the Trump Organization did its major construction project. The renovation of the Commodore Hotel in New York, New York was the beginning of Trump's business career. The United States during this period was in a state of political doubt. The defeat in the Vietnam War and Watergate generated much discord in the American public. The United States was facing an energy crisis, which the Carter administration struggled to control. The economic condition was that of recession between the 1973 and 1975. The desire to see economic prosperity on the scale of the 1950s was desirable. Donald Trump took advantage of the political and economic shifts during the 1970s and 1980s. Donald Trump and the other corporate figures of real estate were  the forces behind gentrification. Manhattan was a specific target of pushing low income residents to other areas. When Ronald Reagan was elected president, a policy objective was to deregulate various industries. Simultaneously, housing subsidies were cut. The Regan administration's supply side economic policies enabled Donald Trump to expand his wealth.  This began a pattern of Donald Trump not paying taxes based on his income. The Trump Organization was not paying the proper amount of taxes. It was only in 2022 that the Trump Organization was convicted of criminal tax fraud. Corporations and the CEOs avoid any serious punishment. The Trump Organization's criminal behavior is common among large corporations. The influence of corporate power grew so much in the 1990s, it eclipsed political power. Both the Democratic and Republican Party became dependent on campaign donations from corporations. This phenomenon paralleled the monopoly trusts of the early 20th century. At the time, oil and steel were two immense trusts in the US economy. Figures like John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan were despised for their domination of business. The Theodore Roosevelt administration set about challenging corporate power by breaking up monopolies. Trust busting was the only time in US history in which corporate power was challenged effectively.     

By the late 20th century, the government was collaborating with corporate power. The environment allowed Donald Trump to rise as a public figure. Prior to his entry into politics, he would meet with various politicians  and celebrities. Donald Trump cultivated an image as being different from other corporate leaders. He did not present himself as hostile to the political establishment, rather an ambassador. This disguised a more malevolent nature. Trump's race prejudice, poor treatment of his employees, and unethical business practices were not subject to scrutiny prior to 2016. Corporate power was not only enabled by Republicans, but by the New Democrats with the election of William Jefferson Clinton. Accommodating corporate power, meant abandoning working class concerns. The shift was to focusing on the middle class and accommodating the business elite resulted in negative consequences. The cost of living increased, while wages remained stagnant. Attaining a middle class or financially secure status  was out of reach for most Americans. Donald Trump has done several business ventures. Casinos, gold courses, and a  recent venture into cryptocurrency shows profit motive drives Trump's ambitions. Politics is another business project to enrich himself. Corporate power is no longer operating in a furtive manner. Corporate power over the past 50 years has been pushing for an oligarchic system. Neither political party would challenge this , because the preservation of neoliberal capitalism is more important than a democratic government. 

      Corruption has been a part of American politics throughout its history. Attempts at reform are not successful. Campaign finance reform is discussed, but no substantive action is taken. Presidential campaigns now boast about how much money they raise. Egregious to most of the public, candidates for public office will not attack the practice publicly. Money continues to corrupt a fragile republic. Donald Trump was able to use some campaign funds to pay for legal expenses. A number of lawsuits were directed at him between 2022 and 2023. Taking campaign funds to pay for legal expenses demonstrates the corrupt nature of American politics. Donations from voters and other organizations should be used for getting elected to office. Kamala Harris campaign generated a total of $1billion. Despite getting funds from other companies, her website was asking voters to donate money. This comes at a time when Americans struggle with inflation. After the loss of the 2024 election, Kamala was asking voters to donate to cover certain debts accumulated during the campaign. What can be speculated is the Kamala Harris campaign was spending more than they were supposed to. The irresponsible mismanagement of funds borders on embezzlement.  The existing laws are too weak or there remain loopholes that make it difficult to charge. Voter power is being undermined by not only the candidates, but by other entities. Political action committees, lobbies, and corporations have more control over the US  Congress . A Democratic or Republican running for president would be more responsive to these entities than the general public. The Israel-Gaza War made voters question Middle East policy. The desire for change related to the Israel-US relationship was expressed by various constituencies. Protests did not change the presidential candidates' positions on Israel. Both favored arming the country despite human rights violations and war crimes. The reason is that AIPAC maintains connections to both political parties. The healthcare system will not be improved for the reason of insurance company lobbies. Legislation is stopped before it is even voted on. Super PACs might not be able to directly contribute to a political party or candidate, however their funds make it easier for their agenda setting objective. Donald Trump's involvement in politics was a natural choice. The corporate world functions on a similar system of corruption, which is why Trump was able to get elected to the office. 

      The political establishment has a distain for Trump for a number of reasons. A political neophyte won the presidency twice. The second time was more irksome considering it happened with a number of lawsuits in progress. Donald Trump cannot be controlled nor does he adhere to Washington based norms. Donald Trump continues to remold the political landscape. While Donald Trump is not anti-war and expresses sympathy with imperialist views, he does not share the neoconservative foreign policy vision. The rise of the MAGA movement produced an unanticipated reaction. Neoconservative Republicans and political centrist Democrats formed an alliance, which was not possible in the 2000s. The Bush era was another period of extreme division. The Iraq War and the Afghan War split both political parties. Bipartisanship could not function under a Bush administration.   When voters went to the polls in 2008 and 2012, they hoped for genuine change. President Barack Obama was unsuccessful in addressing the economic challenges the population was facing. Discussion of change was not enough. When Donald Trump entered the race in 2016, he took a more vituperative and vexed tone. Donald Trump channeled the frustrations, fears, and sadness of  people who were left behind by globalization and neoliberal capitalism. Voters who selected Obama previously cast ballots for Trump. The group of former Democrat voters selecting Trump occurred in 2024. The public has felt that two party system is not working for them. Voting for Trump in 2016 was an act disappointment for those who desired a change to the American political system. The Democrats who voted for Trump in 2024 was rage directed at the poor performance by the Biden administration. The political establishment refused to acknowledge the changes domestically or on a global scale. Tactics that would have worked in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 were no loner relevant. The political establishment then cited that Donald Trump was a fascist or collaborating with the Russian Federation. These accusations are not credible criticisms. Donald Trump ended the INF Treaty which did not work in Russia's favor. Fascism is a right-wing political ideology that promotes aggressive nationalism. Donald Trump's racism is based on  paleoconservative   convictions closer to Pat Buchanan.. Donald Trump as authoritarian tendencies, but classifying him under a fascist totalitarian designation would not be correct. The political establishment is not concerned about rights or freedoms. The objective is to maintain the status quo. Some of the anti-Trump Republicans and moderate Democrats share some of his hatreds and xenophobic attitudes. Their repudiation of him is not for a noble cause, rather to maintain the myth of an honorable country. 

     Donald Trump was able to market himself and the MAGA movement. The Democratic Party does not have an adequate response to this. The politically motivated lawsuits such as the classified documents case and the inflated values of his real estate properties helped his presidential campaign. Rather than focus on serious issues, the conversation was shifted. Donald Trump switched the subject to the culture war and Kamala Harris turned to identity politics. The focus on Trans rights was mentioned in negative terms , while the opposing view was an emphasis on inclusion. Wokeness, cancel culture, or anti-SJW sentiment are not relevant to most people. These ideas and beliefs are pertinent to workplaces or entertainment. The culture war is not determining the status of the economy, employment levels, crime, immigration, or foreign policy. To an extent political correctness created an atmosphere for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement to rise. Certain subjects or topics were not meant to be discussed for the sake of preventing offense. What happened was that political correctness was being used to censor opinions or perspectives some did not want to hear. Immigration was one of those concerns. While particular comments can be rude  or insulting, people were being attacked for expressing a view that was not intended to be offensive. Political correctness was used to stifle expression of various opinions in public discourse. Donald Trump challenged this by being a vitriolic and vituperative. By marketing himself as being outrageous, Donald Trump was able to get more media attention.  Any other political figure if they expressed views in that manner would be repudiated. Donald Trump when he was host of The Apprentice  created  a public persona of churlish and unfiltered speaker. CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News only amplified this image. While Trump despises the corporate media, it is understood that it is platform for marketing himself. When Trump makes a statement and the media reacts it only empowers him. Annexing Greenland, taking the Panama Canal back,  or making Canada part of the US generated panic among corporate media circles. These events will not happen, but Trump understands that words have power. 

     Donald Trump now has another term as president. Some wonder of the current administration will be the same as the 2017 to 2020. Based on the first term and the current political conditions a general prediction can be made. Immigration is going to experience some crackdowns. However, the H-1B visa programs will not be effected. The reason is because corporations want to exploit a section of skilled immigrant labor. President Donald Trump might want mass deportations, but there are obstacles to this. Legal challenges are to be anticipated. The amount of spending required would be immense . This includes transportation, law enforcement, and detention centers need funding. The MAGA  movement is starting to show political factionalism. The H-1B visa support by Trump  vexed many in the MAGA movement. The populist and working class section is experiencing tension with the more wealthy influencers. Elon Musk represents this divide. The more working class section of MAGA is suspicious of the tech billionaires. The religious right remains with Trump, so long as he remains anti-LGBTQ. To placate that section of the constituency more anti-Trans legislation will be proposed. The actions done will not create complete unity in the MAGA movement. Although intolerant, the movement has assorted group of people. Donald Trump was able to gain more African American and Latino voters in 2024. The majority of African Americans have voted Democrat since the 1960s. Now that loyal base is shifting. The reason could be that Democrats took the African American vote for granted. The United States is going to be more paleoconservative and functioning on a xenophobic nativist model. Economics during this second term is going to follow supply-side policies. The Biden administration did not attempt to repeal the Trump era tax cuts. Increasing tariffs will not solve inflation or prevent an economic downturn. The only way tariffs could be effective is if the US had a powerful manufacturing base. Most of those occupations have been outsourced and the idea of brining manufacturing back is not possible. Economic conditions were on the decline with Biden, but will continue under Trump. Foreign policy might be different. President Trump implied he wants the Russia-Ukraine War to end. This does not mean that the US will completely disengage in Eastern Europe. Conflict with China, Venezuela, or Iran is possible. President Donald Trump has made enemies in both the Republican and Democratic Party. What President Trump  accomplishes is dependent on the House of Representatives and the Senate. His election is not the beginning of an oppressive regime. Donald Trump's rise was a culmination of America's hatreds, failed promises, and lies.      

Billionaire Isabel Dos Santos And The Questions Around Her Assets

 

Isabel Dos Santos has been described as "Africa's richest woman." Questions remains about how she generated her wealth and how assets were acquired. The UK has frozen some of her assets, but she has stated her innocence related to criminal activity. Isabel being the daughter of the former Angolan president did have certain advantages. Isabel had investments in numerous banks and one telecommunications firm. President Jose Edurado dos Santos  made her head of Sonangol. This is an important oil firm in Angola. Isabel Dos Santos was removed by the new administration in 2017. Isabel Dos Santos was charged with embezzlement and money laundering by Angolan courts. There is indication that some of these assets were gained through illegal means and a system of nepotism. The  heaight of her fortune was around 2013 to 2015. Isabel Dos Santos has lost some wealth and according to Forbes rankings was removed from their list in 2021. Based on their sources her net work was $1.4 billion in 2020. The asset freezes probably did not make much on an impact. This does not account for hidden funds. Isable Dos Santos is considering running for president of Angola. The intention could be to use the office to enrich herself and reestablish Santos influence in government. The average Angolan does not see a dramatic increase in income, but Isabel used family and government connections to become a billionaire. The MPLA used to support socialism and Marxist-Leninist ideology. The ironic situation is that a billionaire could possibly run for president of Angola. Angola has gone though a similar transformation that China did after the end of Maoism. Isabel Dos Santos is a product of this economic shift.  

President Richard M. Nixon on Hatred

 

It was 50 years ago that President Richard M. Nixon became the first to resign from office. The Watergate scandal damaged his administration and made him lose most of his political support. Richard M. Nixon announced his resignation on August 9, 1974. The burglary and attempted espionage of the DNC offices in the Watergate complex showed that the administration was criminalizing its political opponents. What brought the Nixon administration down was the cover-up and the secrecy surrounding unethical practices. Rather than face impeachment and a trial, Nixon decided to resign from the presidency. Nixon made a farewell address to staff before leaving the presidency. He stated some might despise you as a person, but they win if you hate them back. The sentiment is not wrong, yet it is advice Richard M. Nixon did not follow. The tapes revealed Nixon's racism, prejudice, and disdain for political opposition. It was President Nixon's paranoia and authoritarian tendencies that caused his downfall. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Has Fled Bangladesh

 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled Bangladesh. Reports have suggested she has taken refuge in India. Demonstrations spread throughout Bangladesh due to the quota on government jobs. This became very contentious when positions were going to be reserved for relatives of veterans of the independence war. The quota seems to be for the younger generation, who never fought in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. A growing concern about nepotism and corruption was becoming part of the political discourse. Students are becoming the focal point of the protests. When they graduate, the expectation is they can compete for public sector jobs. Relatives of veterans are going to get an unfair advantage. The Supreme Court still supported the 5% government job reservation for the privileged. Even though they rejected the proposed increase their neutrality is being questioned. Prime Minister Sheik Hasina responded with crackdowns by law enforcement. The growing accusation is that the quota system was a means of rewarding those loyal to the Awami League. Bangladesh has seen economic growth, but this did not result in higher employment or  living standards. Students are particularly frustrated, because after attaining higher education employment is no present. Prime Minister Hasina did not address economic needs of the population. Imposing a curfew during protests caused her downfall. Instability in Bangladesh goes beyond its borders. India sees Bangladesh as an important ally.  Military coups over the years make Bangladesh's parliamentary system fragile. Coups occurred in 1975, 1981, 2007, 2009, and 2012. The recent coup is different. Refugees from Myanmar, instability in Pakistan, and the Taliban government in Afghanistan are going to be factors in Bangladesh. The military claims an interim government will be formed. The assertion was that Prime Minister Hasina resigned, but appears that she was forced from power. The protests are continuing despite her removal.    

Jill Stein Was Arrested For Anti-War Protest

 

Jill Stein was arrested at a protest in support of the Palestinian people. She is the only presidential candidate to be arrested during the US  presidential campaign  in 2024. A number of college campuses are holding anti-war demonstrations across the United States. Jill Stein was participating in a demonstration at Washington University. Located in St. Louis Missouri, few parts of the US are isolated from the events in the Middle East. Jill Stein was accused of assaulting a police officer. Looking at footage, it shows police officers attacking non-violent protestors. If this went to court, it would show that the police were engaged in misconduct. The motivation for targeting Jill Stein could be that the Democratic Party fears third party candidates. A number of economic and foreign affairs related policies have made the situation volatile. President Biden's chances of winning reelection are reducing due to the Israel-Gaza War. Jill Stein being an anti-war candidate could attract some voters disillusioned with the Democratic and Republican Party. The challenge is the Green Party does not have the same financial power as the two major political parties. The donor class ensures that the two party system survives. The more disturbing aspect is the effort to suppress political opposition. The freedom of assembly is being threatened by law enforcement. Free speech on campuses is also being stifled under the excuse of protecting Jewish students from antisemitism Jewish students are not under attack, but there is a rise in anti-Arab racism. Universities across the United States make no such accommodations to Palestinian students. Jill Stein's arrest is further evidence that free expression and open dialogue is being phased out  in higher education.        

Togo Prepares To Get A New Constitution

 

Togo is set to get another constitution. The 1992 constitution has been in place with revisions made in 2007. The controversy about a new constitution is that it might expand the powers of the presidency. It also empowers the parliament to elect the president directly. The political opposition claims this is an attempt to extend President Faure Gnassingbe's rule. Many African heads of state have used new constitutions to either extend term limits or abolish them completely. Lawmakers in Togo passed this measure and President Gnassingbe will give approval to it. What the government looks like is one in transition to a parliamentary system . That would mean Faure Gnassingbe would be more of a prime minister. The actual motivation is to make him president for life. The term limits are extended to six years. Under these conditions, Gnassingbe would be in power to 2031. His father passed away in office and Faure will not simply retire from Togolese politics. Modern dynasties are found in Syria, North Korea, Azerbaijan, and formerly Gabon. These governments are not hereditary monarchies, but the office of head of state is inherited. The Bongos of Gabon fell because the population could no longer tolerate their rule. Ultimately, it was the military that ended their regime. President Faure Gnassingbe was cognizant of the possible desire to have is administration removed. Under the new constitution it would allow him to undermine opposition and further expand the powers of the executive branch. As long as the Union for the Republic Party has most of the seats in the National Assembly, the president will have no serious threat. Togo with the new constitution indirectly encourages rule of decree.   

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez's Criminal Conviction

 

Juan Orlando Hernandez has been convicted in a New York criminal drug trafficking trial. Hernandez is not the first Latin American leader to be subject to a US court. Manuel Noriega the military dictator of Panama  was deposed by the United States and imprisoned. Hernandez's circumstances follow a similar pattern. The former president faces up to 40 years in prison. The contradiction is that Juan Orlando Hernandez was considered an ally of the US in their war on drugs. The new York trial only exposes that the United States uses the excuse of gang violence and the war on drugs to control Central America. The US will never go after those who are connected to drug trafficking in the region. The CIA has profited directly from its involvement in the illegal drug trade. The trial demonstrates a violation of Honduras' national sovereignty. If Juan Orlando Hernandez committed most of his crimes in Honduras that is where he should face justice. Since the US backed coup in 2009, Honduras has been unstable. The blowback in the 2020s was a wave of migration from Central America. President Juan Orlando Hernandez also allowed the extradition of drug traffickers. Drug trafficking was not President Hernandez's only offense. He violated the constitution by running for reelection. Accusations of electoral fraud were made, but the United States recognized the government. When his second term was complete, he was arrested in 2022. Once extradited to the United States, the trial got delayed. Juan Orlando Hernandez became a scapegoat for America's failing Central America policy. President Juan Orlando Hernandez's error was that he thought that the US would protect him. Imprisoning South America leaders is not going to stop migration or end the power of drug cartels. Further destabilization only caused more discontent among the Central America population. President Juan Orlando Hernandez was only supported by the United States as a counter to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. When he was no longer useful the support dissipated. The trial got little press coverage in the US, because it connects the American government to a corrupt regime.      

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns

 

Ariel Henry announced he will resign as prime minister  of  Haiti. This was not so much of a resignation, but an overthrow of an unpopular government . When visiting Kenya about deploying police to Haiti, gang violence escalated. Henry was not elected and was appointed prime minister after the Moise assassination. Haiti has not had elections since 2016. The country might have democratic institutions, but it functions as an authoritarian system in practice. Ariel Henry refused to step down when his term of service expired. Henry currently is in Puerto  Rico. Haiti has been destabilized by US interreference and United Nations missions. The jail break of 4,000 gang members caused a spike in violence. What these gangs could transform into are organized militias and armed groups. Certain gangs are not focused on violent crime, rather aspire to seize power. The G9 Family and Allies might be seeking higher political objectives. Using the term gang would no longer be correct. The United Nations is now planning to sent another mission into Haiti. Presented as a multinational security support mission it is another invasion of the country. Kenya will lead this mission with a force of 1,000 police officers. What it amounts to is police officers acting a substitutes for soldiers. Police are not trained to fight wars or armed groups. Law enforcement differs from peacekeeping missions and military combat. If President William Ruto gets Kenya to commit to this operation it will be a major humanitarian crisis. The involvement of  multiple countries and the UN to stop gangs is puzzling. The United Nations never did missions against MS-13.  Haiti is of interest to US policy for influence in the Caribbean. This explains why the Biden administration did not condemn Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Ariel Henry was denied entry back into the country and by definition exiled. Resignation was not what occurred in reality. The official policy of the transitional government has not been made public. If they do allow for another occupation by the United Nations, public discord will grow.    

Imran Khan's Imprisonment

 

Pakistan is facing another political crisis. Imran Khan is now imprisoned on charges that observers believe has a political motivation. Removed from office in 2022, some would claim this was another coup. Pakistan has a long history of coups and Khan may have been victim to one. It is no coincidence that Nawaz Sharif has emerged. His intent is to form a coalition government. The Pakistan Tehreek -e-Insaf  Party is popular and polls predict a victory in the elections. Nawaz Sharif is favored by the military establishment and might intervene on his behalf. The Pakistan Muslim League needs a coalition to attain power. Even though other political parties and organizations are being suppressed, the PLM-N cannot assert full control. The Pakistan People's Party is also a major factor in elections. The two political dynasties which include the Sharifs and the Bhuttos are part of the political establishment. Keeping Khan imprisoned appears to be a means of stopping another political force emerging in the country. The Supreme Court should provide evidence and legal justifications for punishment. Otherwise Pakistan will resemble past military regimes . If Imran Khan were to be free, it is possible he could return to power. The military and Nawaz Sharif do not want him released, because Imran Khan would be a formidable political opponent. The dedication to the status quo has created more polarization in Pakistani society. Imran Khan's imprisonment is a reminder of how the military undermines the democratic institutions of Pakistan. 

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.  

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. 

Thaksin Shinawatra Returns To Thailand

 

The former prime minister has returned to Thailand. Thaksin Shinawatra has been in exile since the 2006 coup. Shortly after his arrival he was sent to prison. Reports now state that Thaksin suffered a medical emergency that required hospitalization. He faces charges of corruption, which Thaksin insists are politically motivated. The question remains how legitimate are the charges if they were made by a military government. Rumors have circulated that the former prime minister reach an agreement with the military establishment. The option available to him would be to seek a royal pardon. Thaksin does still have some political influence and imprisonment could have implications in future elections. The military  backed parties can always do a coup by stealth. Thaksin's businesses have been subject to scrutiny. The Advance Info Service contracts connection to the military indicated a monopoly run solely by the Shinawatra family. Telecommunications were not his only business ventures. Not all of his companies were successful, but the one that survived made him wealthy. The major crime he is accused of his hiding his assets. This indictment was made by the National Counter Corruption Commission. Thaksin Shinawatra  demonstrates that wealth has a negative effect on democratic institutions. His return does indicate a shift in Thailand's political atmosphere. However, many still remain in exile due to the military.