Rwanda Severs Ties With Belgium

 

Rwanda has ended diplomatic relations with Belgium. The Rwandan government has instructed Belgian diplomatic staff to leave the country. The reason for the end of diplomatic relations stems from the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The criticisms related to Rwanda's connection to the M23 rebels has generated controversy. Rwanda claims it has no involvement, but the M23 rebels appear to target Hutus. Rwanda is not breaking diplomatic relations out of anti-colonial politics or for the assertion of national sovereignty. Belgium is attempting to take sides in a regional African conflict. The memories of the Rwandan Civil War and genocide remain fresh. The Second Congolese Civil War created many refugees and internally displaced persons. While ending relations with former colonial powers should be praised, this was not for the sake of Pan-African unity. President Paul Kagame wants to increase his political power. Belgium is an obstacle and a possible country that could induce possible regime change. Belgium has been vociferous in trying to get EU members to sanction Rwanda. Imposing sanctions without some type of dialogue, reveals another agenda. Rwanda's military commanders have EU sanctions placed on them. The UK and Germany are suspending aid.  Simultaneously, attempts at peace talks were being made. The United Nations has not made an attempt to help with peace negotiations. As President Paul Kagame faces pressure from the EU, he will look for other allies elsewhere. The DRC has tantalum, which is essential to the electronics and computer industry. Belgium only concern about the M23 rebels is their control of natural resources in the Eastern Congo. President Paul Kagame's involvement in the DRC is not just economic. The RPF is seeking vengeance for the past abuses of the Hutus. Rwanda's break with Belgium was inevitable consequence of war.        

Chad and Senegal Want To Break Military Ties With France

 

Chad has announced it will no longer be part of the defense cooperation agreement with France. Senegal also announced it intends to expel French soldiers from its territory. An estimated 1,000 troops are present in Chad. Senegal does have French military bases. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed the change in position as Senegal asserting its national sovereignty. The Senegalese president was elected to office with the goal drastic political change. President Mahamat Deby being the strongman of Chad, no longer wants to follow the dictates of France. His ambition could be to have more influence in Sudan and South Sudan. Breaking military ties with France shows that President Mahamat Deby is not a puppet to a foreign power. President Deby is showing that he  is going to be a longtime authoritarian leader in the region. France was forced out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Military coups were the reaction to rage regarding France's occupation and being a destabilizing force. France could either attempted to undermine Chad or Senegal through armed groups or terrorist organizations. Another alternative would be to try to create a sphere of influence between Algeria and Morocco. This would be halted due to the fact both Algeria and Morocco disagree with the status of the Western Sahara. Algeria tends to favor its independence and most of the African continent is moving to that political position. Chad and Senegal could align closer to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The developments might not be a rise of Pan-African consciousness, but a repudiation of French interference in the affairs of the Sahel region.     

The Rise of Paetongtarn Shinawatra

 

The Shinawatra dynasty appears to be resilient. Thailand has made Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Coups have not stopped the family from having political influence. Much of their power resides with the royal elites. Some question the new prime minister's credentials.  Paetongtarn Shinawatra background is mostly in business, not government. The change in government means a shift in foreign policy. What this means for neighbors such as Myanmar and Laos is unknown. Thailand has since 2014 seen political instability and corruption. Both Yinluck and Thaksin Shinawatra were deposed by coups. There is the fear that Paetongtarn could have a similar fate. Her promise to boost economic growth may make some Thai citizens optimistic. However, such promises have been made before. The return of the Shinwatras demonstrate the decline into an illiberal state. The alliance with conservatives and royal elites undermines the democratic system. Coups and a corrupt Thai Constitutional Court prevent anyone from making needed changes to the political system. The military and judiciary need reforms. The royalty  has an abnormal amount of influence, which should not be in a constitutional monarchy. Paetongtarn Shinawatra might be a puppet to the conservative and royal political factions. The youth are growing more frustrated with the lack of substantive change. Paetongtarn Shinawatra could face both public discord and internal confrontation in government.     

Senator Joseph Biden Explains The Motivation For Support of Israel (1986)

 

As the Israel-Hamas War continues many Americans are becoming frustrated with President Biden's approach to the conflict. It becomes more evident that his administration cares little about the deaths in Gaza. Those in his cabinet refuse to even call it ethnic cleansing. Biden at the time a senator in 1986 explained why the US supports Israel no matter what crimes it commits. Israel only exists  to serve US interests in the Middle East. The myth of a moral obligation related to the Holocaust was promoted to the public. Israel was used to halt pan-Arab nationalist movements, Islamism, and anti-colonial politics. What President Biden stated was that if Israel did not exist, the US would have to create some type of puppet state. US interests in West Asia relate to control of oil and a concern about energy. Based on Biden's comments in the Senate in 1986, it explains the support now. Despite attacking hospitals and refugee camps the Biden administration continues to send aid and weapons. The Biden administration is showing anti-Arab racism and it is alienating numerous voters. President Joseph Biden's support for Israel shows a long pattern in his political career. He is willing to support Israel, even if it could cost him the 2024 election. Billions are contributed for the Zionist project. These funds would best be used repairing infrastructure or for public schools. Instead funds are used to contribute to the  Israeli war machine. President Biden claimed it was a wise investment. Decades later, the alliance is more of a liability. More Arab states are getting vexed at Israel's human rights abuse. President Biden ignores all objections to his foreign policy.  

President Hage Geingob Challenges Norbert Lammert's Anti-Chinese Racism (2018)

 

President Hage Geingob (1941-2024) met with German politician Norbert Lammert in 2018. Lammert was the new chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The organization has been closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union. The organization is more of a consulting group and think tank. As their mission statement explains they want to promote freedom and liberty. What some observe is an attempt for the German conservative movement to impose their ideas on other nations. Norbert in the discussion claims that Germany is concerned about China's relations with Namibia. Sounding alarmed in a xenophobic manner he takes note of how their is a Chinese population in the country. Norbert Lammert is almost offended that it outnumbers the Germans in Namibia President Hage Geingob responded by saying Namibia is not under Chinese control and that it is " a European problem." President Hage Geingob also reiterates Namibia will not be lectured by a former colonizer. Germany refuses to pay compensation for the Herero genocide. Namibia fought a long war against occupation by Apartheid South Africa. Namibia would have remained under Germany's control if it had not lost World War I. China is the second largest economy in the world. It only makes sense that nations do business with it. President Hage Geingob also exposes that there is little equality when it comes to visas. Namibia is generous to Germans, but Germany is less welcoming of Namibians. Norbert Lammert revealed his anti-Chinese racism by assuming that China's motivations are for imperial intent. President Hage Geingob countered his prejudiced arguments on the basis of Namibia's national sovereignty.  

Mexico Recognizes Palestine

 

Mexico is recognizing Palestine. Plans are being made to establish an embassy in Mexico City. Getting more recognition from other countries could help the challenges facing the Palestinians in Israel. The bombings of the Gaza Strip , refugees, and racism have made conditions for the Arab population unsuitable. The continued occupation in the West Bank represents an expansionist policy. Mexico's recognition could be a diplomatic shift in Latin America. The Mexican Senate passed the resolution for recognition in 2021, but it appears plans are moving forward to make it official. The reason Mexico has sympathy for the Palestinian state is due to history. Mexico lost land in the Mexican War (1846-1848) and people were displaced from that conflict. The imperial legacy of the Monroe Doctrine still haunts Latin America. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is taking a different approach to foreign policy. The direction is more oriented to the Global South. The right-wing governments of  South America tend to favor Israel at the expense of the Arabs. Guatemala was fast to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. When left-wing governments were in power, they were allies to Palestine's aspirations. Between the years of 2010 and 2011 Brazil, Argentina, Chile Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Cuba, including  Nicaragua recognized a Palestinian state. Israel will attempt to counter these developments, but Mexico could be part of a growing pro-Palestine  block. Much of the situation depends on what government is in power in Mexico.