Condoleezza Rice Praises The Iraq War (2008)

 

Aggressive war tends to have a false justification. Condoleezza Rice who served as Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009 asserted that the United States liberated Iraq from Saddam Hussein. The falsehood was that the war was a humanitarian cause to save Iraqis from oppression. Instead, Iraqis lost their freedom and were under US military occupation. This was no only about Iraq, but a demonstration to the world about how violent America can be. The need to intimidate and be a threat allows the United States to have dominance over the international stage. Condoleezza Rice then distorts history by ignoring the fact the US armed Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War. The invasion of Kuwait was repercussion of the eight year conflict, which effected oil prices. The West did provide the materials for chemical weapons. However, Iraq abandoned nuclear and chemical weapons programs. The sanctions were intended to harm the population of Iraq. The oil for food program demonstrated the objective of try to extract Iraq's valuable resources. The Iraq War did not make the world safer. The conflict cause more destabilization in West Asia and an increase in terrorism. Condoleezza Rice's interview reveals how war criminals justify their violence under the mask of a noble cause. 

Keiko Fujimori Elected President of Peru

 

Peru has become the next South American nation to shift to a right-wing government. Others celebrate that Peru elected its second female president. The mistake is to assume that the election of female leaders means progress. Peru struggles with extreme political factionalism and administrations that never last. The run off election was close, so it is apparent that the conservatives do not have an immense mandate. Keiko Fujimori previously made several attempts to get elected to the presidency. Being the daughter of the former president raises concerns. Alberto Fujimori was convicted of human rights violations, embezzlement, and corruption. Keiko Fujimori claimed that her father's administration had a positive impact on Peru. For those who were victims, the Fujimori administration was a period of trauma. A Keiko Fujimori government could engage in the same criminal activity and abuses. The Peruvian Congress has made attempts to persecute Pedro Castillo supporters. Those who are in Mexico do not want to return to Peru for fear of imprisonment or persecution. Peru and Mexico have strained relations and a Keiko Fujimori administration might not seek a resolution. Peru has to survive Fujimorism and the Popular Force Party. If it cannot, Peru could revert to some degree of authoritarianism. Keiko's failed presidential campaigns of 2011, 2016, and 2021 allowed her to engineer a 2026 success. The electoral results also have to do with the time period. South America is seeing right-wing governments coming to power and suppressing the left.     

The Increase of Home Ownership Among Single Women

 

There is a widening gap in home ownership. Single women are gradually surpassing men in home ownership. The United States is seeing this shift, yet it should not be interpreted as progress. Housing is a concern in the US, with homelessness increasing in a number of cities. Men make up the majority of the homeless based on current data. The increase in home ownership among women also relates to inheritance and a growing number of widows. Husbands do not get much of a benefit from being a widower. The spike has been explained by older women getting houses. Seniors are more likely to own a home compared to the younger generation. The general public interprets this as a triumph of women's rights and independence. Rather it ignores how gaps can fuel gender antagonism and the negative consequences of neoliberal capitalism. As housing gets more scarce, competition for living space will increase. Single men and women are going to fight one another for homes. The baby boomer generation continues to hold onto multiple properties. Simultaneously, private equity firms are buying apartments which increases rents. The economic consequences are damaging, yet the social changes can be as well. These single women are going to be a group that collaborates with a system of economic inequality. Single men who are struggling are going to seem them as an enemy. An oppressive economic system is dividing men and women in ways never thought imaginable. The single woman home owner development will continue assuming there is not a housing crash or global financial meltdown. Changes in gender roles and new attitudes are going to cause difficulties. Women used to seek men with resources and property. Now that can be obtained by their own efforts, there is no reason women should demand men be providers. The goal should be to have both sexes own homes, not a gender gap.   

South African Women Are Taking an Interest In Self-Defense and Guns

 

More South African  women are getting involved in self-defense and taking an interest in guns. This is a response to the concerns about gender based violence. South Africa has some of the highest femicide rates in the world based on U.N. Women agency data. According to South African data an estimated 35% of women experience sexual or physical violence from their romantic partners. There are a few explanations for this. The violence is partly the legacy of the Apartheid regime. Before the establishment of a democratic system, the government revolved around force and oppression. Violence can spread into all aspects of life. South Africa's inability to improve the economic conditions, caused an increase in crime. Having strict gender roles and rigid ideas about family values encourages physical harm to women. South African women might see violent behavior from men as normal. There is a need for change in attitudes and culture. Learning self-defense is a solution for women's personal security. Getting involved with gun use becomes complicated. More guns could result in higher amounts of crime. Private security services have engaged in abuses. Women arming themselves to such a degree could encourage vigilantism or more murder. Law enforcement should be more responsive to women's concerns about safety. The failure of police to reduce violence against women proves institutional ineffectiveness. South African women responded to this with taking up shooting and self-defense.     

Japan Comes Under The Leadership of Sanae Takaichi

 

Japan elected its first female prime minister. Sanae Takaichi now is Japan's head of state. The election of a female prime minister does not mean women's rights will be a priority. Japan is a conservative leaning country. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has expressed her admiration  for Margret Thatcher. Japan could see Thatcherism being applied to Japan with reduction in regulation and monetarist economic policy. The foreign affairs of Japan are going to more hostile to China and North Korea. This explains plans to increase spending on defense.  The push for dismantling the pacifist constitution continues. Japan, like other countries is seeing a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment. Sanar Takaichi is most likely going to crackdown on foreigners working in Japan. The complication is that Japan is seeing decline in population and a growing number of senior citizens. Labor shortages are going to increase, if immigrant labor is curtailed. The work visa program was created to compensate for empty job positions. The Liberal Democratic Party is struggling to hold  political power. The LDP needs to maintain a coalition with the Japanese Innovation Party. Divisions in the political coalition are present over the debate on spending. Sanae Takaichi might not have a long premiership based on the degree of political factionalism. Japan was going through a number of prime ministers until the election of Shinzo Abe. Only illness forced him to resign. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi might have intentions on being head of state for a number of years. Much of this is dependent on how inflation and domestic affairs are handled.     

 

Why Maria Corina Machado Was Awarded The Nobel Prize

 

Maria Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Prize. The choice comes at a period when Venezuela is under threat from foreign powers. Machado being given the Nobel Prize was related to her activism. This was not some humanitarian campaign, rather it was her effort to depose the legitimate government of Venezuela. Those not familiar with her political career would see her as an activist. For two decades Maria Corina Machado tried to depose the government by extralegal means. Sumate claims to be a civil volunteer organization, but it motivation when established was to have President Hugo Chavez removed from office. It was in 2004 Sumate launched a referendum to recall  President Hugo Chavez . When evidence surfaced that the National Endowment for Democracy was funding Sumate the government acted. When President Hugo Chavez died, Machado became an enemy of the Nicolas Maduro administration. Being a participant in the 2014 protests boosted her political profile . Machado is similar to Juan Guaido. A political opposition figure trying to obtain the presidency to rule on the behalf of foreign interests. Maria Corina Machado has expressed a desire to privatize state run sectors and dismantle socialist policies. Awarding Machado the Nobel Prize was method of undermining the legitimate government of Venezuela. There is speculation that Maria Corina Machado could be working in some capacity with foreign intelligence. No evidence of this claim as been uncovered. Machado's Nobel Prize was more of a public relations operation promoting military action.   

The FBI and Department of Justice Assert The Jeffery Epstein Client List Does Not Exist

 

The FBI and Department of Justice announced that the Epstein client list does not exist. To the general public, this seems difficult to believe. For decades Jeffery Epstein had been engaging in sexual violence with the help of  Ghislaine Maxwell. The crimes and number of victims would indicate that both had to keep track of individuals who were active on his properties. The possible explanations are cover-ups or destruction of evidence. The reason that the client list would be hidden is that it contains names of major political figures. Being a prominent financier, Epstein had access to a number of public figures. Politicians, celebrities, and numerous entertainers could have been on the client list. The case is not closed, because it just creates more questions. The video released of Epstein does not reveal much either. The assertion was that Epstein committed suicide. However, the bones broken in his neck did not appear to be caused by hanging. The only way to get answers would be to question Ghislaine Maxwell. Currently serving a 20 year prison sentence, she would have more information about Epstein's criminal activity. The Epstein case further demonstrates why the public does not trust law enforcement agencies. The protection of the upper class and wealthy elite shows how criminal justice is undermined. There could be more powerful public figures that have sex trafficking networks unknown to the public.  

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspension And The Hun Sen Scandal

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from her governance duties. The scandal relates to a phone call with Hun Sen. The former prime minister of Cambodia is now president of the Senate. Thailand and Cambodia are now involved in a escalating  border dispute. The call was seen by the more nationalistic elements of Thailand as a violation of ethics. The discussion was about the current tension between the two countries. Instead, it was exaggerated to be some act of treason or evidence Prime Minister Paetongtran is a puppet. Neither of these accusations have evidence. Hun Sen during the phone call expressed harsh criticism of the Thai military. The real scandal is that the Thai military has more control over government than the civilian leadership. The Hun Sen scandal is about the Thai military attempting to stop peaceful resolutions with Cambodia. Thailand could be headed for another coup. The pattern seems similar to 2006 and 2014. A few senators in Thailand submitted a petition for her removal from office. The Constitutional Court then took the recommendation of investigating ethics violations. This is an attempt to criminalize political opponents. The Thai military was responsible for the removal of her other family members who were elected to office. Yingluck Shinawatra was removed from office by the Constitutional Court. The murder of a Cambodian soldier on the border caused a sharp decline in diplomatic relations. The only means to improve conditions is to discuss matters. A phone call attempting to prevent a war should not be met with suspension form office. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has only 15 days to organize legal defense for her case. The verdict most likely has been determined without the trial. If heads of state cannot engage in dialogue with foreign leaders, resolving issues will be impossible. The Hun Sen scandal is about the Thai military trying to sabotage peaceful resolutions to the Cambodian border dispute.   

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 Salome Zourabichvili Refuses To Acknowledge Election Results

 

President Salome Zourabichvili does not recognize the elections results. This was because the outcome was not to her liking. As demonstrations continue throughout the country, there are concerns that the newly elected government will not be able to enter office. President Zourabichvili has accused the political opposition of electoral fraud and the outcome being the result of Russian interference. None of these claims have evidence. Much of the current crisis relates to Georgia being part of the European Union or being closer to the  Eastern European  sphere. The change in the Georgian Constitution from a presidential to parliamentary system also has divided the public. The citizens can no longer vote directly for their head of state. Now it is done by electors. A constitutional crisis is underway and  President Salome Zourabichvili has stated that she will not step down. Her demand is to have another round of parliamentary elections. The pro-EU demonstrations also parallel Ukraine in 2014. Violence has not escalated to the point of civil war, but unrest can be used as an excuse for authoritarian rule. While the Georgian Dream Party is a more conservative aligned,   President Salome Zourabichvili's action of undermining the process indicates a desire to increase power of the state. Georgia does have oil, but is not the biggest energy producer in Europe. This explains why the European Union  has interest in the country. The location of Georgia is also geopolitically significant. Georgia is not part of NATO, but President Salome Zourabichvili  aspires to get the country into the alliance. There is not legal pathway for President Salome Zourabichvil to overturn election results. She might try to convince the European Union to intervene on her behalf. Elected president in 2018, President Salome Zourabichvili appears more focused on European integration, rather than Georgia's domestic concerns. 

Revolutionary Dreams (1974) by Nikki Giovanni

 

Nikki Giovanni (1943-2024)  was a writer, poet, activist, and educator. Revolutionary Dreams was one of her notable poems. This poem discusses a process of developing political consciousness. The first step is recognizing a problem. Then there is a desire to fight against an oppressive system. Beyond this is the development of  ideology. A revolution requires political and social change in society. Giovanni in the poem insists that revolution also is internal. A change in political philosophy or general convictions is only one step. Revolutionary Dreams sounds more like an  argument for reform. The reason the civil rights and feminist movement was incomplete was because reform was emphasized over revolution. The baby boom generation went from being leftist in their youth to political centrism or neoconservative aligned. Self criticism and being open to new ideas is not the issue. Avoiding ideological contradictions should be part of a disciplined movement. A true revolution understands certain systems have to be dismantled and certain groups cannot be negotiated with. Advocates of a racial caste system could not be tolerated. This is why the Supreme Court had to force the south to integrate. Women were denied equal rights, which meant that the traditional views of gender roles had to be discarded. Nikki Giovanni's Revolutionary Dreams sound more like accommodation. Change at times needs to be imposed, otherwise the reactionary forces of society will hinder advancement.    

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Elected President of Namibia

 

Namibia has elected its first female president. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. According to the electoral commission  Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah got 57% of the vote. Accusations of electoral irregularities have been made by the political opposition. The Independent Patriots for Change are attempting to challenge the results in court. It is unlikely that the ICP will overturn the election results. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is a veteran of the liberation struggle against Apartheid South Africa's occupation of Namibia. Active in SWAPO's  youth league, she dreamed of the day of Namibia being free from white minority rule. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has held a number of government posts related to foreign affairs and information. She has been a women's rights advocate and getting the Combating of Domestic Violence Act legislation passed. Her credentials and experience indicate a leader who is going to be capable. Yet, there still are pressing economic concerns. Namibia is classified as an upper  middle income country. This is based on data from the World Bank. The promises of economic transformation have been made, but never materialize. Growing youth unemployment is another concern.  Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and SWAPO must address this, or else voter support will be reduced. Discussion of a run off election has surfaced. The Namibian Supreme Court could make the determination about the legitimacy of ICP claims. SWAPO cannot afford to rest on past deeds, when a younger population was not yet born to witness them. Maintaining political support requires change in  strategy.  

Colombia Has Prohibited Child Marriage

 

Child marriage has been outlawed in Colombia. After 17 years of advocacy groups working to make this possible, the bill was passed. Marriage is now prohibited for anyone under the age of 18. Certain countries still allow child marriage. This puts girls at risk for violence and sexual exploitation. The practice harms girls advancement in education and prevents economic opportunities in adulthood. Colombia is estimated to have about 4.5 million girls married before the age of 18 according to Unicef data. Child marriage remained more prevalent in rural communities. The economic strain that certain families face make then marry off their daughters to someone more wealthy. The reason child marriage effects girls more than boys is due to a culture of machista. The culture of male dominance does not allow girls and women much personal freedom. The challenge now is chaining attitudes about women and girls roles in society. Ensuring the law will be recognized will be difficult for law enforcement. The connection between poverty and child marriage has been noted. Social welfare programs, expansion of employment, and more public education can contribute to the fight against child marriage. Colombia had to act seeing as child marriage was becoming a public health concern. Child brides, just like adults can be subject to domestic violence. Getting pregnant too young can increase risk of death during childbirth. Colombia is the latest South American country to ban child marriage. Only 12 countries have a ban on child marriage in Latin America. Colombia could inspire activists in other countries to get legislation passed to protect girls from  child marriage. 

The United States Presidential Election Results

 

Former President Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. Kamala Harris won 244 electoral votes. Donald Trump obtained at total of 277. The 2024 US presidential election was unique. President Joseph Biden was forced out of the race and Kamala Harris became the nominee. There was not open primary or an open convention. The Democratic Party sets the rules on how they select their nominee, but some question the process during this election cycle. Kamala Harris in her first attempt to run for president was not successful. The failure to address Israel's wars on Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran alienated the Arab American community. Economic factors were a large indicator of the election outcome. Inflation, layoffs, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic damaged her campaign. Combined with a housing crisis and an increase in migrants frustrations  grew among the public. Donald Trump was able to exploit public discord. The criminal cases against him did not end his presidential campaign. Instead it energized his base. Kamala Harris ran a basic anti-Trump platform, but more detailed policies were needed. The error was seeking to replace the progressive vote with suburban women. Simultaneously, Donald Trump was able get more Latino and African American voters. The gender divide was evident. More men voted for Donald Trump. As the United States becomes more diverse, elections are going to get more complicated. Polls have the tendency to view groups as a monolith. Those who were Democrats defected to voting for Donald Trump. The 2024 US presidential election was in a way a referendum on the Biden administration's performance. Kamala Harris could not distance herself from his policies. The failure to address economic, international affairs, and domestic issues  resulted in Kamala Harris' loss. Donald Trump now is the second president to win two non-consecutive terms. Grover Cleveland first did this in the US presidential  election of 1892. 

The Challenges Facing President Xiomara Castro

 

Honduras is still recovering from the coup that occurred in 2009. President Xiomara Castro faces both domestic and external challenges. The end of the extradition treaty with the United States signals a major shift. Honduras is asserting its national sovereignty and independence. Latin American nations that are politically left no longer want to align themselves with the United States. The internal affairs of Honduras show that there is internal opposition that does not want change. A video was made pubic which showed her brother-in-law allegedly asking for campaign donations from a drug trafficker. The video is at least a decade old. It was not President Xiomara Castro asking for donations or seeking help from criminal elements. Charges have not been made and no trial has taken place. This has not stopped some who want to see her resign. The National  Anti-Corruption Council appears to be pushing for the president's removal. The National  Anti-Corruption Council has not provided evidence of criminal activity. Without evidence or an investigation the claims are nothing more than accusations. The sudden accusations many suspect are politically motivated. Carlos Zelaya might be guilty of aiding gangs, but nothing in the video suggest President Xiomara ordered the transaction. Speculation also arises that there is a plot  from the United States to have President Xiomara Castro removed. President Xiomara Castro faces internal threats from gangs and the right-wing. The United States is the biggest external threat, seeing as Honduras wants to assert itself in South America.      

Claudia Sheinbaum Elected President of Mexico

 

Mexico has elected Claudia Sheinbaum as their next president. This is the first time in Mexico's history that they have elected a woman as head of state. While some celebrate the electoral victory, there are some harsh political realities. The border crisis is an ongoing challenge. Migrants and refugees cross in to Mexico from Central American countries. Mexico has a number of its citizens who leave the country. Crime and the violence of drug cartels are the biggest push factors. The high rates of femicide make Mexico unsafe for women.  Economic concerns are another. Mexico must do all that it can to stop migration and citizens from relocating. The reason Claudia Sheinbaum was able to get 60% of the vote was due to specific policies. The Morena Party puts emphasis on social welfare programs. This has helped a portion of the Mexican population get out of poverty. If Claudia Sheinbaum wants to have a successful administration this policy must continue. Sheinbaum has been involved in politics since the year 2000. She is not a new political figure, but offers the possibility of effective change. This is limited, because a Mexican president can only serve one term of six years. The Mexican Constitution imposed sexenio. The reason for this was to prevent presidents from becoming authoritarian. Claudia Sheinbaum cannot run for reelection in six years. A head of state cannot not make vast progress in a short period of time. Being a leftist, it is curious to see what her policies will be regarding Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras,  and Cuba. The assumption Mexico will have enhanced diplomatic  relations with these countries. This complicated by the fact Mexico is an ally of the United States, a country seeking regime change in South American countries. President Claudia Sheinbaum will have to navigate the regional politics of Central and North America.  

Nikki Haley Ends Her Presidential Campaign

 

Nikki Haley has ended her presidential campaign. This means Donald Trump does not have an obstacle to the Republican presidential nomination. Haley's poor performance in Iowa and South Carolina indicated  the getting the Republican nomination was out of reach. The US in its 247 year history has never had a female president. It is unlikely that one would come from the Republican Party. The laws banning abortion and a general attack on women's rights has alienated women voters. Nikki Haley entering the presidential race was tainted by the fact she served as UN ambassador under the Trump administration. She attempted to present herself as an alternative to Biden and Trump. However, Nikki Haley's convictions are in alignment with the neoconservative political ideology. Haley insisted on staying in the race when the path to the nomination was not possible. Some Democrats voted for Nikki Haley. The strategy of reaching out to Democrats and independents has been done before. Donald Trump was able to get Democrats who previously voted for Obama in 2016. Nikki Haley could not replicate this method with success. Nikki Haley has not revealed whether or not she will endorse Donald Trump. President Biden responded by praising Nikki Haley. The reason for that statement is the political establishment does not want to see another Trump presidency. Political centrists of the Democratic Party would be satisfied with a Haley as long it was not Trump. Nikki Haley's loss demonstrates female politicians have little opportunities for advancement in the Republican Party.  

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.  

Jacinda Adern Set To Resign

 

Prime Minister Jacinda Adern has announced she will resign. New Zealand will be getting a new leader in February . What this hints to is the fall out from the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Lockdowns and vaccine mandates caused division in New Zealand. The lockdowns in New Zealand did negatively impact the economy. New Zealand also closed its borders. The damage done from restrictions can still be felt. Prime Minister Jacinda Adern even suggested postponing elections due to the pandemic. The criticism of her policies has nothing to do with her sex. Some supporters claim that the anger felt is based on misogynistic  sentiments. Frustration over public health policy and crisis management are legitimate concerns.  Very little was done to address the racism after the Christchurch shooting. Effort to reduce anti-Muslim sentiment was not shown in any policy. The promises regarding healthcare and affordable housing were not met. A combination of these failed policies would mean she would fact defeat in an election. The Labour Party faces a challenge from the National Party. Jacinda Adern's  leadership might not be remembered fondly by the New Zealanders. The self induced economic strain has made citizens question the governments competence. 

Indonesia Criminalizes Premarital Sex

A new criminal code is being imposed which will restrict sex before marriage. Doing so would result up to a year in jail if charged. Indonesia has democratic structures, but religion undermines them. The law also places restrictions on cohabitation between unmarried couples . Foreigners visiting or temporarily in Indonesia are not exempt from the criminal code. Women are going to be impacted by this disproportionately. The conservative interpretation of Islam is not compatible with a democratic system. Indonesia is placing more restrictions on its citizens personal freedom. The president or state institutions are not to be vituperated. Protests are  now going to have authorized notification before taking place. Expressing views that do not support state ideology could result in punishment. The new criminal codes will go into effect three years. How the law will be enforced and regulated remains uncertain. Indonesia could be falling back into a regime similar to that of Suharto. The awful legacy of the colonial criminal code still haunts the country. Attempts to change it were done in 2019, but failed. The motivation for President Joko Widodo is clear. Upcoming elections are the reason he wanted the bill passed in parliament. Votes can be gained from the more conservative religious constituents and opposition parties can be censored. The law is presented as protecting family values and Islam. What it is designed to do is create a semi-authoritarian regime. Indonesia gradually could be come more theocratic in the coming years. Women, the LGBT, and the tourism industry are going to be negatively impacted. Investments from other nations might be withdrawn from Indonesia. A theocratic regime cannot produce stability or economic progress.