UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Wants The Olympics To Be An Instrument of Peace

 

UN Secretary-General expressed " the Olympic Games must be an instrument for peace in the world." International sports competition is an extension  of rivalries among nations. Also the Olympic Games have been used to demonize certain countries. Russia remains banned over allegations of a state sponsored doping program. Other nations have athletes that have taken substances, but were never subject to a ban on competition. The tension between the US and China can be seen with the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing winter Olympics. The Olympic Games show how divided the world is becoming. While it would be ideal to use sports competition as a means of reducing tension, they encourage a dogmatic nationalism. The United Nations has not been able to make the world more peaceful. Failure to confront Israel, authorizing  military force in Libya, and the conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrate its ineffectiveness. Major world powers are not subject to the same rules as other nations. Antonio Guterres' statements suggest a general lack of understanding of what leaders use international sports competition for.  The UN Secretary-General will be attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. This is more of a symbolic gesture, rather than diplomatic outreach. 

Eswatini's Demonstrations Against The Monarchy

 

Eswatini ( known as Swaziland until 2018)  has been seeing demonstrations against the monarchy since 2021. The country has been described as an absolute monarchy. These growing protests are the most recent challenge to the rule of King Mswati  III. Political parties are banned and the nation struggles with poverty. These protests are sporadic and do not have a single leader. Teachers have been very active in the demonstrations with the desire for higher pay. The public seems to be leaning toward more democratic reforms, rather than a total revolution in the political system. The economic decline Eswatini has faced has caused more discord among the public. Previous protests were organized  by student movements and trade unions. The difference  in the current demonstrations is various cross sections of the population are getting involved. Disagreements among the protesters are present. Some want  the monarchy abolished and others desire a constitutional limit on the king's powers. A portion of citizens do not want to see change in the system at all. Msawti III has been king since 1986 and it is unlikely he would abdicate the throne. Reforms could be possible under enormous political pressure, but a change in government would take years to form. 

Unrest in Kazakhstan

 

Protests broke out across Kazakhstan. This was in response to fuel price increases. There are other grievances that have been articulated. Frustration with the government has grown over the years. The protest caused a large number of cabinet resignations and a state of emergency to be declared. The removal of price controls on liquefied petroleum gas. It has been reported that former President Nursultan Nazarbayev will no longer be on the Security Council. This was expressed as one of the complaints coming from demonstrators in the cities. There is a feeling that Nazarbayev still holds political influence even though he resigned in 2019. This is the first real challenge to current President Kassym-Jomart  Tokayev. The fear of the leaders of the Kazakhstan is the people are going to demand more freedoms and a limit on the powers of the presidency. President Tokayev has asked for military assistance from Russia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. While there has been violence, little evidence exists that external actors are active in sabotage . The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) might intervene to prevent a Central Asian spring. Kazakhstan has only had two presidents since becoming an independent nation in 1991. The demand for a new system of governance could be evolving.  

Desmond Tutu Wins The Nobel Prize (1984)

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

Aung San Suu Kyi Has Been Sentenced By The Military Regime

 

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