A few short paragraphs this time
Iraq: Should Iraq be split into different regions
It would be tragic if this happens, but it looks like events are pushing for such a result in some form or other. There is talk that the Saudi Royalty is not happy with the beating Sunnis are receiving and they are thinking of sending money and weapons to them. Now that would add another dangerous dimension to the existing civil war and will stoke the fires of hatred still more. And Saudi Arabia ostensibly being in America's side, it would be really provocative if they support the Sunnis. The Americans being supportive of the Shiias and Kurds, it will throw another spanner into the reconciliation process.
But it appears that America is not going to withdraw very soon and Bush may ride this out till the end of his Presidency. The Iraqis have to realise that they are not being served by these sectarian fighting and will have to think of getting the help of some neutral countries to start mediating between the sects. If nothing usful is started soon, the country may be split either formally or de-facto and once again there could a sort of cold war, the major players for which are yet to be finalised. Wondering when Russia will get in on the game?
Fiji-The new modus-operandi for takeover of a country
It appears that there is very little any foreign government can do to stop what is going on in Fiji. This is purely an internal issue, the culmination of differences between Qarase and Banaimarama. It seems like Qarase is aware that his days are numbered one way or another and is just hanging on to get the best deal for himself from Banaimarama. The takeover (or coup as some would like to call it) is almost a fait-accompli. It is only hoped that the effect on the populace and economy is kept to the minimum and Banaimarama recruits the best brains to run the country, and makes sure that frequent changes and political instability does not harm Fiji permanently. It is but interesting to note the modus-operandi of this bloodless (so far) coup. Coup by generating Fear, is it better than Coup by Killing?
Sri Lanka - A paradise being lost
What a tragedy to happen in a beautiful place with great potential. Breaks my heart to see the violence increasing again between the LTTE and the Government forces. The result is more instablity affecting ordinary people and stopping the development of the economy. The quick turnover in the leaders of the Government is not helpin in negotiations and the Tamils are getting impatient with the lack of progress in giving them self-rule, autonomy etc. This has all the hallmark of escalating into a longer and festering conflict. What is the stand of India? Will India initiate any mediation? May be China and India can be the Big Brothers to bring about a reconciliaton amongst the warring people and offer the carrot of economic aid.
Darfur-Where the money should go.
It is time the United Nations get a handle on this issue and bring an international consensus for intervention so the deaths can be stopped. The surrounding African nations should be recruited to help in this mission. Sudan needs to be isolated and an ultimatum given to it. Why not get Nelson Mandela to publicise the issue among the world and quickly organise a crisis committee. Kofi Annan being from Africa can pull his weight and may be the United Nations can give him an honorary job (after his retirement) to focus on this problem solely and work out a quick solution.
It appears that 2007 will be full of challenges and United Nations will have a greater role to play. Is this the time to have a re-thinking of how that organisation should function and redraw a road map for its future? It is more than 60 years since UN was founded to replace the League of Nations. May be it is time to rethink its role and future and the incoming Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon can get a short conference organised to get a new charter for its next 60 years and get new rules and support in place. The newly emerging super powers like India, China, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and even Iran may have better things to contribute to the future of United Nations and its mission.
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