Turnout was high in Afghanistan's election, About 7 million Afghans voted in this Presidential election that will replace Hamid Karzai, despite violence prior to, and threatening the elections.
According to Voice of America, more than 3,000 voters complained to the election authorities about fraud and abuse."This figure compares to more than 2,000
complaints investigated during the 2009 elections, which were tarnished
by fraud that led to more than a million votes being scrapped. Complaints against election commission staff made up 772 of the 1,573
complaints backed by documents, with another 573 aimed at provincial
council candidates, while presidential hopefuls faced 228 complaints. Afghanistan held provincial council elections the same day."
Though there was some violence: "at least 16 security personnel and four civilians were killed over the past 24 hours, officials said. Eighty-nine Taliban militants were also killed, and 179 other fighters arrested," according to NBC news. "...there were close to 150 [security incidents] this year," compared to 625 in 2009, "including mortar attacks, small arms
fire and bombings near polling sites. About 1,000 polling sites of the
more than 7,100 remained closed because of security concerns as well as
harsh weather in remote regions."
Nonetheless, the Afghan elections are considered a success. "World leaders have praised the April 5 vote
as a success, because of the strong turnout of voters, estimated at 60
percent of the 12 million eligible, and the failure of the Taliban to
stage high-profile attacks on the day."
"Expectations are growing that Abdullah Abdullah will
face a runoff with Ashraf Ghani, a former World Bank official with a
program of radical economic reform."
A columnist for Al Jazeera states: "More than 7 million Afghans voters, at least 35 percent of whom were female, sent a strong and clear message in support of democracy to the world, including to election spoilers, stressing that nothing can stop them from exercising their constitutional right to elect a new leader and, more importantly, that they rejected the Taliban narrative. Earlier this year, the Taliban issued statements denouncing elections and threatened to punish anyone associated with the process."
From the NY Post: "Finally, the picture emerging from the election indicates much stronger support for close ties with the United States than one might think when listening to the buzz from Washington. The likely two top vote-getters, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, both support a treaty under which the United States would maintain a military presence of 10,000 to 12,000 troops in Afghanistan — a clear sign of consensus."
"In Iraq, by choosing a cynical cut-and-run strategy, President Obama squandered much of the power and prestige that the United States had won by overthrowing Saddam Hussein. The question now is if he will make the same mistake in Afghanistan...That would be bad for the Afghans and for America. Premature US disengagement could turn Afghanistan into a battleground for regional rivals, among them such opportunist powers as Iran, Russia and Pakistan. That, in turn, would deny Afghanistan the time needed to strengthen its new institutions, gain experience by practicing democracy and emerge as an element of stability in one of the most dangerous parts of the world."
According to the WSJ: "Former World Bank executive Ashraf Ghani and opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah appeared to be the two front-runners in Afghanistan's presidential election, sidelining a candidate viewed as President Hamid Karzai's favorite, according to partial results tallied by news organizations and one candidate. A victory for Mr. Abdullah or Mr. Ghani could significantly reduce the influence of Mr. Karzai, who has ruled Afghanistan since the 2001 U.S. invasion. Both candidates say they will sign the bilateral security agreement, which is needed to maintain American aid and a limited U.S. military presence in Afghanistan once the international coalition's current mandate expires in December. Mr. Karzai has infuriated Washington by refusing to complete the deal."
"The Wall Street Journal tallied partial election results from visits to roughly 100 polling stations, out of more than 20,000 nationwide...At nearly all these stations, Messrs. Ghani and Abdullah were the clear leaders, according to counts posted by local poll supervisors. Mr. Karzai's former foreign minister, Zalmai Rassoul, trailed far behind...Diplomats, campaign insiders and election observers predicted a runoff [election] sometime in late May or early June."
"Former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah, who was Karzai's main rival in a 2009 election marred by widespread cheating, had promised his followers a knock-out victory if the government contained fraud...The main loser appears to be another former foreign minister, Zalmai
Rassoul, a softly spoken moderate who was believed to be Karzai's
preferred successor...The official result is not due for over two weeks. " ~ The Guardian.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
Ebola Outbreak in Guinea, Africa
According to Time magazine, 83 have died from the disease Ebola in Guinea, West Africa, and "So far 122 people have been diagnosed in this latest outbreak, in
addition to six suspected cases in neighboring Liberia."
""Ebola has killed at least 1700 people since it was first identified in simultaneous 1976 outbreaks in Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, but rarely has it reached urban centers, where cramped quarters can make transmission even easier. Conakry [Guinea's capital] has 13 suspected cases so far..."
"Where does it come from? The Ebola virus only hitches rides with human hosts as an afterthought. Its natural reservoir is thought to be in Africa’s population of wild fruit bats, though it is also prevalent in chimpanzees, gorillas, porcupines and forest antelope. That’s why health officials are encouraging locals to avoid eating so called “bush meat,” or any kind of animal found dead on the forest floor."
Could Ebola make its way to North America? The Time article says people are too ill to travel."One variation of Ebola found in China and the Philippines did make it to a U.S. laboratory via infected macaques, but according to the WHO, no illness or death in humans has ever resulted from that particular strain. Some countries are already taking precautions. Saudi Arabia has announced the suspension of visas for Muslim pilgrims from Guinea and Liberia."
According to Al Jazeera, "Foreign mining firms have locked down operations in Guinea and pulled out some international staff... Five new suspected infections were reported in the last 24 hours, the UN's World Health Organisation (WHO) said, bringing the total to 127."
According to USA Today, "This is the first time an Ebola outbreak has occurred in West Africa. Countries in central Africa, such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus is endemic, typically see outbreaks every two to three years."
According to a National Geographic article, "Patients normally receive supportive care consisting of balancing their fluids, maintaining oxygen and blood pressure levels, and treating other infections."
Doctors should try at least some natural remedies for dealing with the virus, such as eating and/or drinking garlic, ginger, and potentially curry spices, and potentially other spices and herbs. Rumor is that garlic mixed with wine warded off the plague in the middle ages. There are foods with anti-viral properties that may help to protect people from the disease. Why try nothing at all?
""Ebola has killed at least 1700 people since it was first identified in simultaneous 1976 outbreaks in Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, but rarely has it reached urban centers, where cramped quarters can make transmission even easier. Conakry [Guinea's capital] has 13 suspected cases so far..."
"Where does it come from? The Ebola virus only hitches rides with human hosts as an afterthought. Its natural reservoir is thought to be in Africa’s population of wild fruit bats, though it is also prevalent in chimpanzees, gorillas, porcupines and forest antelope. That’s why health officials are encouraging locals to avoid eating so called “bush meat,” or any kind of animal found dead on the forest floor."
Could Ebola make its way to North America? The Time article says people are too ill to travel."One variation of Ebola found in China and the Philippines did make it to a U.S. laboratory via infected macaques, but according to the WHO, no illness or death in humans has ever resulted from that particular strain. Some countries are already taking precautions. Saudi Arabia has announced the suspension of visas for Muslim pilgrims from Guinea and Liberia."
According to Al Jazeera, "Foreign mining firms have locked down operations in Guinea and pulled out some international staff... Five new suspected infections were reported in the last 24 hours, the UN's World Health Organisation (WHO) said, bringing the total to 127."
According to USA Today, "This is the first time an Ebola outbreak has occurred in West Africa. Countries in central Africa, such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus is endemic, typically see outbreaks every two to three years."
According to a National Geographic article, "Patients normally receive supportive care consisting of balancing their fluids, maintaining oxygen and blood pressure levels, and treating other infections."
Doctors should try at least some natural remedies for dealing with the virus, such as eating and/or drinking garlic, ginger, and potentially curry spices, and potentially other spices and herbs. Rumor is that garlic mixed with wine warded off the plague in the middle ages. There are foods with anti-viral properties that may help to protect people from the disease. Why try nothing at all?
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
China's Labor Force more than 4x that of USA
China's labor force, at 798 million people, is more than four times as large as the labor force of the USA, which is the forth largest labor force in the world, at 155 million people, behind India and the European Union - according to the CIA World Factbook. Russia, though very large in land, is relatively small in labor, at 75 million people.
EU to send troops to Central African Republic
The European Union is sending a 1000-people force, named EUFOR RCA, that will for 6 months work to restore peace and stability to the capital Bangui - The Sydney Morning Herald/AFP. There do exist peacekeeping forces in the country, 2,000 French and 6,000 African troops.
According to the NY Times, the United Nations warned that security in Bangui in the Central African Republic was deteriorating and appealing for more peacekeeping troops and police officers.
"An eruption of violence four months ago in Bangui...prompted the United Nations to declare the highest level of human rights emergency...
The conflict is largely between Christian militias and a Muslim minority.
According to the NYT article, the Central African Republic has "virtually no functioning institutions" and the government is "unable to exercise authority outside of the capital." The UN called for $547 million in aid money, but only about one-fifth of that amount has been forthcoming.
The Central African Republic has a relatively new President, Catherine Samba-Panza.
According to the NY Times, the United Nations warned that security in Bangui in the Central African Republic was deteriorating and appealing for more peacekeeping troops and police officers.
"An eruption of violence four months ago in Bangui...prompted the United Nations to declare the highest level of human rights emergency...
The conflict is largely between Christian militias and a Muslim minority.
According to the NYT article, the Central African Republic has "virtually no functioning institutions" and the government is "unable to exercise authority outside of the capital." The UN called for $547 million in aid money, but only about one-fifth of that amount has been forthcoming.
The Central African Republic has a relatively new President, Catherine Samba-Panza.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
North Korea Flouts Security Council Ban on Missile Tests
An article in the NY Times states that North Korea announced it will undertake a new type of nuclear test. North Korea is suspected of "trying to make nuclear devices small and sophisticated enough to be delivered by intercontinental ballistic missiles..."
United Nations Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from testing ballistic missile technology.
But North Korea test-launched ballistic missiles last Wednesday, flouting the Security Council.
According to the article, North Korea exploded nuclear devices in February 2013, and in the years 2009 and 2006. North Korea also revealed in 2010 that the country is enriching Uranium.
South Korean President Park Geun-hye, in a speech in Germany, offered assistance to the North if it would end its nuclear program.
According to a Forbes columnist, "North Korea is furious at UN Security Council resolutions denouncing the latest missile tests and sanctions still in place for its three underground nuclear tests... And then there was last week’s debate in the UN Human Rights Council upbraiding the North for all the evidence of horrific abuses presented in a 200,000-word report by a Commission of Inquiry. North Korea has repeatedly denounced the report, its UN ambassador saying, “Mind your own business,” after the Council called for charging those guilty of crimes against humanity."
United Nations Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from testing ballistic missile technology.
But North Korea test-launched ballistic missiles last Wednesday, flouting the Security Council.
According to the article, North Korea exploded nuclear devices in February 2013, and in the years 2009 and 2006. North Korea also revealed in 2010 that the country is enriching Uranium.
South Korean President Park Geun-hye, in a speech in Germany, offered assistance to the North if it would end its nuclear program.
According to a Forbes columnist, "North Korea is furious at UN Security Council resolutions denouncing the latest missile tests and sanctions still in place for its three underground nuclear tests... And then there was last week’s debate in the UN Human Rights Council upbraiding the North for all the evidence of horrific abuses presented in a 200,000-word report by a Commission of Inquiry. North Korea has repeatedly denounced the report, its UN ambassador saying, “Mind your own business,” after the Council called for charging those guilty of crimes against humanity."
U.S. Efforts to End Violence in Africa
From the U.S. State Department:
In May 2010, President Obama signed into law the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, which reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support regional partners’ efforts to end the atrocities of the LRA in central Africa.
For nearly three decades, the LRA has murdered, raped, and kidnapped tens of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. As of December 2013, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) estimated that approximately 326,000 people were displaced or living as refugees across the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan as a result of the LRA threat.
The United States’ comprehensive, multi-year strategy seeks to help the Governments of Uganda, the Central African Republic, the DRC, and South Sudan as well as the African Union and United Nations to mitigate and end the threat posed to civilians and regional stability by the LRA.
The strategy outlines four key objectives for U.S. support: (1) the increased protection of civilians; (2) the apprehension or removal of Joseph Kony and senior LRA commanders from the battlefield; (3) the promotion of defections and support of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of remaining LRA fighters; and (4) the provision of continued humanitarian relief to affected communities.
There are significant challenges in pursuing small groups of LRA and protecting local populations across this vast, densely-forested area that lacks basic road and telecommunications infrastructure. The United States – through the Department of Defense, Department of State, and U.S. Agency for International Development – has pursued innovative, multi-faceted efforts to help regional partners overcome those challenges.
Over recent years, the national military forces working as part of the African Union Regional Task Force (AU-RTF) and affected communities have significantly reduced the LRA’s capacity to attack civilians and wreak havoc.
Between 2010 and 2013, based on reporting from UN OCHA, there was a 50 percent decrease in the number of people abducted by the LRA and a 75 percent decrease in the number of people killed by the LRA. Since 2012, the African Union-led forces have removed two of the LRA’s top five commanders from the battlefield, and we have credible reporting that a third, Okot Odhiambo – who was the LRA’s second-in-command and an International Criminal Court indictee – was killed late last year. During that time, the number of defections and releases from the LRA has also dramatically increased, further reducing the LRA’s capacity. According to UN reporting, as of December 2013, the number of people displaced by the LRA threat had decreased by over 25 percent from a year ago.
In May 2010, President Obama signed into law the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, which reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support regional partners’ efforts to end the atrocities of the LRA in central Africa.
For nearly three decades, the LRA has murdered, raped, and kidnapped tens of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. As of December 2013, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) estimated that approximately 326,000 people were displaced or living as refugees across the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan as a result of the LRA threat.
The United States’ comprehensive, multi-year strategy seeks to help the Governments of Uganda, the Central African Republic, the DRC, and South Sudan as well as the African Union and United Nations to mitigate and end the threat posed to civilians and regional stability by the LRA.
The strategy outlines four key objectives for U.S. support: (1) the increased protection of civilians; (2) the apprehension or removal of Joseph Kony and senior LRA commanders from the battlefield; (3) the promotion of defections and support of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of remaining LRA fighters; and (4) the provision of continued humanitarian relief to affected communities.
There are significant challenges in pursuing small groups of LRA and protecting local populations across this vast, densely-forested area that lacks basic road and telecommunications infrastructure. The United States – through the Department of Defense, Department of State, and U.S. Agency for International Development – has pursued innovative, multi-faceted efforts to help regional partners overcome those challenges.
Over recent years, the national military forces working as part of the African Union Regional Task Force (AU-RTF) and affected communities have significantly reduced the LRA’s capacity to attack civilians and wreak havoc.
Between 2010 and 2013, based on reporting from UN OCHA, there was a 50 percent decrease in the number of people abducted by the LRA and a 75 percent decrease in the number of people killed by the LRA. Since 2012, the African Union-led forces have removed two of the LRA’s top five commanders from the battlefield, and we have credible reporting that a third, Okot Odhiambo – who was the LRA’s second-in-command and an International Criminal Court indictee – was killed late last year. During that time, the number of defections and releases from the LRA has also dramatically increased, further reducing the LRA’s capacity. According to UN reporting, as of December 2013, the number of people displaced by the LRA threat had decreased by over 25 percent from a year ago.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
World News 3/29/14
Syrian President Bashar Assad is preparing to hold elections early this summer and run to be re-elected for another 7-year term, according to AP. “He can hold elections, and if the international community were to take
these elections seriously, then there is something really wrong in the
international community,” said Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at the American University of Beirut.
Afghanistan's Presidential Elections are to be held April 5, 2014. Taliban militants have attacked the Afghan Election Commission to interfere with the elections.
According to the WSJ: 'Russia has called the protests that ousted [former President] Mr. Yanukovych a "coup" and refused to recognize the interim president or to support Ukraine's plans for new presidential elections.' Secretary of State John Kerry to meet his Russian counterpart in Paris tomorrow.
Israel agrees to release more prisoners to extend peace talks with Palestinians: Harretz
Will U.S. President Barack Obama host involved peace talks between the parties, as past American Presidents have?
In China, "Only three of the 74 Chinese cities monitored by the central government met the national standard for “fine air” — meaning healthy air — in 2013," according to the NYT Editorial "China's War on Pollution".
Afghanistan's Presidential Elections are to be held April 5, 2014. Taliban militants have attacked the Afghan Election Commission to interfere with the elections.
According to the WSJ: 'Russia has called the protests that ousted [former President] Mr. Yanukovych a "coup" and refused to recognize the interim president or to support Ukraine's plans for new presidential elections.' Secretary of State John Kerry to meet his Russian counterpart in Paris tomorrow.
Israel agrees to release more prisoners to extend peace talks with Palestinians: Harretz
Will U.S. President Barack Obama host involved peace talks between the parties, as past American Presidents have?
In China, "Only three of the 74 Chinese cities monitored by the central government met the national standard for “fine air” — meaning healthy air — in 2013," according to the NYT Editorial "China's War on Pollution".
Russian Duma Almost Unanimous on Crimea
The Russian lower house of its legislature, the Duma, voted 445 to 1 to support President Putin annexing the Crimea region of Ukraine.
The news media has portrayed Russia's annexation of Crimea as the policy of President Putin, however, it appears by that vote that Russian legislators are almost entirely very nationalistic - unless some feared to vote against the policy.
According to TalkingPointsMemo.com, National Geographic is already working on changing its maps to include the Crimea region as part of Russia.
The news media has portrayed Russia's annexation of Crimea as the policy of President Putin, however, it appears by that vote that Russian legislators are almost entirely very nationalistic - unless some feared to vote against the policy.
According to TalkingPointsMemo.com, National Geographic is already working on changing its maps to include the Crimea region as part of Russia.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
International News 3/27/14
U.S. President Obama to meet with Pope Francis. NY Times notes that "both made the cover of Rolling Stone," but so did the Boston Bomber, disgracefully, when he should not have, so that is not much of a distinction.
Egyptian General and defense minister Abdul-Fattah el-Sisi announced he was retiring from the military and running for President. He was the leader of last summer's coup against the government of President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sisi focused on fear and fighting terrorism, saying,"“It is true this is my last day in uniform but I will fight every day for [an] Egypt free of fear and terror...I repeat what I have said before: ‘We’d rather die before Egyptians are terrorized.’” The NY Times states that he is "is almost universally expected to win the election..." but that seems strange to elect a military leader after the seemingly liberal and "free speech" demonstrations of the Arab Spring. Unless he and his supporters plan to machinate an unfair election. We will have to see how the election goes.
Amnesty International states that world-wide death-penalty executions increased in 2013. According to the NY Times, "...the number of publicly disclosed executions last year totaled 778, compared with 682 in 2012. The data excludes capital punishment in China," where such information is not available. Amnesty International (AI) considers China to be the world’s top executioner, killing more defendants than all other countries combined. AI attributed the increased number of killings to “alarming levels of executions in an isolated group of countries..." including Iran and Iraq. The United States is also one of the top executioner countries.
Turkish Court Overturns Government Ban on Twitter - NY Times
People had used Twitter to publicize leaked recordings of telephone conversations that demonstrated widespread corruption in the government. Turkey's Constitutional Court was expected to rule on a separate complaint about the ban on Twitter.
Pollution in Iraq during War May Have Caused Cancer, other Illnesses - NY Times
U.S. troops lived near what were called 'burn pits' while in Iraq, where military waste was burned, the pollution of which contained chemicals that could contribute to cancer, and liver, kidney, heart and respiratory problems, and could harm the brain and reproductive system, according to the Institute of Medicine. Apparently, some U.S. soldiers have become ill after the war, and many Iraqis too, possibly from exposure to these pollutants.
Egyptian General and defense minister Abdul-Fattah el-Sisi announced he was retiring from the military and running for President. He was the leader of last summer's coup against the government of President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sisi focused on fear and fighting terrorism, saying,"“It is true this is my last day in uniform but I will fight every day for [an] Egypt free of fear and terror...I repeat what I have said before: ‘We’d rather die before Egyptians are terrorized.’” The NY Times states that he is "is almost universally expected to win the election..." but that seems strange to elect a military leader after the seemingly liberal and "free speech" demonstrations of the Arab Spring. Unless he and his supporters plan to machinate an unfair election. We will have to see how the election goes.
Amnesty International states that world-wide death-penalty executions increased in 2013. According to the NY Times, "...the number of publicly disclosed executions last year totaled 778, compared with 682 in 2012. The data excludes capital punishment in China," where such information is not available. Amnesty International (AI) considers China to be the world’s top executioner, killing more defendants than all other countries combined. AI attributed the increased number of killings to “alarming levels of executions in an isolated group of countries..." including Iran and Iraq. The United States is also one of the top executioner countries.
Turkish Court Overturns Government Ban on Twitter - NY Times
People had used Twitter to publicize leaked recordings of telephone conversations that demonstrated widespread corruption in the government. Turkey's Constitutional Court was expected to rule on a separate complaint about the ban on Twitter.
Pollution in Iraq during War May Have Caused Cancer, other Illnesses - NY Times
U.S. troops lived near what were called 'burn pits' while in Iraq, where military waste was burned, the pollution of which contained chemicals that could contribute to cancer, and liver, kidney, heart and respiratory problems, and could harm the brain and reproductive system, according to the Institute of Medicine. Apparently, some U.S. soldiers have become ill after the war, and many Iraqis too, possibly from exposure to these pollutants.
U.S. President Barack Obama in Belgium
U.S. President Barack Obama visited Brussels, Belgium and recommitted to the NATO alliance. According to the NY Times President Obama sent fighter jets to Lithuania and Poland, in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. President Obama's speech addressed and countered Mr. Putin's justifications for seizing Crimea.
It seems that the U.S. and Europe may be overreacting to Russia's actions in Crimea, though Russia has been tactless in taking such actions immediately after it hosted the Winter Olympics, and responding this way to the ouster of the former and corrupt Ukrainian President. Nonetheless the U.S. and European countries appear to be leveraging the situation to increase their influence in Ukraine and that Eurasian region, and to knock down Russia and its oligarchs.
It is disturbing that President Putin has been in power for as long as he has in Russia, since 1999, now for going on 15 years. Russia should change its Constitution so it does not allow the same person to serve as both Prime Minister and President. Putin's excessively long stay in power, 7 more years than a twice-elected American president, is more echoes of the old Soviet Union, and may be part of the current issue in this Ukraine crisis that the U.S. and Europe have not talked much about.
It seems that the U.S. and Europe may be overreacting to Russia's actions in Crimea, though Russia has been tactless in taking such actions immediately after it hosted the Winter Olympics, and responding this way to the ouster of the former and corrupt Ukrainian President. Nonetheless the U.S. and European countries appear to be leveraging the situation to increase their influence in Ukraine and that Eurasian region, and to knock down Russia and its oligarchs.
It is disturbing that President Putin has been in power for as long as he has in Russia, since 1999, now for going on 15 years. Russia should change its Constitution so it does not allow the same person to serve as both Prime Minister and President. Putin's excessively long stay in power, 7 more years than a twice-elected American president, is more echoes of the old Soviet Union, and may be part of the current issue in this Ukraine crisis that the U.S. and Europe have not talked much about.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
New country South Sudan in Peace Talks
South Sudan broke away from Sudan in 2011. From an Associated Press article on ABC News.com:
"The politically fueled ethnic violence continues between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebel soldiers loyal to dismissed former vice president Riek Machar, despite a Jan. 23 cease-fire agreement."
"The politically fueled ethnic violence continues between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebel soldiers loyal to dismissed former vice president Riek Machar, despite a Jan. 23 cease-fire agreement."
"...the United Nations sounded an alarm about desperately needed aid that continues to be delayed on the ground...Nearly 5 million people need humanitarian assistance, and 3.7 million of
them are at high risk of food insecurity, John Ging, the director of
U.N. humanitarian operations, told reporters in New York. He visited
South Sudan last week."
"The newest country in the world is now imploding," Ging said...
"The U.S. State Department said Tuesday it is giving another almost $83
million in aid to people affected by the violence in South Sudan."
South Sudan is a very poor country with per capital GDP at $1,400 and 50.6% of the population living below the poverty line, according to the CIA World Fact Book. South Sudan possesses considerable oil reserves and untapped natural gas reserves, but is currently reliant on an oil pipeline shared with Sudan.
More Boko Haram Violence in Nigeria
This AFP article notes several estimates of the number of people killed in Boko Haram violence in Nigeria this past year. Boko Haram is an extremist group that purportedly wants to bring Islamist rule to northern Nigeria. This Voice of America article talks about that. The U.S. Government should consider re-issuing its statements about the situation in Nigeria every week, as posted about in 'Terrorism in Nigeria'.
Is the Ukraine situation garnering too much attention compared to other crises in our world, such as the war in Syria, or the bombings in Iraq, attacks in Nigera, and the South Sudan Peace Talks in Ethiopia?
Is the Ukraine situation garnering too much attention compared to other crises in our world, such as the war in Syria, or the bombings in Iraq, attacks in Nigera, and the South Sudan Peace Talks in Ethiopia?
Pollution is a World-Wide Problem
The NY Times ran the article March 25th, "Pollution Killed 7 Million People Worldwide in 2012, Report Finds"
China, and possibly India, need to fit their smoke stacks with pollution filters and scrubbers, like America does. From the article:
"From taxi tailpipes in Paris to dung-fired stoves in New Delhi, air pollution claimed seven million lives around the world in 2012, according to figures released Tuesday by the World Health Organization. More than one-third of those deaths, the organization said, occurred in fast-developing nations of Asia, where rates of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease have been soaring...Around the world, one out of every eight deaths was tied to dirty air, the agency determined — twice as many as previously estimated."
"Indoor air pollutants loomed as the largest threat, involved in 4.3 million deaths in 2012, while toxic air outdoors figured in 3.7 million deaths, the agency said. Many deaths were attributed to both."
"Breakneck urbanization in the developing nations of Asia, especially China, is a major force contributing to the air pollution problem."
"In India, the health agency estimated, 700 million people rely on biomass fuels like agricultural waste for indoor cooking."
"In China, the bigger culprit is coal, which supplies two-thirds of the country’s energy."
"Alarmed by the worsening smog and the rising discontent among urban residents, Chinese leaders have taken note, promising to reduce reliance on coal and introduce cleaner-burning motor fuels and more energy-efficient construction methods. Prime Minister Li Keqiang declared a “war against pollution” in his annual report to the nation this month."
China, and possibly India, need to fit their smoke stacks with pollution filters and scrubbers, like America does. From the article:
"From taxi tailpipes in Paris to dung-fired stoves in New Delhi, air pollution claimed seven million lives around the world in 2012, according to figures released Tuesday by the World Health Organization. More than one-third of those deaths, the organization said, occurred in fast-developing nations of Asia, where rates of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease have been soaring...Around the world, one out of every eight deaths was tied to dirty air, the agency determined — twice as many as previously estimated."
"Indoor air pollutants loomed as the largest threat, involved in 4.3 million deaths in 2012, while toxic air outdoors figured in 3.7 million deaths, the agency said. Many deaths were attributed to both."
"Breakneck urbanization in the developing nations of Asia, especially China, is a major force contributing to the air pollution problem."
"In India, the health agency estimated, 700 million people rely on biomass fuels like agricultural waste for indoor cooking."
"In China, the bigger culprit is coal, which supplies two-thirds of the country’s energy."
"Alarmed by the worsening smog and the rising discontent among urban residents, Chinese leaders have taken note, promising to reduce reliance on coal and introduce cleaner-burning motor fuels and more energy-efficient construction methods. Prime Minister Li Keqiang declared a “war against pollution” in his annual report to the nation this month."
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Crimea: Why Didn't U.S. Go Through the U.N.?
Why didn't the Obama Administration go through the United Nations General Assembly to address the situation between Russia and the Ukraine, instead of acting through NATO and multilaterally with the G7 and European countries?
Russia blocked a UN Security Council resolution on March 15th which urged countries not to recognize the referendum in Crimea.
Ukraine has circulated, according to Reuters, a draft resolution to the U.N. General Assembly that would invalidate Crimea's referendum to join Russia.
Russia blocked a UN Security Council resolution on March 15th which urged countries not to recognize the referendum in Crimea.
Ukraine has circulated, according to Reuters, a draft resolution to the U.N. General Assembly that would invalidate Crimea's referendum to join Russia.
Turkey: Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration
From the U.S. Department of State:
Travel of Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration to Turkey
Washington, DC
March 18, 2014
Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne C. Richard will travel to Ankara and Adana, Turkey, March 19-21. During her visit, Assistant Secretary Richard will meet with Turkish officials, Syrian refugees, and international humanitarian organization staff. She will also visit a camp for Syrian refugees in Adana.
Travel of Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration to Turkey
Washington, DC
March 18, 2014
Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne C. Richard will travel to Ankara and Adana, Turkey, March 19-21. During her visit, Assistant Secretary Richard will meet with Turkish officials, Syrian refugees, and international humanitarian organization staff. She will also visit a camp for Syrian refugees in Adana.
- Turkey hosts more than 630,000 registered refugees who have fled the fighting in Syria;
- Since the start of the conflict, the United States has provided nearly $127 million in humanitarian assistance inside Turkey through UN organizations and non-governmental organizations;
- In total, the United States has provided more than $1.7 billion to humanitarian agencies working in and around Syria to save lives and alleviate suffering.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
U.S. and China meet on Climate Change
From the U.S. Department of State:
U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group and Ten-Year Framework for Energy and Environment Cooperation Meetings
Washington, DC
March 18, 2014
A delegation of senior Chinese officials is in Washington March 17-18 for bilateral meetings with Administration officials on climate change and other environmental issues.
Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern and Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua of the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission will chair an intersessional meeting of the U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) at the State Department. The two sides will assess ongoing collaboration and discuss next steps in advance of this summer’s U.S. - China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED). Established during Secretary Kerry’s first trip to Beijing on April 14, 2013, the U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group aims to catalyze cooperative efforts to address climate change by the
United States and China. CCWG participants will assess progress and discuss next steps on:
Special Envoy Stern and Vice Chairman Xie will also discuss ongoing cooperation to reach an ambitious global climate change agreement in 2015 as well as ongoing efforts to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Jonathan Elkind, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Policy and International Affairs, and Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua will co-chair the ninth meeting of the U.S.-China Ten-Year Framework for Energy and Environment Cooperation (TYF) on March 18. Established in June 2008, the Ten-Year Framework facilitates the exchange of information and best practices to foster innovation and develop solutions to challenges in the areas of air, water, wetlands, nature reserve protection, as well as clean and efficient transportation, electricity, and energy efficiency. In addition to our other efforts, subnational-NGO EcoPartnerships contribute to TYF goals. There are currently 20 active EcoPartnerships between U.S. and Chinese organizations, and more will be selected and announced this summer.
U.S. agencies participating in the two meetings include the Departments of State, Agriculture, the Interior, Commerce, Energy, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Trade and Development Agency, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Participating agencies for China include the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration, Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministries of Finance, Environmental Protection, Science and Technology, and Foreign Affairs.
U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group and Ten-Year Framework for Energy and Environment Cooperation Meetings
Washington, DC
March 18, 2014
A delegation of senior Chinese officials is in Washington March 17-18 for bilateral meetings with Administration officials on climate change and other environmental issues.
Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern and Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua of the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission will chair an intersessional meeting of the U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) at the State Department. The two sides will assess ongoing collaboration and discuss next steps in advance of this summer’s U.S. - China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED). Established during Secretary Kerry’s first trip to Beijing on April 14, 2013, the U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group aims to catalyze cooperative efforts to address climate change by the
United States and China. CCWG participants will assess progress and discuss next steps on:
- reducing emissions from heavy-duty and other vehicles;
- increasing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS);
- increasing energy efficiency in buildings, industry, and transport;
- improving greenhouse gas data collection and management;
- promoting smart grids
Special Envoy Stern and Vice Chairman Xie will also discuss ongoing cooperation to reach an ambitious global climate change agreement in 2015 as well as ongoing efforts to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Jonathan Elkind, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Policy and International Affairs, and Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua will co-chair the ninth meeting of the U.S.-China Ten-Year Framework for Energy and Environment Cooperation (TYF) on March 18. Established in June 2008, the Ten-Year Framework facilitates the exchange of information and best practices to foster innovation and develop solutions to challenges in the areas of air, water, wetlands, nature reserve protection, as well as clean and efficient transportation, electricity, and energy efficiency. In addition to our other efforts, subnational-NGO EcoPartnerships contribute to TYF goals. There are currently 20 active EcoPartnerships between U.S. and Chinese organizations, and more will be selected and announced this summer.
U.S. agencies participating in the two meetings include the Departments of State, Agriculture, the Interior, Commerce, Energy, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Trade and Development Agency, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Participating agencies for China include the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration, Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministries of Finance, Environmental Protection, Science and Technology, and Foreign Affairs.
Is Putin Racist and does it affect Russia's Foreign Policy?
Is Russian President Vladimir Putin racist with regard to Africans and African-Americans, and possibly elitist with regard to Russian people? Mr. Putin has appeared unhappy in his in-person meetings with African-American American President Barack Obama. Is it possible that Putin's potential elitism and racism have affected his foreign policy considerably?
Russia is known for extremist racism, and even, ironically, Neo-Nazi racist attacks, against Africans in Moscow, according to this BBC News article, "Africans 'under siege' in Moscow".This National Review article "Racism Runs Deep in Russia" finds that "...Russia is a deeply racist country that holds minorities in open contempt — not quite the equivalent of Jim Crow, but still distressing."
According to Wikipedia, 80 percent of Russia's population of about 143 million people is ethnically Russian, other ethnic minorities are Caucasians, Turckic, and Eurasians, and African or dark-pigmented people do not make up a significant minority, in contrast to the USA. Though Russians apparently refer to even Caucasians in derogatory language.
The National Review article notes, "Common graffiti include swastikas and slogans like Rossiya dlya russkikh. This means “Russia for Russians...”
The Journal of the Turkish Weekly writes in the article "Soaring racism in Russia and possible repercussions": "According to a 2009 public opinion poll conducted by the Russian Public Affairs Research Center, 45 percent of interviewees held hostile sentiments toward non-Slavic ethnic groups..."
"...racist assaults have shown an increase in number and scope since the mid-2000s, primarily in cosmopolitan areas like St. Petersburg and Moscow. According to the SOVA research center... SOVA reported 400 racist attacks in 2010, and 19 deaths and 187 injuries in 2012."
Now that there is a conflict between Russia and the USA and Europe over Ukraine, it seems that poor relations between Russia and the USA could be in part related to Russian racism and race-elitist attitudes. However, from a race perspective, President Obama's considerable support of "white" Ukraine, compared to the USA's tepid support of countries in dark-pigmented Africa suggests that President Obama is following American doctrine. Though the "White" Ukraine leadership appears to prefer President Obama and his administration without racial prejudice, to Mr. Putin and Russia.
Russia is known for extremist racism, and even, ironically, Neo-Nazi racist attacks, against Africans in Moscow, according to this BBC News article, "Africans 'under siege' in Moscow".This National Review article "Racism Runs Deep in Russia" finds that "...Russia is a deeply racist country that holds minorities in open contempt — not quite the equivalent of Jim Crow, but still distressing."
According to Wikipedia, 80 percent of Russia's population of about 143 million people is ethnically Russian, other ethnic minorities are Caucasians, Turckic, and Eurasians, and African or dark-pigmented people do not make up a significant minority, in contrast to the USA. Though Russians apparently refer to even Caucasians in derogatory language.
The National Review article notes, "Common graffiti include swastikas and slogans like Rossiya dlya russkikh. This means “Russia for Russians...”
The Journal of the Turkish Weekly writes in the article "Soaring racism in Russia and possible repercussions": "According to a 2009 public opinion poll conducted by the Russian Public Affairs Research Center, 45 percent of interviewees held hostile sentiments toward non-Slavic ethnic groups..."
"...racist assaults have shown an increase in number and scope since the mid-2000s, primarily in cosmopolitan areas like St. Petersburg and Moscow. According to the SOVA research center... SOVA reported 400 racist attacks in 2010, and 19 deaths and 187 injuries in 2012."
Now that there is a conflict between Russia and the USA and Europe over Ukraine, it seems that poor relations between Russia and the USA could be in part related to Russian racism and race-elitist attitudes. However, from a race perspective, President Obama's considerable support of "white" Ukraine, compared to the USA's tepid support of countries in dark-pigmented Africa suggests that President Obama is following American doctrine. Though the "White" Ukraine leadership appears to prefer President Obama and his administration without racial prejudice, to Mr. Putin and Russia.
.
The Dollar Inappropriately Strong - NY Times Op-Ed
This is a good OpEd that ran in the NY Times yesterday "Why the Dollar Endures" suggesting that the strength of the U.S. Dollar, because of its role as stable world currency ("Central banks around the world hold nearly two-thirds of their foreign-currency reserves in dollar-denominated assets, mostly Treasury securities..."), may be encouraging the USA to allow its national debt to rise to an excessively high debt-to-GDP ratio point, now near or at 100% of GDP. For most countries such a debt-to-GDP ratio would be unthinkable.
This article made me think of the USA's enormous trade deficit of about $360 billion, compared to Germany's trade surplus of $257 billion, according to the CIA World Fact Book. Shouldn't the USA's trade deficit also weaken the dollar? But it hasn't.
The author concludes, "The dollar’s continued prominence is ultimately less a parable about American exceptionalism than about weaknesses in the rest of the world and deep problems in the structure of the global monetary system."
This article made me think of the USA's enormous trade deficit of about $360 billion, compared to Germany's trade surplus of $257 billion, according to the CIA World Fact Book. Shouldn't the USA's trade deficit also weaken the dollar? But it hasn't.
The author concludes, "The dollar’s continued prominence is ultimately less a parable about American exceptionalism than about weaknesses in the rest of the world and deep problems in the structure of the global monetary system."
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Russia's military move into Ukraine "Incredible Act of Aggression"
Secretary of State John Kerry spoke about the situation in Ukraine on CBS's Face the Nation on March 2nd, exerpts:
QUESTION: We are joined now by Secretary of State John Kerry who is in Boston this morning. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. The Ukrainian prime minister says this morning that Russia’s actions amount to a declaration of war and he says, "We are on the brink of disaster." Do you agree with that?
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, it’s an incredible act of aggression. It is really a stunning, willful choice by President Putin to invade another country. Russia is in violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine. Russia is in violation of its international obligations. Russia is in violation of its obligations under the UN Charter, under the Helsinki Final Act. It’s a violation of its obligations under the 1994 Budapest agreement. You just don’t, in the 21st century, behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pretext. So it is a very serious moment.
But it’s serious not in the context, Bob, of Russia-U.S. It’s serious in terms of sort of the modern manner with which nations are going to resolve problems. There are all kinds of other options still available to Russia. There still are. President Obama wants to emphasize to the Russians that there is a right set of choices that can still be made to address any concerns they have about Crimea, about their citizens, but you don’t choose to invade a country in order to do that.
...I mean, if you have legitimate concerns about your citizens, go to the United Nations. Ask for observers. Engage the other country’s government. There are any number of choices available to Russia. Russia chose this brazen act of aggression and moved in with its forces on a completely trumped up set of pretext, claiming that people were threatened. And the fact is that that’s not the act of somebody who is strong. That’s the act of somebody who is acting out of weakness and out of a certain kind of desperation.
QUESTION: Are we actually prepared, Mr. Secretary, to boycott the G-8 meeting there?
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, absolutely prepared to if this – if we can’t resolve it otherwise. But the preference of the President, myself, the entire Administration is to resolve this. We’re not trying to make this a battle between East and West. We don’t want a return to the Cold War...
QUESTION: We are joined now by Secretary of State John Kerry who is in Boston this morning. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. The Ukrainian prime minister says this morning that Russia’s actions amount to a declaration of war and he says, "We are on the brink of disaster." Do you agree with that?
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, it’s an incredible act of aggression. It is really a stunning, willful choice by President Putin to invade another country. Russia is in violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine. Russia is in violation of its international obligations. Russia is in violation of its obligations under the UN Charter, under the Helsinki Final Act. It’s a violation of its obligations under the 1994 Budapest agreement. You just don’t, in the 21st century, behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pretext. So it is a very serious moment.
But it’s serious not in the context, Bob, of Russia-U.S. It’s serious in terms of sort of the modern manner with which nations are going to resolve problems. There are all kinds of other options still available to Russia. There still are. President Obama wants to emphasize to the Russians that there is a right set of choices that can still be made to address any concerns they have about Crimea, about their citizens, but you don’t choose to invade a country in order to do that.
...I mean, if you have legitimate concerns about your citizens, go to the United Nations. Ask for observers. Engage the other country’s government. There are any number of choices available to Russia. Russia chose this brazen act of aggression and moved in with its forces on a completely trumped up set of pretext, claiming that people were threatened. And the fact is that that’s not the act of somebody who is strong. That’s the act of somebody who is acting out of weakness and out of a certain kind of desperation.
QUESTION: Are we actually prepared, Mr. Secretary, to boycott the G-8 meeting there?
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, absolutely prepared to if this – if we can’t resolve it otherwise. But the preference of the President, myself, the entire Administration is to resolve this. We’re not trying to make this a battle between East and West. We don’t want a return to the Cold War...
US Issues Concerns about Maldivian Electoral Dismissals
U.S. Concerns on Dismissal of Maldivian Elections Commissioners
Press Statement
Washington, DC
March 10, 2014
The U.S. Government strongly objects to the recent actions of
the Maldivian Supreme Court, including trying and convicting members of
the Elections Commission, ordering the dismissal of the Chair and Vice
Chair of the Commission from their positions, and sentencing the Chair
of the Electoral Commission to six months in prison. These actions
represent an unprecedented expansion of judicial powers which undermines
an independent democratic institution that has made laudable efforts to
hold multiple successful elections despite previous judicial
interference. The Supreme Court’s insistence on holding parliamentary
elections on March 22
while imprisoning the very official responsible for holding those
elections calls into serious question the government’s commitment to
democracy.
The Maldives are an islands republic of about 400,000 people in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Sri Lanka. The country only instituted competitive multi-party elections in the year 2008.
The Maldives are an islands republic of about 400,000 people in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Sri Lanka. The country only instituted competitive multi-party elections in the year 2008.
Global Chiefs of Mission Conference
From the State Department:
Secretary of State John Kerry and other State Department officials attend the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference, Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Secretary of State John Kerry also meets with CEOs of computer-technology companies: Intel, Motorola, IBM, etc.
UN Commission on the Status of Women
From the State Department:
The Department of State is pleased to announce the U.S. Delegation attending the 58th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to be held, March 10–21, 2014, at UN Headquarters in New York.
The Department of State is pleased to announce the U.S. Delegation attending the 58th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to be held, March 10–21, 2014, at UN Headquarters in New York.
- Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Co-Head of Delegation
- Ambassador Catherine Russell, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, U.S. Department of State, Co-Head of Delegation
- Ambassador Elizabeth Cousens, U.S. Representative on the UN Economic and Social Council, Deputy Head of Delegation
Ambassador travels to Ethiopia for South Sudan Peace Process
From the U.S. State Department
Ambassador Booth Travels to Ethiopia in Support of South Sudan Peace Process
Washington, DC
March 10, 2014
On March 10, the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan,
Ambassador Donald Booth, will arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as part of
a regional trip to continue to engage with diplomatic partners, South
Sudanese leadership, and just as importantly, the South Sudanese people.
While in Addis, Ambassador Booth will work with our regional partners
to support the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-led
South Sudan mediation process as well as international efforts to
stabilize the crisis and support the January 23rd Cessation of Hostilities agreement.
Ambassador Booth will also attend the joint U.S. and IGAD-supported South Sudanese Civil Society Conference to help facilitate the participation of the South Sudanese people in this peace process. To chart a new course for South Sudan requires a broadly inclusive dialogue and reconciliation process. This visit will continue our strong cooperation with IGAD, the Troika (the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway), the European Union, China, and other partners as we try to encourage a resolution of the South Sudanese crisis through the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement and through an inclusive and truly national political process.
Ambassador Booth will also attend the joint U.S. and IGAD-supported South Sudanese Civil Society Conference to help facilitate the participation of the South Sudanese people in this peace process. To chart a new course for South Sudan requires a broadly inclusive dialogue and reconciliation process. This visit will continue our strong cooperation with IGAD, the Troika (the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway), the European Union, China, and other partners as we try to encourage a resolution of the South Sudanese crisis through the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement and through an inclusive and truly national political process.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Morning Glory vessel illicitly loading Libyan Oil
Illicitly Obtained Oil From Libya
Washington, DC
March 9, 2014
The United States is deeply concerned by reports that a vessel
sailing under the name Morning Glory is loading a cargo of illicitly
obtained oil at the Libyan port of As-Sidra. This action is counter to
law and amounts to theft from the Libyan people. The oil belongs to the
Libyan National Oil Company and its joint venture partners. These
partners include U.S. companies in the Waha consortium. Any oil sales
without authorization from these parties places purchasers at risk of
exposure to civil liability, penalties and other possible sanctions in
multiple jurisdictions.
Palestinian Pres Mahmoud Abbas meets with Obama
Abbas Visits White House as Obama Pushes to Extend Talks
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Monday
will meet with U.S. president Barack Obama, who is expected to press
him to sign on to a framework agreement as a basis for continuing peace
talks with Israel beyond the current April 29 deadline. Abbas is expected to resist some articles of the framework, including recognition of Israel as a Jewish state (Haaretz). - from CFR Daily Brief
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Terrorism in Nigeria
Secretary of State John Kerry and the State Department put forth the following press statement about the situation in Nigeria:
Press Statement
Recent Attacks by Boko Haram
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
February 23, 2014
Unspeakable violence and acts of terror like the ones committed
by Boko Haram last week in northern Nigeria are horrific, wrong, and
have no place in our world. Last Saturday, a brazen attack on the
village of Izge, Nigeria, near the border with Cameroon took the lives
of more than one hundred innocent people. Not less than a week had
passed before Boko mounted another attack in Bama, setting 1,500
buildings ablaze, killing more than 115 people and leaving many others
injured. We support Nigerian authorities' efforts to investigate these
cowardly acts and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The people of northern Nigeria deserve to live free from violence and from terror. That’s why the United States is providing counterterrorism assistance to help Nigerian authorities develop a comprehensive approach to combat the threat posed by Boko Haram while protecting civilians and ensuring respect for human rights. We stand with the people of Northern Nigeria in their struggle against violent extremism, and remain a committed partner of the Government of Nigeria as it works to root out Boko Haram and associated groups.
The people of northern Nigeria deserve to live free from violence and from terror. That’s why the United States is providing counterterrorism assistance to help Nigerian authorities develop a comprehensive approach to combat the threat posed by Boko Haram while protecting civilians and ensuring respect for human rights. We stand with the people of Northern Nigeria in their struggle against violent extremism, and remain a committed partner of the Government of Nigeria as it works to root out Boko Haram and associated groups.
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