Highlighting what should really matter

An article by Asli.U. Bali and Aziz T. Rana published in the International Herald Tribune of 10/4/2012 titled: To stop the killing, deal with Assad is worth a read. The arguments made are quite robust insofar as it highlights an example [as in this case] of complicated dynamics that are quite often ignored either because of a simplistic view of conflict or a blatant protection of interests that ultimately disregard what should be the primary interest- the protection of the ordinary man, woman and child on the streets...

On Africa's increasing apetite for democracy and the rule of law

Recent events in Senegal, Mali and the Southern African nation of Malawi, that have seen an upholding of democracy and the rule of law, are put in perspective. Senegal has seen what ended up being a smooth transition of power from Abdoulaye Wade to Maky Sall, in spite of concerns expressed to the contrary. As recently as yesterday, Mali's coup leaders led by Captain Amadou Sanogo have bowed to pressure and offered to stand down and allow a transition to civil rule, as part of a deal struck with the regional bloc ECOWAS. Just today in Lilongwe, the Malawian vice president Joyce Banda has formally taken over leadership of the country following the death of President Bingu Wa Mutharika from a heart attack and the subsequent fears that a succession struggle would ensue. These further buttress the argument that in Africa, the increasing apetite for democracy and the rule of law is gathering steam. The increasing apetite for democracy and the rule of law? Indeed! as surely as it perhaps has as its mirror image, a decreased apetite for conflict and an increasing intolerance for arrogant and unconstitutional leadership, which by themselves are inimical to human progress.