The following email is circulating in Zimbabwe and throughout the region. I cannot vouch for its origins, but I received it froma friend who, for reasons that ought to be clear, would prefer to remain anonymous. Even if it ends up being dubious or overwrought, the very fact that it seems viable speaks volumes: PLEASE […]
President Calderon's bill to reform Mexico's tax system has been approved by the national Congress. According to the Economist, the new tax laws will increase the government's non-oil tax revenue from 10% of GDP to 12% by 2012, resulting in an extra $10.3 billion in federal funds next year. In order to gain support for his […]
Yesterday I asserted the following: As long as there is progress, however tentative and cosmetic, an outside world that has been loath even to think about intervening in Zimbabwe is going to continue to stand pat. This is Thabo Mbeki's roll of the dice. If these reforms prove effective, he will deserve a large proportion […]
The proposed Constitutional changes to streamline (or consolidate ZANU-PF power, depending on your perspective) the political process in Zimbabwe have come to pass. Under the provisions of the legislation Zimbabwe will change its electoral boundaries, increase the number of MPs and accelerate by two years parliamentary elections. In a gesture that makes a virtue out […]
The Zimbabwe crisis continues apace. At this point it is not worth the time to determine whether the political crisis or the economic calamity is worse, as the two simply feed from one another. Robert Mugabe plans to live forever and rule Zimbabwe for the duration, but in case he proves to be mortal, he […]
In case you missed it, the Springboks gave England a sound thrashing on Friday, running away from the defending world champions by a humiliating 36-0 tally. Next up is a surprisingly game Tonga squad, which upset Samoa and has caused South African coach Jake White to rethink his approach to selection for Saturday's match. […]
Mexican President Felipe Calderon will be honored at the Foreign Policy Association's 8th annual World Leadership Forum in New York City on September 25th. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet will be honored at the New York Democracy Forum Dinner the evening before. See here for more details, including registration information.
An article I authored examining Mexico's “Oportunidades” anti-poverty initiative and its influence on New York City's new “Opportunity NYC” program, is featured on the Foreign Policy Association's website. Oportunidades is Mexico's conditional cash transfer program that has had considerable success in addressing poverty over the past ten years. Now, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has […]
There's a great summary post at Global Voices that shows the many changes being implemented in the oil and gas industry; political appointments; and media ownership. The effect of this much change in such a short time is to make Central Asia watchers paranoid, and with good reason: in general, it takes time to assimilate the meanings […]
Is there hope for real progress in Liberia? Ever since Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf took office, there have been signs of progress. In Today's Boston Globe Carolyn Norris, West Africa Project director and Mark L. Schneider, senior vice president of the International Crisis Group, indicate that while there is much yet to be accomplished the small steps […]
Well, first I want to apologize to everyone for not posting more regularly–it's been a little difficult to obtain a good internet signal so far. However, I think I have the problem solved–for now. It seems time to talk about what travel has taught me so far in respect to international relations. I am travelling in Costa Rica. […]
Today marks the 30th anniversary of Steve Biko's death while in police detention. Newsweek has a story on the United States’ efforts to step up anti-terrorism activities in the Horn of Africa as embodied in Africom, the military's planned Africa Command. The United States lauds the role that South Africa played in helping to […]
Your faithful scribe is in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where I am participating in the US Army Combat Studies Institute's symposium on Warfare in the Age of Non-State Actors. I gave a presentation on policing in contested states using the South African security forces in the Apartheid era to explore implications for future policies across the […]
It appears that most of the Africa National Congress’ hierarchy is unwilling to grant Thabo Mbeki the option of a third term. This is categorically, unequivocally good news. Only bad things happen when African leaders try to manipulate their political syatems and constitutions to extend their time in power. the Big Man Syndrome derives from the belief […]
. . . . is water, although one wouldn't think so by the amount of ink and electrons we spend on hydrocarbon disposition. First, you have to have water to drink, wash, and grow crops; potable water is also required for reliable manufacture of pharmaceutical, cleaning, and other chemical products. Agriculture employs most of the people in […]