World of Opinion On relations between the United States and Africa:
The demands by U.S. President George W. Bush for a certain level of democracy as a condition for economic aid should be copied by more countries. The biggest contribution by the United States and the western world would, however, be to open their domestic markets to African goods, instead of increasing aid. Bush has a chance to do that, but unfortunately, these discussions will probably be overshadowed by the more acute crisis in Liberia. Even from inside Liberia, there are appeals for a peacekeeping force from the United States. If an intervention is supported by the Liberian people, Bush should consider such a force.
This would be an important effort for Africa’s cause.
On dealing with dictators:
Charles Taylor, the leader of Liberia, should be arrested and brought before an international court to answer charges of war crimes committed against his people and his neighbors.
Since he seized power about a decade ago, Taylor’s rule has been a shining example of how not to run a country. … In fact, Liberia (has) never experienced peace under his regime.
(Even though) there is a case of genocide to be answered by Charles Taylor, the international community has opted to extend indemnity to Taylor in exchange for him stepping down as president. He will also be allowed to go into exile in Nigeria.
There may be an argument that this compromise encourages other aspirant dictators to continue to butcher their people knowing that they will never be brought to justice.
But the problem is that adopting such a hard-line stance against dictators such as Taylor is not always the best method to stop the fighting. It is hoped the once Taylor steps down and international peace keeping force will be deployed and there will be free and fair elections. Africa does not need another Liberia.
On Premier Berlusconi’s relations with Germany:
A little bit of culture or at least some common sense would be sufficient to realize that the tissue that connects Italy and Germany is very sensitive and that our common historical roots have been beneficial except for the wounds of World War II. What separates “us and them” is a fine line between love and hate that is always on the verge of snapping.
Now more than ever it becomes fundamental to move beyond certain resentments, now that we are working together to forge a genuine European identity. Often we put our faith in legal maxims, on debate about procedures. But first we must construct a European citizenship, and nobody should think we can do it through cold fusion. It is not enough to launch a Constitution, just conceiving it as a mega-treaty. Constitutions have blood, history and culture. To exist, Europe must find an identity and perhaps some common myths. When Berlusconi gives the title of kapo to the German lawmaker he should check himself twice. Some might think, “He’s right, they’ve always been nazis,” but most will recognize that a head of state, in dealing with a complex relationship like that between Germany and Italy, should remember that some sentiments do not fade with time. The thing to do isn’t to evoke these feelings, but to erase them definitively.
On Iraq:
The situation in Iraq worsens from day to day for the American occupiers. Resistance is still limited, but is worrisome in its increase. It is urgent to reverse that trend. First, the Iraqis must be convinced that the United States does not plan long occupation, but is serious about popular rule, return to Iraqi control and its own withdrawal. …
Iraqis must quickly be brought into the running of their own country. Only then can the United States show its good intentions. … A massive international effort is needed in Iraq. The United States asked for help, but the response has been low. … That should not surprise anyone who remembers how the United States defied all warnings and made all decisions itself.
The chances for getting needed help lie in the United Nations and in NATO. If that is to succeed, they have to be included in the process. … Such a change would go against everything President George W. Bush and his hawks stand for. But Bush also can’t afford to sink steadily deeper into an Iraq quagmire in the middle of the run-up to next year’s election.
Then it would be handy to have someone to share the responsibility.