I read a post by Ed Thomas yesterday, titled "BBC and the UN's problem with morality", in which he outlines the continual bias of these organizations against the US and UK governments. He uses the example of the UN’s recent renewal of Zimbabwe's seat, as a member of the UN’s human rights commission. He argues that these 2 organizations often overlook issues/abuses by African governments, in order to maintain their criticism against US/UK and their foreign policie. The reason for his criticism is summarized below.
This just sums up the wrong headedness of the Beeb (BBC) and the UN, who often these days seem partners in crime. The cause of suffering, ie. the tolerance of foul and callous leadership in Africa, is demoted to a footnote, while the sticking plaster of what amounts to compassionate… is foregrounded- and thus we get warm and fuzzies about the UN and totally misled about [their] failures to confront the evils that plague Africa.
It's a criticism with which I concur, except that I would have used stronger language. I have many problems with Zimbabwe's renewal; mostly for what it means for both the UN and Annan, that they are once again escaping public scrutiny and hiding behind a diplomatic cloak. But I'm especially angry, for what it means, in terms of the tacit approval given, to Zimbabwe's government; that it's OK to tolerate corruption and fraud, so long as your taking some small miniscule step to feed and help your people while pointing the finger at others. It seems that the criticism labeled at us stems from the US/UK holding off or cutting aid and support until the UN cleans up it's act and honestly conducts a thorough investigation in the Oil for Food program scandal.
I'm just grateful for blogs. I wouldn't hear about *any* UN abuses & failures if I had to rely on the MSM.
Posted by: Harvey at May 3, 2005 10:27 AMHmmm, reading that made me realize that this is exactly the pattern that was used in the Middle East for the past few decades. The corrupt government oppressed the people and blamed the US & Isreal. In Africa, we have the corrupt government oppressing the people and blaming the US & UK.
It took a few decades, but a charismatic and financially strong leader in the ME eventually organized enough hatred of the US to attack us.
It would appear then, that if we allow Africa to continue following the Middle East "model" of oppression, we may find ourselves attacked by a future generation of angry, oppressed Africans.
We need to prevent that by "coercing" African nations to change. For our own safety.
Posted by: _Jon at May 3, 2005 12:04 PM