**GPF Newsletter**
October 25 - 29, 2004
*
Iraq Crisis
Security Council
Empire?
Social and Economic Policy
Globalization
Nations and States
UN Reform
International Justice
*
Iraq Crisis
# US Has Killed 100,000 in Iraq: The Lancet (October 29, 2004)
A British medical journal reports over 100, 000 Iraqi civilian
casualties since Saddam Hussein's fall on April 9, 2003. The amount
of casualties is significantly higher than previous estimates and
suggests that the US has already killed a third as many Iraqi
civilians in 18 months as Saddam did in 24 years. (/Informed Comment/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/attack/consequences/2004/1029deathtoll.htm
#
# FBI Investigates Halliburton's No-Bid Contracts (October 28, 2004)
The FBI has launched an inquiry on why the Pentagon gave no-bid
contracts to US Vice President Dick Cheney's oil services company
Halliburton. Bunnatine Greenhouse, the Army Corps of Engineers'
chief contracting officer, said that her agency unfairly awarded
KBR, a Halliburton subsidiary, no-bid contracts worth billions of
dollars for work in Iraq. A contract between Halliburton and the US
military authorized the Corps to spend up to $7 billion in oil
restoration work, but the actual cost so far has only been $ 2.5
billion. (/Associated Press/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/contract/2004/1028greenhouse.htm
#
# Iraq in the DNA of Imperialism (October 28, 2004)
US claims of bringing democracy to Iraq will never go hand in hand
with US desire to take over the region and control vast energy
resources in the Middle East. Four decades of British rule in Iraq
illustrate that "no empire has ever been able to dominate alien
territories by granting their populations democracy." Colonizers
cannot afford democracy in the countries they occupy. (/Iraq News Net/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/occupation/2004/1028colonize.htm
#
# Adventure Capitalism (October 26, 2004)
Greg Palast uncovers a 101-page document from the US State
Department entitled "Moving the Iraqi Economy from Recovery to
Growth." The economy plan contains new "policies, laws and
regulations" for conquered states and "reads like a Christmas wish
list drafted by US corporate lobbyists." It foresees low taxes on
all state enterprises sold to foreign operators and privatization of
Iraqi oil and supporting industries. (/TomPaine/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/contract/2004/1026wishlist.htm
#
# Will There Be a War Against the World After November 2? (October 27,
2004)
John Pilger assesses how a possible Democrat victory in the 2004 US
elections might impact the occupation of Iraq. Under US Senator John
Kerry's rule, the colonial conquest does not look set to end and
"liberals" will continue to attribute US failure in Iraq to tactical
oversights and faulty intelligence. "Americanism, the ideology"
Pilger notes, "has meant democracy at home, for some, and a war on
democracy abroad." (/ZNet/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/occupation/2004/1027pilger.htm
#
# US Is Said to Urge Its Iraqi Allies to Unite for Election (October
25, 2004)
Despite claims of bringing democracy and freedom to Iraq, the US
administration sees "the arguments for stability now outweighing the
calls for democracy" and believes Iraq needs "a scaled-back
democratic process." US Government officials urge the six major
parties on the US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council to unite at the
expense of independent parties. The US-backed coalition would
essentially amount to a copy of the Iraqi Governing Council. (/Los
Angeles Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/election/2004/1025copy.htm
#
# Military Assault in Falluja Is Likely, US Officers Say (October 27,
2004)
Senior officers have confirmed that they could launch a large
military offensive to crush the insurgency in Falluja and Ramadi
within just weeks. With US President George Bush close to possible
reelection, the decision blurs the line between Bush's electoral and
military campaign. Commanders insist that the US elections have not
influenced planning for the offensive. (/New York Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/resist/2004/1027offensive.htm
#
# Media in Iraq See Through a Shrinking Window (October 27, 2004)
Iraq has become the deadliest country in the world for Western as
well as Iraqi journalists. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, the
country has witnessed a huge increase in media outlets. But
journalists and photographers complain that the US and terrorist
forces prevent them from doing their job and conclude that the media
face the same repressive measures as they did under Saddam.
(/Christian Science Monitor/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/media/2004/1027risky.htm
#
# Negligent US Forces to Blame for Massacre of Recruits, Says Allawi
(October 27, 2004)
In a sign of discord between the US and Iraqi government, Iraq's
Prime Minister Ayad Allawi responded to the recent massacre of 49
Iraqi soldiers by accusing US soldiers of negligence. The statement
came after Allawi said the security situation has worsened in Iraq,
contrary to US claims, and after Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshiyar
Zebari called the US attacks on Fallujah "mismanaged." (/Independent/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/occupation/2004/1027discord.htm
#
# From Bad to Worse In Iraq (October 27, 2004)
The /New York Times/ notes that the US administration has managed to
arm dangerous terrorists and create a branch of Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Ironically, although the occupiers legitimized the war on Iraq on
the basis of inexistent weapons of mass destruction, they lost
existing weapons which UN inspectors had monitored for years.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/occupation/2004/1027bonanza.htm
#
# UN, Iraq Clash Over Elections (October 21, 2004)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's refusal to send a large contingent
of UN monitors to Baghdad has outraged the Iraqi and US governments.
Annan says he will not send staff into an increasingly violent Iraq
to legitimize elections, which might exclude insurgent-controlled
provinces from voting. The Secretary General also emphasized that
the elections belong to the Iraqis, so the UN will offer "support
and advice" but not plan or organize the elections. (/Inter Press
Service/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/election/2004/1021clash.htm
#
# Cultural Genocide (October 14)
The US and Iraqi governments' "quick action projects like the
cleanup in Najaf" greatly prioritize security. As a result US
contractors have demolished the historic center, after fighting
ended with Moqtada-al-Sadr's resistance forces, in order to create
free fire zones for humvees and control visitors to the shrine of
Imam Ali.(/Al Ahram/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/contract/2004/1014destruction.htm
#
# History Cleansed to 'Re-educate' Ba'athists (October 23, 2004)
Iraq's Supreme National Commission for De-Ba'athification has
organized a number of lectures for senior members of Saddam
Hussein's Baath Party. The party members lost their jobs when
Saddam's regime fell but the "De-Ba'athification course" will allow
them to return to their jobs once they renounce the party. (/Guardian/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/election/2004/1023reeducation.htm
#
# Huge Cache of Explosives Vanished From Site in Iraq (October 25, 2004)
Approximately 350 tons of explosives have disappeared from a former
military facility in Iraq. Before the war on Iraq, the International
Atomic Energy Agency had carefully observed stockpiles of the dual
use explosives, which can be used to demolish buildings but also
produce warheads for missiles and to detonate nuclear weaponry.
(/New York Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/unmovic/2004/1025missing.htm
#
# Memos Warned of Billing Fraud by Firm in Iraq (October 23, 2004)
Former company managers of Custer Battles, a security firm that won
large contracts in Iraq, have accused the firm of billing the US
occupation authorities for nonexistent services and overcharging for
the services it provided. The former employees have filed a lawsuit,
charging the company with defrauding the federal government of tens
of millions of dollars. (/New York Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/contract/2004/1023custer.htm
#
# Is the IRI Spinning the Poll (October 24, 2004)
A summary of a poll conducted by the International Republican
Institute presents a false picture of Iraqis' sentiments concerning
elections in January 2005. The Institute, which is closely related
to the US Republican Party, omitted the names of popular Islamic
parties in order to deny the trend towards theocratic voting. The
sample significantly undercounts Shiite views and the author places
very few points in context. (/Informed Comment/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/election/2004/1024iripoll.htm
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Security Council
Highly recommended article NGO Letter on Natural Resources and
Conflict to the UN Secretary General's High Level Panel on Threats,
Challenges and Change (October 11, 2004)
This open letter by /Global Witness/, /World Vision/ and /Global
Policy Forum/ calls on the Panel to consider how natural resource
exploitation fuels conflict worldwide. The letter urges the UN to
create a working definition of "conflict resources" and to establish
a Secretariat office or permanent inter-agency task force on natural
resources issues.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/natres/generaldebate/2004/1011highlevel.htm
Highly recommended articleNGO Proposals on Natural Resources and
Conflict (November 2003)
This paper recommends that the Security Council adopt a clear
definition of "conflict resources" and use international law to curb
the exploitation of natural resources in conflict. The paper further
recommends industry-wide initiatives, including increased
transparency and accountability, as well as initiatives within the
UN system, such as the establishment of a Council working group or
committee.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/natres/generaldebate/2003/11proposals.htm
# Haitian Premier Negotiates a Thin Line (October 29, 2004)
Interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue calls for national
reconciliation between supporters of former President Jean-Bertrand
Aristide and the business elite who oppose them. However, Aristide's
supporters claim the government represses their side, while the
elite opposes reconciliation with forces that have hurt their
businesses. Violence plagues Haiti as pro-Aristide militias attack
the government, commerce and UN peacekeepers, and ex-soldiers from
the Haitian Army build up their forces with support from the
"disgruntled" elite. (/Los Angeles Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/haiti/2004/1029thinline.htm
#
# Mandate Unclear as AU Heads for Darfur (October 29, 2004)
African Union (AU) peacekeepers make their way to Darfur as part of
a new 3,000- strong force logistically supported by the EU and US.
However, the AU's mandate may be limited to protecting observers in
spite of calls to include protecting civilians. Peace talks between
Khartoum and rebel groups remain stalled as rebels accuse the
government of fresh bombings and express pessimism about the talks.
(/Business Day/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/sudan/2004/1029unclear.htm
#
# How Can We Name the Darfur Crisis: Preliminary Thoughts on Darfur
(October 7, 2004)
The author argues that genocide has not occurred in Darfur, although
it may yet happen. He says Darfur is a political, not ethnic or
cultural, problem that reflects the north-south conflict in the
west. As such, the government, rebels and the international
community must resolve the Naivasha peace process in order to
successfully address the conflict in Darfur. (/Pambazuka/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/sudan/2004/1007namedarfur.htm
#
# Fewer Guns, but Tensions Persist in Liberia (October 28, 2004)
The UN pays each demobilized fighter $300 through its disarmament
program, but the money fuels "corruption among former commanders
and... resentment among ordinary Liberians." Commanders extort money
from soldiers who disarm and from civilians they force to pose as
former combatants, highlighting the control they still exert in
Liberia. Meanwhile, US development policies favor hiring
ex-combatants over civilians in an attempt at reintegration.
Instead, the policies are leaving civilians increasingly frustrated
as they feel that ex-fighters are being privileged for their crimes.
(/Christian Science Monitor/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/liberia/2004/1028persist.htm
#
# Rare Peace Meeting To Convene in Nairobi (October 26, 2004)
The Security Council unanimously approved a US-sponsored resolution
to meet in Kenya in November to encourage a peace agreement between
the Sudanese government and southern rebels. The Council has only
held four other meetings outside of New York since 1952 and US
Ambassador John Danforth says the move shows that the parties are
"on center stage in world affairs." Although the meeting does not
guarantee a peace agreement, observers expect "something substantial
to happen." (/Associated Press/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/sudan/2004/1026rare.htm
#
# "Fateful Moment" (October 27, 2004)
Israel's Parliament voted in favor of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's
"disengagement plan" which will remove approximately 8,000 settlers,
mostly from the Gaza Strip. The cabinet, however, still has to
approve four stages of withdrawal and observers say Likud opponents
will likely block the withdrawal. Palestinians suspect that Israel
is using the plan to tighten its grip on the West Bank and Jerusalem
where approximately 420,000 settlers live, even as Hamas hails the
disengagement as a "victory for Palestinian resistance." (/Guardian/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/israel-palestine/2004/1027fateful.htm
#
# Election No Cause for Complacency (October 22, 2004)
Although Afghanistan's presidential elections went smoothly, Human
Rights Watch (HRW) warns that warlords and criminals still have a
good chance of becoming part of the new government either through
cabinet appointments or through parliamentary elections in 2005. HRW
notes that successful elections do not automatically signal a
successful democracy, and fears that the international community
will mistakenly decide Afghanistan "is now perfect, and there is no
need for further international assistance." (/Institute for War and
Peace Reporting/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/afghan/2004/1022complacency.htm
#
# Musharraf Calls For National Debate on Kashmir Options (October 26,
2004)
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has called for a national
debate to change Pakistan's Kashmir policy. Islamabad has long
supported a plebiscite in Kashmir, but New Delhi rejects the
solution. Musharraf now proposes demilitarization of the region
followed by a change in status, which could include independence or
joint control between India and Pakistan. Islamist groups in
Pakistan have strongly rejected Musharraf's proposals. (/Radio Free
Europe/Radio Liberty/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/ind-pak/2004/1026debate.htm
#
# Serbs Boycott Kosovo Elections (October 23, 2004)
Kosovo's parliamentary elections took place without violence, but
the vast majority of Serbs chose to boycott the elections,
effectively undermining "international efforts to promote
multiethnic cooperation." Final status negotiations are scheduled to
take place in 2005 and the majority ethnic Albanian population sees
the vote as "a step toward independence." Serbs, however, strongly
oppose Kosovo's independence from Serbia and Montenegro and
relations between the ethnic groups remain fragile. (/Washington Post/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/kosovo1/2004/1023boycott.htm
#
# Iran 'Prepared' for UN Security Council Referral (October 24, 2004)
Germany, France and Britain offered Iran a package including "supply
and removal after use of enriched uranium, the transfer of nuclear
technology... and a trade agreement" in an attempt to stop Iran from
proceeding with its uranium enrichment program. Tehran says it is
willing to negotiate with Europe to develop a "mechanism" that will
ensure it uses its program solely for peaceful purposes. However,
Tehran also says that Iran is ready to face the Security Council
should the IAEA refer its case there. (/Financial Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/sanction/iran/1024prepared.htm
#
# Why a 'Right of Return' Is Necessary (September 27, 2004)
International law and previous UN resolutions all protect the
Palestinian refugee right of return. This article asserts that
"refugeehood" is a "fundamental aspect" of Palestinian identity, and
calls the refugee issue "essential" to any settlement of the
Israel-Palestine conflict. The author argues that Israel and the
international community cannot consider the status of refugees
secondary to the peace process and that there will be "no solution
to the land issue without coupling it with the refugee issue."
(/Bitterlemons/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/israel-palestine/return/2004/0927necessary.htm
#
# Why the United States Supports the State of Israel (October 7, 2004)
This /Power and Interest News Report/ article asserts that
Washington uses Israel as a "US battleship in the Middle East" in
order to stop oil-rich countries such as Iraq and Iran from becoming
regional powers who could threaten oil resources for the West.
Israel fears that a strategically important, oil-rich country like
Iran could "dwarf Israel's power and suppress [its] foreign policy
leverage in the Middle East." Both Israel and the US have threatened
Iran, and demand for oil combined with Tehran's growing power could
spark a military struggle or a new arms race in the region.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/natres/oil/2004/1007supports.htm
#
# Preventing Genocide: Time For a UN 911 (October 19, 2004)
Peter Langille argues that the international community's paralysis
in acting on Darfur should spur the UN to develop a standing UN
rapid-reaction force. Langille argues that a UN emergency service,
or "UN 911" would be more "rapid, reliable, legitimate and credible"
than existing options such as the UN's SHIRBRIG or regional
organizations such as the African Union. (/Globe and Mail/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/peacekpg/reform/2004/1019timefor.htm
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Empire?
# Imperial Hypocrisy (October 21, 2004)
This /Progreso Weekly/ article argues that the US is actually "an
administrative fa�ade for the world's largest and most powerful,
albeit informal empire." Through constant repetition of its
Orwellian jargon, the US justifies its own self-proclaimed status as
a world republic.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/analysis/2004/1021hypocrisy.htm
# UN Report Slams Tactics Used in War on Terror (October 28, 2004)
Without singling out any country, the United Nations Special
Rapporteur denounces methods used in the "war on terrorism,"
condemning torture as unjustifiable in all circumstances. The
Rapporteur recommends that UN expand the definition of torture in
order to include harsh interrogation practices. (/New York Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/un/2004/1028harsh.htm
# Three Guantanamo 'Judges' Removed Due to Pentagon Bias (October 23,
2004)
The US attempts to improve the reputation of the military panel for
Guantanamo Bay prison by removing three of its six members. The
developments follow accusations by human rights groups and defense
lawyers that the panel lacks impartiality. Critics are not
satisfied, claiming that the changes make "little difference."
(/Independent/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/un/2004/1023pentbias.htm
# Demise of Democracy (October 18, 2004)
Russia continues carrying out major changes in the country's
political system as the Duma considers controversial new bills
looking to centralize power. While advocates of the changes claim
they intend to prevent possible future terrorist acts, critics see
the new laws as moving the country towards an "authoritarian
regime." (/In These Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/terrorwar/analysis/2004/1018demise.htm
# US Sets Its Sights on Chavez, Castro (October 17, 2004)
Secretary of State Colin Powell has expressed US concerns about Cuba
"training terrorists" and Venezuela hosting a "large Cuban
presence." This article considers the US call for "regime change" in
the countries eerily reminiscent of US pressure on Iraq before its
invasion. (/Jamaica Observer/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/2004/1017chavez.htm
# Terror Law Violates Due Process for Mapuche (October 27, 2004)
The Chilean government originally established its antiterrorism laws
to tackle crimes of extreme political violence instead of the
property-related acts the native Mapuche Indians have committed. In
a joint report /Human Rights Watch/ and Indigenous Peoples' Rights
Watch claim that in applying its antiterrorism laws to the Mapuches,
Chile violates their basic due process rights.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/terrorwar/liberties/2004/1027dueprocess.htm
# Human Rights a Casualty of Uzbek Terror Fight (October 20, 2004)
Numerous human rights lobbyists accuse Uzbek authorities of human
rights abuses. The country, which has a "dismal" human rights
record, uses the "war on terrorism" as a pretext for targeting
individuals it considers potential political and religious
dissidents. (/Baltimore Sun/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/terrorwar/analysis/2004/1020uzbek.htm
# American Civil Liberties Union Calls on Intelligence Reform
Conferees to Protect Liberty and Freedom, Says Anti-Immigrant,
Anti-Privacy Provisions Must Be Removed (October 20, 2004)
Civil liberties advocates express fear that the proposed new
"intelligence reform" bills in the US pose a real threat to
immigrant rights and citizen privacy. The bills push for
significantly increased government powers over civil liberties and
limited judicial review. (/American Civil Liberties Union/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/terrorwar/liberties/2004/1020antimmigrant.htm
# New Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act the Latest Instrument to
Facilitate Disappearances and Other Gross Abuses (October 20, 2004)
Nepal introduces a new, severe and "draconian" antiterrorism law.
The /Asian Human Rights Commission/ (AHRC) is gravely concerned
about ongoing crimes against humanity, constant disappearances and
military impunity that it fears will escalate as a result of the law.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/terrorwar/analysis/2004/1020nepal.htm
# How US Rewrote Its Laws on Terrorism (October 25, 2004)
US laws drawn up shortly after 9/11 meant to administer "swift,
unmerciful justice" to captured terrorists have not resulted in a
single prosecution to date. /New York Times/ attributes this lack of
action by the Bush Administration to a "secretive and contentious
process" outside the boundaries of international law
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/un/2004/1025rewrote.htm
# Counter-Terror Crackdown Sets Back Rights Progress (October 21, 2004)
Morocco's campaign against suspected Islamist militants has resulted
in widespread abuse and unfair trials. /Human Rights Watch/ fears
that the country's new anti-terror legislation jeopardizes rights
protection for all of its citizens.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/terrorwar/liberties/2004/1021morocco.htm
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Social and Economic Policy
Highly recommended articleUnited Nations New Agenda for the
Development of Africa in the 1990s: Report of the Secretary General
(September 22, 1993)
/United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the
1990s/ is a compact of mutual commitments signed in 1991 by African
countries and the international community. This document by UN
Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali evaluates the progress of
commitments and raises specific concerns about the resource gap in
Africa's economic recovery and development.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/indexafr.htm#agenda
# Red Cross Criticizes Aid Agencies' Methods (October 28, 2004)
The 2004 World Disasters Report criticizes governments and aid
agencies for failing to listen to people on the "front line." Aid
agencies need to consider local human resources and "help people to
help themselves." The report states that aid too often fuels
"disaster victim clich�" and portrays affected people as powerless.
(/Associated Press/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/oda/2004/1028disaster.htm
# Argentina and the IFIs: Better Off Without Them? (October 20, 2004)
As Argentina approaches the 2005 reassessment of its agreement with
the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the institution's
mismanagement of the country's economic crisis becomes once again a
hot topic. This article suggests that Argentina should break its
destructive IMF-dependence and pursue an autonomous development
path. (/Interhemispheric Resource Center/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/bwi-wto/imfind.htm#argentina
# Green Taxes 'to hit poor hardest' (October 27, 2004)
A paper from Policy Study Institute raises concerns that green taxes
could affect lower income households disproportionately. However,
the study remains positive towards green taxes, stating that
governments can design tariffs or target compensation through state
benefits to remediate negative social consequences. (/Guardian/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/glotax/carbon/2004/1027greentax.htm
# "Guns or Growth? Assessing the Impact of Arms Sales on Sustainable
Development" - A Summary (June 2004)
/Oxfam /warns that arms trade threatens poor countries' achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals. While rich countries annually
allocate $60 billion on aid, worldwide expenditure on arms amounts
to $900 billion. Oxfam proposes an Arms Trade Treaty, which would
permit arms trade for "legitimate security needs" but restrain trade
if it jeopardizes sustainable development.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/2004/06oxfamarms.htm
# Women Still Face Obstacles in Reaching Senior Staff Positions at UN
(October 21, 2004)
A report by Secretary General Kofi Annan on gender equality in
United Nations staffing reveals uneven progress in women's
representation on all levels. In June 2004, women formed 83.3
percent of staff at the lowest professional level but only 16.7
percent of the highest staff level. The report cites bias among
hiring managers as a cause for unequal gender division. (/UN News/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/inequal/gender/2004/1021ungender.htm
# Doha Is Not Dead Just Yet, But What Exactly Has Been Saved? (October
26, 2004)
In July 2004, World Trade Organization (WTO) members partly resolved
the 2003 Canc�n Ministerial Conference deadlock by agreeing on a
"July Package." This article argues that even if the package saved
the WTO from collapsing, the multilateral trading system will remain
off balance until rich countries face the inequalities in the WTO
system. (/Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/bwi-wto/wto/2004/1026julypackage.htm
# World Food Day: Iraqi Farmers Aren't Celebrating (October 15, 2004)
Iraq's new agricultural legislation, which the US has helped in
crafting, jeopardizes the country's food sovereignty. The patent on
life forms will make seed savings illegal, pushing farmers towards
dependency on seeds from transnational agribusiness corporations.
(/Grain/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/hunger/economy/2004/1015iraq.htm
# Dollar's Fall Lands Hard in Europe (October 26, 2004)
High oil prices combined with a soaring US deficit have driven the
dollar to fall further against the euro. The /International Herald
Tribune/ reveals that the current oil shock marks a reversal of the
historic trend, in which the dollar has traditionally benefited from
price increases.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/crisis/2004/1026dollarfall.htm
# Greenpeace Releases GM Corn Study (October 19, 2004)
Greenpeace accuses the US government of burying a report from the
Commission on Environmental Cooperation of North America, which
recommends that Mexico enforce strict controls over US and Canadian
genetically modified (GM) corn. The Commission warns that GMOs may
threaten the diversity of Mexican "land races" of corn. (/El
Universal/Herald/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/trade/gmos/2004/1019corn.htm
# Rural Communities in Darfur Facing Food Crisis (October 19, 2004)
The International Committee of the Red Cross reports that violence
and looting together with recurring droughts have created food
shortages which could repeat the famines that hit the region of
Darfur in the 1980s and 1990s. The United Nations says the Darfur
conflict has caused "the world's worst humanitarian crisis."
(/Integrated Regional Information Networks/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/hunger/oppressive/2004/1019darfur.htm
# In Africa, Free Schools Feed a Different Hunger (October 24, 2004)
Until 2002, the World Bank pushed African countries to introduce
fees on primary education. Thanks to pressure from advocacy groups,
the Bank reversed its policy and now an increasing number of African
countries let children attend school for free. But overburdened and
under-resourced education systems need both more political support
and more international aid in order to succeed. (/New York Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/africa/2004/1024freeschool.htm
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Globalization
# Latin American Indigenous Movements in the Context of Globalization
(October 11, 2004)
For indigenous populations, globalization resembles a second
colonization as decisions of powerful nation-states, corporations
and financial institutions ultimately determine their destiny. This
article explores how indigenous people organize and struggle for
autonomy in response to neo-liberal globalization.
(/Interhemispheric Resource Center/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/globaliz/special/2004/1011indigenous.htm
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Nations and States
# Cuba to Stop Accepting US Dollars in Transactions (October 26, 2004)
In response to "hostile US policies," Cuba decides to ban all
transactions involving the US dollar. Instead, the country's banks
and businesses continue to accept the "convertible peso" and foreign
currencies such as the euro. (/Agence France Presse/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/sovereign/dollar/2004/1026cubadollar.htm
# Challenging Corruption (October 26, 2004)
In its 2004Corruption Perceptions Index /Transparency International/
has found little improvement in international corruption. Oil
producing countries such as Iraq and Cameroon have the highest level
of corruption while Scandinavian countries, with long-standing
traditions of transparency in business and government, have the lowest.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/launder/general.htm#corrupt
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UN Reform
Highly recommended article Letter to the Secretary General about
NGLS (October 25, 2004)
This letter warns that the Cardoso process has created uncertainties
about the future funding of the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service
(NGLS). The signatories, which include Global Policy Forum, The
World Federalist Movement, Amnesty International, Social Watch and
Third World Network, ask the Secretary General to prevent the
disruption of this important NGO-supportive inter-agency program by
'reinforcing' the NGLS budget through 2006.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/reform/initiatives/panels/cardoso/1025intglim.htm
# General Assembly Debate on UN Reform and the Cardoso Panel (October
4-5, 2004)
In this two-day General Assembly debate, most delegations did little
more than support the need for UN reform and agree that NGO
participation benefited the UN. A few speakers raised questions on
the recommendations for a single accreditation process, an NGO trust
fund and specific methods of NGO participation. (/UN News/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/reform/initiatives/panels/cardoso/1004gacardoso1.htm
# UN Reform Is Stuck in a Catch-22 (October 26, 2004)
Neither right- nor leftwing critics of the United Nations show an
understanding of why the world body does not function effectively.
The very structure of the UN, which represents post World-War II
international relations, makes change virtually impossible.
According to this /Financial Times/ article, the only way to achieve
substantial reform is by amending the Charter.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/reform/topics/general/2004/1026charter.htm
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International Justice
# Milosevic's Lawyers Ask To Be Taken Off Case (October 28, 2004)
Slobodan Milosevic's two lawyers, frustrated with the "almost
impossible" task of getting defense witnesses and the former
Yugloslav leader to cooperate, have told the war crimes court that
they cannot fulfill their duties. The court could reject the
request, find replacements or let Milosevic lead his own defense.
But new replacements would likely face the same problems as the
current lawyers, and Milosevic has already proven incapable of
addressing charges. (/New York Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/tribunals/yugo/2004/1028offcase.htm
# Four Ex-Detainees Sue Rumsfeld, 10 Others (October 28, 2004)
Former Guantanamo ex-detainees sued top US military officials for
violating national and international human rights laws in what could
become a landmark case of the Alien Tort Claims Act. US officials
say they upheld all legal obligations, even though the Bush
administration has said the Geneva Conventions did not apply to the
Afghan conflict. The ex-detainees cite "top secret memos" made
public after the prison abuse scandals as among the evidence against
the officials. (/Boston Globe/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/atca/2004/1028sue.htm
# US Denies Report It Wants to Sideline UN Tribunal (October 26, 2004)
Following a /Washington Times/ article claiming that US officials
discredited the capabilities of the International Criminal Tribunal
for former Yugoslavia (ICTY), /Reuters/ reports that the US embassy
in Belgrade "continues to support the (tribunal's) efforts." Several
Serbian papers also published the original article
using it to show both support and disdain for Western influence on
Serbian leadership and the ICTY.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/tribunals/yugo/2004/1026sideline.htm
# Balkan Justice Joust (October 24, 2004)
The /Washington Times /reports that the Bush administration wants
national courts instead of the International Criminal Tribunal for
former Yugoslavia (ICTY) to handle all Balkan war crimes cases. The
author claims Under Secretary of State for Arms Control John Bolton
said the ICTY lacks "democratic accountability" and hinders "the
growth of independent judicial bodies and the rule of law within
Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia."
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/tribunals/yugo/2004/1024joust.htm
# Not in Their Backyard (July 14, 2004)
/Corpwatch/ highlights the effects of the US Supreme Court decision
that allows foreign citizens to bring cases to US courts under the
Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA). Though the ATCA ruling has most often
led to human rights cases against transnational corporations, this
article suggests the ruling will also help foreign citizens address
prisoner abuse scandals in the US.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/atca/2004/0714backyard.htm
# Bringing Justice: The Special Court for Sierra Leone (September 2004)
This /Human Rights Watch/ (HRW) report applauds the Sierra Leone
Special Court for getting off the ground but says inadequate funding
led to inability to prosecute more suspects, lack of support for the
defense, inadequate witness protection and stalled plans to
establish a second trial chamber. HRW says Nigeria must turn over
former Liberian President Charles Taylor, and the UN must remove the
current restriction on grant money so the court can remedy these
problems.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/sierraindx.htm#bringingjustice
# Viktor Bout: From International Outlaw to Valued Partner (October
21, 2004)
The /Jamestown Foundation Terrorism Monitor/ asserts that Viktor
Bout, the infamous arms dealer with alleged connections to former
Liberian President Charles Taylor, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, has
thus far eluded justice because of good connections, several
companies that hide his name and recent support from the US. Since
9/11, US President George Bush's administration has used Bout to
shuttle materials and equipment to Afghanistan and Iraq.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/wanted/2004/1021bout.htm
# Iraqis Not Ready for Trials; UN to Withhold Training (October 22, 2004)
Secretary General Kofi Annan barred top representatives of the UN
war crimes tribunal in The Hague from participating in a training
session for Iraqi tribunal judges. Annan has raised concerns about
the Iraqis' ability to uphold international standards of justice.
The United Nations and several European countries have also
hesitated to help the tribunal because Iraqi national laws permit
the death penalty. (/New York Times/)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/tribunals/iraq/2004/1022notready.htm
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