Africa

Wednesday

Alex Massie

Department of Pretty Words

The Boston Globe: “Candidates Unite Against Darfur Genocide” Isn’t it a bit late for that? “Today, we wish to make clear to the Sudanese government that on this moral issue of tremendous importance, there is no divide between us,” the three candidates say. “We stand united and demand that the genocide and violence in Darfur be brought to an end and that the CPA be fully implemented. Even as we campaign for the presidency, we will use our standing as Senators to press for the steps needed to ensure that the United States honors, in practice and in deed, its commitment to the cause of peace and protection of Darfur’s

Thursday

Alex Massie

Hillary of Harare

In one sense there’s little point in writing about Hillary Clinton anymore. She’s lost. Still, if there is any truth to the notion, much-favoured by Washington reporters, that you can gain a sense of character and, indeed, governing style from the way in which a candidate campaigns then, by gum, we should be glad that Hillary Clinton is not going to be the next President of the United States. Her caterwauling about the perceived injustice of not counting the Florida and Michigan primary results on account of their determination to break DNC rules, has conquered many peaks of absurdity lately. Norm draws my attention to this one: People go through

Wednesday

Alex Massie

Corker, Shumble, Whelper and Pigge would be proud…

Congratulations to Joe Bavier, a Reuters correspondent in the Congo. You could work years in this trade and never get to tap out an intro like this: KINSHASA (Reuters) – Police in Congo have arrested 13 suspected sorcerers accused of using black magic to steal or shrink men’s penises after a wave of panic and attempted lynchings triggered by the alleged witchcraft. [Via, Passport, Foreign Policy’s excellent blog.]

Saturday

Alex Massie

Hillary and Rwanda: A Study in Cynicism

Annoyed though I am by Hillary’s claim to have solved the Irish Question, it’s nothing compared to her – how to put it? – revisionist claims about the Rwandan genocide. These are revolting. Hilzoy lays it all out here in a post* that’s as enraging as it is sickening. The conclusion: I think it’s a lot more likely that she either didn’t advocate action on Rwanda at all, or did so only in passing. If so, this would have to be the definitive example of her attempt to claim responsibility for everything good that happened during her husband’s presidency, while disavowing all responsibility for his mistakes. This was, in my

Thursday

Alex Massie

Today’s shocking news

Comes from poor Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe’s governing party has endorsed Robert Mugabe as its candidate for next year’s presidential elections. The vote by delegates at the Zanu-PF conference in the capital, Harare, allows the 83-year-old president to seek a sixth term in office in March…. Mr Mugabe’s selection was by open acclamation and all 10 of Zanu-PF’s provincial bodies backed him. “I did not hear any dissenting voices,” John Nkomo, the Zanu-PF chairman said, according to the French news agency. “It means this congress has fully and unreservedly declared Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe as the presidential candidate for next year’s presidential elections.” Killer quote (literally): “Every one of them matters to