Having myself been a witness to war and its effects, I believe it important to see the human tragedy and the senseless nature of war. So far, more than 1,500 civilians have been killed. South Ossetia has a population of 70,000 of which about a third are ethnic Georgians, the balance are ethnic Ossetians who speak a language related to Farsi. There are now 30,000 refugees. Perhaps one day, we’ll get it right but I am not optimistic that it will be in my lifetime.
For complete coverage of the war in Georgia, please visit my earlier posts:
The Obama campaign released a new and rather uplifting ad entitlted “Hands“. The 30-second is to run nationwide during the Beijing Olympics. The Obama campaign has made a $5 million dollar ad buy during the games and yet I have seen very few Obama ads. The ad is a positive feel good one with no criticism of McCain.
Here is the Saturday, August 9th, 2008 edition of what’s making news and interesting reads from around the world.
Security Tight As Olympics Get Underway
China is on high alert as it deals with new security threats on the opening day of the Olympics. An Air China plane that departed from Japan had to make an emergency return Friday after the airline received an e-mailed bomb threat. More from the Associated Press.
Fierce Fighting in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas
Pakistani security forces engaged in fierce fighting with Islamic militants trying to expand their influence, amid a national crisis spurred by the ruling coalition’s effort to oust President Pervez Musharraf. More on this from the Wall Street Journal. In other news from Pakistan, the national assembly or lower house of parliament will meet next week to formally set into motion the process to impeach President Pervez Musharraf. Stories on the political crisis in Pakistan from Agence France Presse and the New York Times. Perhaps not surprisingly an editorial in India’s The Hindu says that Pervez Musharraf must relinquish office in the spirit of cutting his losses before it is too late. I doubt that he will listen.
Anti-Coup Rally in Mauritania
Several hundred people attended an anti-coup rally in Nouakchott Friday to show their support for ousted president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, under heavy police presence. I am bouyed at the signs of dissent and that it is peaceful. I am also thankful that the protest was allowed. These are signs that Mauritania is becoming more politically vibrant. More from Agence France Presse.
The British Housing Crisis
18,900 properties seized in first half of 2008 as number of householders in arrears rise in the United Kingdom. Overall, home repossessions are up 48%. More from the UK Guardian.
Syria Declines Visit from IAEA
Diplomats say Syria has blocked a new visit by International Atomic Energy Agency experts investigating allegations that Damascus has a secret nuclear program. The diplomats say the request for a follow-up visit to one in June was rejected late last month. More from the Jerusalem Post.
When all is grim and all else fails, I turn to British comedy. In light of the John Edwards sex scandal, I am reminded of the adventures of Alan B’stard in the British sit-com, The New Statesman.
