I avoided the Thatcherfest yesterday by flying to Accra, and landed slap in the middle of a State Visit by President Ahmadinejad. Any number of levels of irony there. I am however pleased to see President John Mahama – an old friend of mine – giving out a fairly clear signal he is not going to be a US puppet. That was reinforced yesterday by a high profile announcement from the Ministry of Finance of a new policy aimed at increasing the – hitherto very limited – social benefit from Ghana’s oil and mining industries. Just how much this will amount to in practice remains to be seen, but I am very pleased to see that, as John Mahama’s Presidency in his own right gets underway, the direction of travel may be more radical and aimed at social justice.
Another piece of good news from West Africa yesterday was President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria’s announcement of a negotiating committee to try to open negotiations with Boko Haram on the basis of a ceasefire and an amnesty. The committee’s remit includes a specific commitment to look at underlying grievances that had led to the unrest.
Nigeria shows much greater wisdom than the standard Western government line that the state can do no wrong and that all terrorist movements must be crushed by military force – something that often leads into an unending revenge cycle. Insurgency movements are indeed always caused – no matter how psychotic or vicious individual terrorists may be and no matter how evil some of their acts. For any terrorist or insurgency activity to have sufficient support in a host population to have a resilient existence, that population must believe itself to have a legitimate grievance. Ultimately the only way to overcome terrorism is to talk to the terrorists. Which is not to say I think this initiative will succeed; but it is certainly the right thing to try.
So that’s where you are! I hope you’re keeping well, Craig.
Jaw-jaw versus war-war really is the only way to attempt to find a solution, look at NI.
Be well Mr Murray.
Glad to see that some African nations are making steps towards getting on with their lives with no foreign strings attached to their hands. But I doubt that it will continue for much longer. Too many richness is in African soil and
too little they can do to keep others away. But at least they have managed to elect decent people to govern them.
Craig,
I agree with much of what you say, but “the standard Western government line that the state can do no wrong and that all terrorist movements must be crushed by military force” has a number of counter examples, including Northern Ireland. (although perhaps it takes the governments some time to realise that there is another way).
Would Ghana’s withdrawal from the US’s sphere be inversely proportional to its approach to China’s, I wonder?
The Thatcherfest is over, so you can come back now. For your next blog, four men who considered using a toy car to deliver a bomb have been jailed for a total of more than 30 years (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22200133).
@ Paul,
If I am reading you correctly:-
” I agree with much of what you say, but “the standard Western government line that the state can do no wrong and that all terrorist movements must be crushed by military force” has a number of counter examples, including Northern Ireland.”
Surely, Nothern Ireland is not the “counter example” but an example that says that negotiations and not the shedding of blood accompanied by much military violence – and is not the way forward for humanity.
Interesting post from Craig and good follow-up comments. Komodo’s observation about the rôle of China is particularly pertinent and it would be good to have more details of the various economic deals China makes with developing countries out in the public sphere (although I shan’t be holding my breath).
I join with Uzbek-in-UK in wishing the Presidents of Ghana and Nigeria well in any initiative they take to keep more of the fruits of their countries’ natural richnesses in their countries and to use those fruits to improve the lot of their fellow countrymen.
Have just watched John Ware’s documentary on Israel followed by Olly Lamberts’s excellent piece on Syria (C4 last night). Both are excellent thought provoking programmes which I recommend to all. What comes from them both, besides the tragic, jaw-dropping sadness brought about by conflict, is the realisation even in those seemingly intractable situations there must, eventually, come a compromise from all parties without any more resorting to violence for the benefit of ALL the people of those countries. Craig appears to be witnessing that in West Africa currently and the shining examples of South Africa and Northenr Ireland are there for all to see.
Hi Craig, i wish i was there in Accra.
It’s very good that Nigeria’s at least trying to solve its problems through talks with Boko Haram, but the concern surely would be that if this is even partially successful then other factions will rush in to take their place. Terrorism, Bribery and Piracy pays handsomely and tribal tensions with jealousies make for a very challenging place to do business.
With all that in mind and seeing a growing Nigerian presence in Ghana do you feel that as ill gotten gains become more difficult in Nigeria, then the gangs and terrorists will move across borders into surrounding countries.
Craig. I draw your attention to English Knight’s post at 16 Apr, 2013 – 8:57 pm in the previous thread. Could you delete it and make a statement as to whether you are happy to allow “English Knight” to continue posting here?
In the offending post Knight suggests that Jews are destined again for the ovens in cattle truck. Not the first time he has suggested that either.
I also think you should appoint some new moderators.
[Mod: this has now gone.]
I assume you are not happy about that type of post but at the moment someone could post Mein Kampf repeatedly on your blog with no moderation it seems.
Has anyone seen the BBC programme about Israel yesterday? Biased towards Israel but sill bearable to watch. Reinforced me in my thoughts that two states solution is less favourable towards Palestinians. One state solution with equal rights for both Jewish and Palestinian citizens should be much more desired by Palestinians, and it would also end Zionist state and transform Israel into modern (and so far the only) liberal state in the region. It is unlikely to materialise in any feasible future but this is what Palestinians need to demand.
It’s great to see independent states trying to find their own way forward, as we’ve seen most spectacularly in south America.
For years the west has fuelled a fire of terrorism and inhumanity in its client states, the better to control their resources.
Perhaps it’s more a sign that the West is losing control to some extent.
You can see here how Thatcher was an enthusiastic exporter of the weapons of terror abroad:
“‘Although British companies have long sold arms, legally and illegally, to the world’s leading tyrannies… it was Margaret Thatcher who brought a crusading zeal to the task of arming much of the world.
‘She became a super-saleswoman, making deals, talking up the finer points of fighter aircraft engines, hard-bargaining with Saudi princes, cajoling buyers and sellers alike.'”
http://www.medialens.org/index.php/alerts/alert-archive/alerts-2013/729-thatcher.html
According to who you read Boko Haram, I’m told it means “western education is sinful”, are either just a loose grouping of anarchists or extremists whose intent is a pure Islamic state ruled by Sharia Law.
Either way i wish the Nigerians good luck reaching a compromise,
Am I missing something anon? Is there any reason why Mein Kampf should not be available to anyone wishing to read it?
What is the problem with English Knight indicating that he is an idiot intent on shocking other idiots?
Free Speech may be messy but it is greatly preferable to legal licensing of acceptable language and opinion, or, for that matter, the sort of lynch mob conformity that leads to the denial of platforms to men like Galloway and the approval of persecutions such as that of Assange.
There are many comments on this blog which seem to be the work of provocateurs and hasbaristers. And it is sickening to have to pick through them to find the real discussion but it is far better that Habbakuk et al be suffered than that anyone be charged with the task of divining who is working for the Tory party, the Israeli Embassy, the CIA or New Labour and winnowing them out.
The fascists to worry about are not dead Germans but authoritarians who believe that the police should monitor conversations and censor communications.
Habbabkuk has it on authority that Craig Murray only reads a few comments at the beginning of a post and somebody pointed out how he self-moderates at the beginning of a blog-post before going into his bigotry. And I see it’s true. However I notice his last comment on the previous thread was also self-moderated. interesting!
I don’t mean Craig, I mean Habbubkuk. I should have read it back to myself first.
Glad you are well Craig. You missed nothing at the £10m spectacle yesterday. All the fascists and war criminals (well most of them) were there and Cameron even had a dinner at No 10 for some of them on the evening before the main event A lot of catching up was going on. Liam Fox was sorry that there was no representative from the Obama administration. Cameron had a separate meeting with Netanyahu at No 10 but perhaps he was at the dinner too.
David Cameron hosted a small dinner in No 10 on Tuesday night for funeral guests including Cheney, Baker, Shultz and the Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/apr/16/margaret-thatcher-funeral-protesters-divisive
One of the best commentaries I have read comes from the Scot John Hilley who mans a weekly SPSC stall in Glasgow and protests at Faslane against Trident. http://johnhilley.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/thatchers-funeral-greatest-direspect.html
Just to say that I have decided to leave the blog. Having ‘supported’ you here for many years including your giving evidence to the JCHR. hearing you speak at Gaza rallies and your stand against the many many injustices present in the system, I find that my presence here has become intolerable, due mainly to the hostility and slander I have been encountering, including some very unpleasant personal remarks, plus some ganging up from the trolls.
Even after my last declared post on page 2 of the previous post, I saw that there was continual references to me by name throughout the following three pages. I also noticed that I was being described as ‘anti-Jew’ which is slander. I am not. I am opposed to Zionism, the theft of Palestinian land and homes and the injustices being meted out by the Israelis. See some questions here from George Howarth asked of the Minister for Middle East and Near Asia, who is himself a Friend of Israel, as a illustration.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm130415/text/130415w0001.htm#1304161000012
I assume that it is my stand on Israel that has attracted this ‘attention’ and it is therefore impossible and also pointless for me to continue. I will not put myself up as some sort of target to be assailed as I have too much self respect for that to happen. I hope that the trolls do not take this fine blog over. I see that the current comments have even been given the seal of approval by the main offender.
I wish you and the family all the best and friends here.
If some think I’ve gone OTT with the complaint then perhaps I have. Just been very upset with the state of the blog recently and that last Knight crap just got me really upset.
I’m off.
Chris2 – 18 Apr, 2013 – 6:26 pm
Well said.
Sorry to hear that, Mary, though I understand. I’m not surprised either, given the spiteful attention you have received.
I’ll miss your presence and your reliable eye for relevant links. All I can offer in consolation is that you were victimised because your contribution was so valuable.
I hope you keep an eye on the blog and maybe a time will come when you feel able to return.
Best of luck.
Mary, you should not go. What you need to do is develop a skin like Komodo’s. These people are not worth your spit. Don’t let them get to you. They try to do the same to me. Mostly I don’t even read what they write and when I see certain names I just skip the comment. It saves time and does not upset me. These people are low-life. You go and they’ve achieved what they want to achieve, a disruption of the common sense exhibited by most who come here. I am not for banning comments. I really do believe in free speech, especially in this age of media-gagging. But I would rather see them go than you. Please stay.
One correction. Alistair Burt is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
The minister is based in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and is responsible for:
•Afghanistan and South Asia
•Counter terrorism
•Counter proliferation
•North America
•Middle East and North Africa*
•FCO finance
•Human resources and diversity
https://www.gov.uk/government/people/alistair-burt
* not Near Asia as I said.
Mary – please don’t.
I don’t know how Craigs health is, or if he is able to monitor the blog with any consistency. But I would like to echo the sentiment that it does seem somewhat abandoned. I appeal to Craig to enlist some help. I’m not sure of the details of Clark’s resignation or Jon’s absence but someone is making the mods job more difficult than need be. Honest disagreements and even acrimony over disshevelled miscommunication is one thing, but the stalking must cease.
JMO
http://www.emptywheel.net/2013/04/18/john-kerry-finally-meets-a-close-election-he-wants-to-recount/
“The other day, Hugo Chavez’ successor Nicolás Maduro beat opposition leader Henrique Capriles Radonski by 2% of the vote. In the days since, opposition figures have sown violence, claiming vote fraud.
Yesterday, Secretary of State Kerry encouraged a recount.
Mr. Kerry, in comments to a House committee, said, “We think there ought to be a recount.” He added that he had not yet evaluated whether Washington would recognize Mr. Maduro’s victory.
This, in spite of a leaked recording of a close Capriles advisor admitting that this result was a political triumph but an electoral defeat.
This, in spite of the fact that when Bush beat Kerry with precisely the same percentage of the vote in 2004 amid reports of (limited) electoral oddities, Kerry chose not to demand a recount.
On November 2, 2004, George W. Bush beat John Kerry 50.7 percent to 48.3 percent. Venezuela’s foreign minister immediately (either that night or the day after) recognized the results: “we will hope that in this second mandate we can improve our relations.”
Fast forward nine years, and Nicolás Maduro beats Henrique Capriles with 50.7% of the vote and the US refuses to recognize the result. “Look, we’re just not there yet,” said a State Department spokesman (who now works for—wait for it— John Kerry). “Obviously, we have nearly half the country that had a different view. And so we’ll continue to consult, but we’re not there yet.”
Most interesting of all is something James Clapper just said in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. In response to a question from Richard Blumenthal about whether there had been fraud in the election, Clapper said (my rough transcription):
There may have been some, but it’s unclear whether it was of sufficient magnitude to merit recount. Right now it doesn’t appear to be.
In other words, even the intelligence says, whatever fraud there was, it wasn’t enough to affect the outcome.”
Of course they should. My point was in the word “repeatedly.” It would make the blog hard to read if every second message had the text of any book whether by Hitler or not. The lack of moderation is the problem.
Anyway I’m away from here. Bad for my health to be truthful.
Hi Mary
I’ve just signed in after a long absence – I’ll post on the previous thread so as not to clutter things up here (since at the start of this thread, I hope people will be talking about progressive African governance!). Anyway, please stay – I agree we need some effective moderation, and I’ll ask Craig if he will permit it.
Mary – please dont go. As ANODE says you are targetted because your input is valuable.
As I say repeatedly , the thing is to NEVER reply or refer to the trolls, even indirectly. The best thing is not to even to read any comment by them.