After Mumbai, Can We Ignore Nigeria?
With mobs burning homes, churches and mosques, and a death toll in the hundreds, Nigeria is experiencing the worst violence since 1994.
The fighting began as clashes between supporters of the region’s two main political parties following the first local election in the town of Jos in more than a decade. But the violence expanded along ethnic and religious fault lines, with Hausas and members of Christian ethnic groups doing battle.
Because it’s not labeled “terror” it doesn’t get the attention of Mumbai, but it is ongoing religious tensions between Chritians and Muslims responsible for the latest flare-up.
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The Red Cross said around 7,000 people had fled their homes and were sheltering in government buildings, an army barracks and religious centres.
We will fight [them] in the streets here one day.
November 30th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Maybe President elect and his national security team should look to this part of the world that is a major supplier of Oil to the United States
November 30th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
The United Nations, with our support, is prepared to address this matter.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:36 am
Senator Hillary Clinton must not take the Secretary of State position, because the not US born and possibly illegal alien Barack Obama, who, with the help and support of the liberal media is laughing at our system all the way to the White House, will fail in the next four years. Senator Clinton, by not being part of the administration, can run for president in 2012 and easily win. On the contrary, if she is part of the administration, Obama will reply publicly to her criticism of his policies and decisions by saying that she should have come forward and made a stand.
December 1st, 2008 at 2:52 am
With all due respect Robert, the U.N. is a bit of a joke when it comes to actually engaging militarily in any kind of peace keeping mission. They are mostly observers and bystanders, and are ineffective at preventing hostile aggression.
December 1st, 2008 at 4:04 am
Our country has not focus very much on this part of the world. I hope OBAMA will do some nation building along with the UN to help make this part of the world more stable. Africa is loaded with natural resourceses. More so than any part of the world. Help this part of the world by having peace talks with some of these nations and bring some stability that will help these nations and show the world that we are the world leader for peace and productivity.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:41 am
Trees,
Mornin’ to ya.
I agree, the UN is basically a neutered organization. They speak and virtually no listens. Just take a look at all the resolutions they have dished out over the years and to what avail. Nations just ignore them. They are toothless. In my opinion we should either drastically reduce our contribution or withdraw completely.
December 1st, 2008 at 8:17 am
Never withdraw,that,s the main reason our nation has fallen from grace somewhat under BUSH. Have you learn from this war our country is in ? BUSH turn his back on the UN and we went to war on lies. That,s the sort of thinking that keeps our nation in total bliss. Yes the UN could be better, but it beats AMERICA right wing thinking.
December 1st, 2008 at 8:55 am
The UN is used as a forum to verbally beat up on America and Isreal. We fund 25 per cent of the UN budget and take 90 per cent of the abuse from UN members.
We can’t always wait on the UN to act. It acts very slowly and usually NOT at the interest of the U.S. in favor of the rouge nations that abhor the U.S.
December 1st, 2008 at 10:09 am
Obama just anounced his security team with CLINTON on it and some other good picks. A team that will work with the UN and put the USA in great standing around the world again.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:10 am
Trees: “With all due respect Robert, the U.N. is a bit of a joke when it comes to actually engaging militarily in any kind of peace keeping mission.”
Do you get the irony?
“Gee, the UN is so weenie when it comes to keeping PEACE, because it refuses the immediate use of MILITARY FORCE.”
I can agree that sometimes force is needed to secure peace. But we’ve just demonstrated, and we’re still spending trillions on, waging a war in which we had NO interest in keeping peace or ensuring future peace, and we scapegoated an entire country under the guise of “peace” because of prior vendettas.
We also bullied a number of other countries into the war with us, and proceeded to shame them for their efforts.
If Obama “fails,” as E Mora seems to smirkingly predict, it’s only because it’s hard to work your way up to a “C” from Bush’s “F-.”
December 1st, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Sarah:
Good point. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
December 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Sarah,
Yup, I agree with TDRO - very well said.
Willy,
I agree, the UN is basically a neutered organization. They speak and virtually no listens. Just take a look at all the resolutions they have dished out over the years and to what avail. Nations just ignore them. They are toothless.
The UN is the organization that forced Iraq to get rid of their WMDs. The UN can be effective, in Iraq they achieved our objectives for the war before we even started it!
December 1st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
“Can we ignore Nigeria?” We can, we are, and we will ignore Nigeria…just like Mumbai.
December 1st, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Since Bolton (who hated the UN)and Bush (who ignored the UN) are both going fast, the old Republican, conservative line of wanting to get out of the UN is old hat. You are offically out of date on January 20th.
It is time, again, for the United States to stop undermining the credibility and authority of the community of nations called The United Nations. It is time for us to return to our rightful role as moral, and diplomatic leader within the organization that holds the best chance for world peace.
The republicans fear that we will lose our identity and prey upon the fears of some of our less than informed citizens to align themselves with the republican fear mongering that the UN is a subversive, unamerican organization…that robs us of our national identity.
It’s that old “One World” nation fear….what a bunch of bunk….
let the fear mongers craw back into the bunker that Chaney will leave vacant…..they can have IT!
December 1st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
E Mora, Are we back to that Obama illegal alien nonsense again?! Get back to reality. How many times does that delusional nonsense have to be debunked? Do you honestly believe that he would have been elected if that was indeed a fact?
December 1st, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Isn’t it just the epitome of pathetic, Susan March? The earnest, bitter, hostile clinging to lies in a desperate attempt to prove them as “fact.” It’s beyond sad.
(TDRO & Um Cara– Thanks, by the way. What up, Um Cara?)
December 1st, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Well, look at who these delusional individuals listen to, Rush Limbaugh. Rush said that when Obama went to visit his ill grandmother he was actually going there to “fix” his birth certificate. Wonder what he said when his grandmother died? At least Rush has an excuse: too many RX medications.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I know some of you only see the world in a right wing frame of mind. You hate the UN,but it was the inspection team that went into IRAQ and said their where no weapons of mass destruction. You same folks bang the war drums that haved cost our country money and alot lives. We had a no fly zone that worked. NO! we have JOHN WAYNE AKA BUSH for prez. Along with sgt DICK the VP, our nation is in so much s^#t it will take all of the toilet paper companies to clean up that mess. The right can not see failure and the s$*t is right in the face of the right wingers. Jee wiz! you folks think like robots. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE CRAP!!!!
December 1st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
We can no longer afford to worry about anyone but ourselves. Doesn’t anybody see this. It is very unfortunate what happens out there in other parts of the world, but we cannot spread oursevles too thin. We are asking for trouble by neglecting things here at home.
December 1st, 2008 at 9:25 pm
You are right JOSIE. BUSH has spread this country like melted butter.
December 1st, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Sarah, TDro & Um Cara:
My thoughts exactly!
Don’t you love how Bush & Co. feel they can just ignore the United Nations and you know that little thing called the International War Law ~ but….if any other country does that, their called “evil terrorists”!
Pretty ironic, don’t you think?
December 1st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Yes Sarah, I understood when I penned that post that it was an ironic statement, but I believe only apparent irony as you yourself make the observation that war is a necessary evil.
War should never, and I will repeat it in caps, NEVER be taken lightly or treated casually, all human life is God given and should be revered.
In fact my belief is that all life period should be revered, and it’s a part of my giving thanks to God when I sit down to eat a meal that He’s provided.
Believe it or not I acknowledge my Creator when disposing of vermin, and if it’s possible I capture it and release it outside.
A little nutty to try and safely escort houseflies outdoors?
I don’t think so.
What about mosquitoes you ask?
Yeah I kill them, but not because I want to, but because they are attacking me.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:04 am
Hi Trees! What about turning the other cheek? Hmmmmmm?
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:25 am
Willy said,”We can’t always wait on the UN to act. It acts very slowly and usually NOT at the interest of the U.S. in favor of the rouge nations that abhor the U.S.” Got any examples of The UN acting in Favor of a rouge nation Willy? Am I supposed to just believe You?
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:33 am
Hey Bobby, we can’t allow our sovereignty to be superseded by the U.N., our best interests and the ability to act in our own interest takes priority. Iran is developing nuclear technology and capability and neither Russia nor China is interested in helping us to control and prevent this growing threat.
Were you paying attention when Ahmadenijad and Hugo Chavez were speaking at the U.N.?
Iran would like nothing better than to keep everyone talking while they continue to work on their nuclear program.
Tell me how much better you’ll sleep at night with a nuclear Iran.
There are no easy answers to our problems, so please Bobby, set the kool aid down.
Please??
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:34 am
Our sonvreignty is never superseded by the UN, it is only enhanced.
Free speech of members is encouraged. I would trade talk for bullets anytime.
There are no easy answers, it is true, but which is easier diplomacy or pulling a trigger?
Kool aid served only at the end of meetings, not drunk before you go in <== new way of doing things from the present administration.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 am
Tree’s, If you have ANY evidence of Iran attacking ANYBODY in the last 300 years, please show me. Iran has a nuclear power need for their infrastructure. just like alot of nations. Are you not sleeping well at night? Are you hiding under your bed because of the scary brown people? who’s REALLY drinkin’ the kool aide? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 am
Hi Jeffro. How’s everything?
I’m all for turning the other cheek within context. It means not to lift the sword when speaking of God, it means to allow others to reject Him, and it means to understand that as God forgives me I should forgive my enemies. It does not mean make yourself defenseless. It does not mean allow your family to be harmed by evil men.
Luke 22: 35-38
Jesus is speaking here about protecting yourself, defend your life, but do not arm yourselves to make war.
Turn the other cheek has to do with being struck, and not countering the violence with violence, to show compassion for your detractors, it applies to a person speaking of God to an unbeliever. Allow them to become angry and don’t return their anger if they don’t accept what your telling them.
Jesus would never expect you to stand by and allow your family to be slaughtered, I would never allow my loved ones to be brutally murdered, I hold to the right to defend yourself against great harm, although I’m sure there are Christians who will disagree with me.
I do kill mosquitoes Jeffro.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 am
Got any response to my questions? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 am
Not me man, I haven’t had a drop of Kool aid all day, I did drink some grape juice though.
If you really feel Iran is just a bunch of misunderstood boy scouts that’s fine.
They are funders and supporters of Hezbollah, and are sending killers into Lebanon and Iraq.
They have a pronounced desire to exterminate Israel.
Do you also deny that the holocaust happened?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 am
What’s that all about Jeffro?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 am
My family and many others have been harmed SEVERELY by bush/cheney policy. What would you think I would be justified in doing about it?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 am
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm??
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:11 am
How were you harmed?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:11 am
It is sad when discussions go south…
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:17 am
I answer you but you don’t have to answer me? Hmmmmmmmmm?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:17 am
To answer your inane question, Trees, I have lost a brother in Iraq. Good enough for you?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:19 am
I actually met a Chaldean last week, are you Chaldean?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:19 am
Trees, Please don’t patronize me and insult by asking if I deny the holocaust.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:22 am
I have never heard of a Chaldean. Is that a diversion? or a straw man.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:25 am
You seem to be incredulous to hear that anybody has been harmed by bush/cheney. Have you been doing any study about the last eight years?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 am
Jeffro, I don’t like when anyone loses a loved one, and I mean that. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences, and yes you have every right to be angry, it’s a natural reaction, you disagree with the war, I understand. I am sorry you lost your brother, and nothing I can say will help you feel better. I know, my dad died in June, from cancer. It sucks. I wish there was something I could say.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:35 am
No, not a straw man. A Chaldean is an Iraqi, the one I met was Christian, I don’t know if all of them are but the one I met was.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:39 am
Simply say, Yes, bushie policy HAS caused great harm to Many Families. It would be the HONEST thing to say.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:39 am
“They have a pronounced desire to exterminate Israel.’ PROVE IT! You CAN’T! Quit spewing right wing talking points.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:44 am
Trees, Do you think Iran should be able to enrich uranium? If not, Why?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:46 am
Trees,My family and many others have been harmed SEVERELY by bush/cheney policy. What would you think I and others would be justified in doing about it?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:49 am
Yes Jeffro. We have lost loved ones in Iraq, and I am saddened by your loss. I am not trying to minimize your loss. Most of the military service people I have met believe in why we are over there. Two weeks ago, at the church I belong to, we acknowledged a young man and prayed for him, he was fresh out of boot camp and being deployed to Iraq. He stood at attention at the rear of the congregation until the sermon was over. His parents are members of the church, I don’t jump around like a cheerleader, I know some people come home in a coffin, I am truly sorry for your loss. Please believe me.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:03 am
Jeffro, it is established fact that Iran sponsors Hezbollah. Hezbollah has sworn to destroy Israel.
What would be the purpose for Iran to have enriched weapons grade uranium? Are more nuclear weapons the answer?
Ahmadenijad, the Iranian president has announced a desire to eliminate Israel from existence. I don’t think that nuclear weapons and terrorist regimes go well together.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:10 am
“Most of the military service people I have met believe in why we are over there.” That is Not My experience. I get it that you support the policy that got us over there. Nothing I can do about that. It’s just not very Christian.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:14 am
“Ahmadenijad, the Iranian president has announced a desire to eliminate Israel from existence.” I already called you on this nonsense.You are drinking the right wing kool aide. He NEVER said anything about eliminating ANYBODY! You are deceived into saying that. The translation comes out to say he doesn’t believe they have a right to exist, And that someday, He believes, They won’t. you need to stop repeating those lies and do more research on your own.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 am
Nothing illegal Jeffro.
You can demonstrate, you can attempt to change public opinion, and you can vote.
You cannot justify violence on a personal level in regards to our government, anarchy is the result.
I am deeply saddened that your brother gave his life in Iraq.
Goodnight Jeffro, sincerely your friend, trees
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 am
So it’s just a big misunderstanding?
They don’t have the right to exist?
And someday they won’t?
What is it he was really trying to say?
Someday the nation of Israel will all commit mass suicide?
We can differ on our views Jeffro, but please understand, if my views differ from yours I am in no way trying to minimize you and you’re family’s loss, ok?
God bless you Jeffro, your friend trees
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 am
Honestly speaking, the war between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria did not start today. it has been an ongoing war that started in the early 60’s which resulted to the first civil war in that nation. i believe United States should pay attention to That country because the main problem is with the Muslims(Hausa’s, Arabs) in that country. they believe that the culture and religion is better and bigger than every other culture and religion.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:40 am
“The UN is used as a forum to verbally beat up on America and Isreal. We fund 25 per cent of the UN budget and take 90 per cent of the abuse from UN members. We can’t always wait on the UN to act. It acts very slowly and usually NOT at the interest of the U.S. in favor of the rouge nations that abhor the U.S. Posted by Willy”
Sorry but you can’t have it both ways. We are a part of the UN and must wait for them to act. The other option is to drop out of the UN and stop paying them. We can’t be the bully member of the UN that just does whatever it wants regardless of UN decision. We can and should set a standard of behaviour in the international community via the UN. The point of the UN is not to advance US agendas so the fact that UN mandates are not necessarily good for America is true but once again we come to the price of membership and is it worth it. I say ‘yes’ and I assume you say ‘no.’
90% of abuse is an abstract figure but even if we take 100% of the abuse in UN halls; quite frankly, who cares? If we are acting with justice and honor then we will defend ourselves and all is well. America is a big boy, he can defend himself in the UN just fine.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:49 am
Trees,
I do the same thing, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes get the death sentence, but other than that I do my best to shoo the critters outside. I remember well when I stopped killing/tormenting insects. I was at my aunt and uncle’s house and my uncle found a cricket inside. He picked it up with a tissue and took it outside. I asked him why he didn’t kill it and he looked at me and asked why he should take a life when not necessary.
I stopped killing things unnecessarily from that day on (I was about ten, and had been a torturer of grasshoppers and ants prior to this lesson). Upon reflection later in life I realized how important our interactions with children can be, and how we never know when we are teaching a potentially life changing lesson, even with the most mundane of actions.
I learned two very important things from my uncle that day.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:52 am
When one person is hurt, the whole world suffers.
We cannot ignore suffering and/or bloody conflict anywhere. The UN is a fine forum and vehicle to address the issues since it encompasses most of the countries on the planet. Actions taken by the body are pointed towards conflict resolution and helping to stem the root causes of conflict…fear, hunger, abject poverty, and human respect for life. It’s strength comes from it’s members’ dedication to solving problems as a colaberative body. It’s weakness comes from individual countries being wrongly fearful that they must subjegate their nationalism to work in colleagial alliances with other nations.
Since we are aimed at rejoining the UN as a supporting member, the chances of UN effectiveness are raised tremendously.
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Trees:
You said, “I would never allow my loved ones to be brutally murdered”. Is that your justification for a pre-emptive strike on a sovreign nation?
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
And I thought God pretty much made it clear, we don’t put ANYONE before him– even family members.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Hi um!
Yeah, I was like that too when I was young. I used to keep pet spiders and I enjoyed feeding them, and I had a magnifying glass that I used as my laser beam to unleash terror on the ant hills in my neighborhood, my friends and I would pour salt on the garden snails, etc….
I think most people would consider this behavior a little disturbing, and I’m sure my fan club would enjoy pointing it out as an early indicator of my wickedness, but that’s my point, no one taught me to do those things, I was born with the propensity to do it.
I enjoyed doing those things. Cruelty comes naturally, and I never, for a minute, considered myself a monster back then.
Nobody teaches their children to be this way, no one taught me, it was just who I was.
It wasn’t hard for me to understand the fallen nature of men; it only required me to be honest when looking in the mirror.
It’s good to see you; I enjoy reading your posts. I hope everything is going well for you, sincerely, your friend trees
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Salt ALL the slugs you want. I won’t stop you. Oozy, gelatinous creatures.
Guhhhh.
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Ahoy, Trees!
“I enjoyed doing those things. Cruelty comes naturally, and I never, for a minute, considered myself a monster back then.
Nobody teaches their children to be this way, no one taught me, it was just who I was.”
I don’t think you really believe that any more than I do. Children reflect aspects of behavior around them that is, sometimes, “dark” in nature. You are certainly not wicked.
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
TDRO,
Iraq lost it’s sovreignty when it invaded Kuwait (a sovreign country)
that is a misconception a lot of people have.
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:29 pm