The evidence that the UN has really lost the plot in a big way in the DRC is evidenced by the total mediocrity of this so-called Special Report. Is this report supposed to lead to a serious discussion and solution-seeking?… Read More ›
Tag Archive for ‘UN’
DRC: Final Agreed Text of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region
Attached is the final agreed and signed text of the regional framework proposed by the UN Secretary-General and signed by regional leaders in Addis today. After a quick read of this agreement, what surprised me was how basic it was… Read More ›
UN Security Council discusses DRC: No New Ideas in SG’s letter
Over 12 years on the ground and the UN has no new ideas to present to the Security Council. In fact, looking at the Secretary-General’s letter to the Security Council which is the basis for a huge African Union meeting… Read More ›
Stabilization of the DRC: Recommendations for Immediate Measures to be taken by the UN, the International Community and the Congolese Government
The situation in the DRC continues to confound the international community, in particular the challenge of maintaining political commitment in the Security Council to take resolute action to remedy a conflict that has dominated their consideration for well over a… Read More ›
The DRC: UN Group of Experts Report on External Interference and the Lack of National Leadership for Change
The Fall 2012 Security Council Group of Expert Report on the DRC scheduled to be published earlier this month, is again delayed and probably won’t be published before the consideration of the next Report of the UN Secretary-General on the… Read More ›
Geneva Conference Agrees “Basic Principles” but Stops Short on Substance of a Peace Process for Syria
Yesterday in Geneva, the Security Council P5, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, EU, the UN and the League of Arab States met to discuss the continuing instability in Syria – conspicuously absent were Saudi Arabia and Iran, the key protagonists and… Read More ›
The Truth of the Situation in Syria: Do We Really Know it?
Today, I paused to recap what I really know about Syria and the violence affecting its people. I started with the Government. We know that the Al-Assad government is composed of Alawites, Shiites, Sunnis and even a few, perhaps token,… Read More ›
Syria: UN mission chief warns of impact of growing violence on observer activities
Syria: UN mission chief warns of impact of growing violence on observer activities. In fast moving news, it appears the Head of the UN verification mission in Syria General Robert Mood has finally declared that the UN monitors are unable… Read More ›
DRC: A Return to Conflict and Instability
The situation in the Eastern DRC is fast approaching the insecurity of 2003/4 and of 2007/8 when both Kivus were caught in a vicious cycle of violence and violent defense by a profusion of armed groups, both of Congolese and… Read More ›
Options on Syria: International Conference Option Should Include Iran and Syria in Parallel Forum
In the face of non-compliance with the Annan Peace Plan, the International Community is reduced to considering two alternatives: regime transition of Al-Assad out of power and convening an international conference on Syria as a means of coordinating and increasing… Read More ›
Reading between the Lines: Annan’s Message on Syria
Reading between the Lines: Annan’s Message on Syria.
Negotiating Peace with the FRF in South Kivu, DRC
I believe in practicing what I preach. I preach peace and I have been lucky enough to be at in a position to negotiate peace with Armed Groups in the DRC and other locations. These photos, taken in 2009 are… Read More ›
The BRIC and Iran: The Start of a New Era of Activism?
In the UN halls of power, one hears a lot of whispers about the ascent of the BRIC, or BRICSA as it has now become – Brazil, Russia, India, China and the newest member, South Africa. While the power of… Read More ›
Syria and Then Iran: China and Russia Veto Allows for New Solutions
Saturday afternoon(2/04), a small group of protestors marched from Brayant Park to the UN to demonstrate against the looming war against Iran. On the face of it, they looked like average Americans that felt compelled to object to the gaining… Read More ›
Conflict Returns to South Kivu: Shabunda Battlefield for Conflict Minerals
Over the last weeks, the territory of Shabunda perched strategically between North and South Kivu is once again the flashpoint of conflict. The fight is over control of still lucrative gold and mineral mines that used to be dominated by… Read More ›
