Kenya anybody?

thomez · 02-02-2008, 01:03 PM

I haven't been here much lately but I searched and still didn't find a thread about the current events in Kenya (not even from Ron), nor have I heard any mention of it during the brief times when I've caught some American news as of late... why is that?

Kenya is dealing with a pretty bad political crisis which has turned very violent. Hundreds are dead in what has turned into a conflict between ethnic groups which both believe their candidate won the recent election. Many Kenyans and international (EU) observers have said that the election seemed to have been rigged. The loser of the election wants a re-vote. It has been a major story every day on the BBC World Service News podcast that I listen to, yet I haven't heard much about it elsewhere.

Just thought I would make a thread to discuss it if anyone else has been following along. Kenya was one of the more stable countries in Africa until this, with a democratic republican government, independent judiciary, etc.

Rouger2 · 02-02-2008, 02:52 PM

I don't think there is any oil in Kenya if their was we would be charging in with all guns firing and especially if the president was cozy with the leader.

RMNIXON · 02-02-2008, 05:48 PM

We can't do anything because it might involve killing a black person and/or a Muslim. Same with Darfur. We might as well put on Nazi uniforms if we do anything like that. Somebody will invent some selfish Imperialist conspiracy of oppression, corporate profit, and racism no matter what. It is better to do nothing any pay little attention.

avsp · 02-04-2008, 07:03 AM

Kenya has only recently stopped being a one party state & has only really had one proper general election prior to this last one.

Its certainly very depressing that its seemingly successfull climb into a true liberal democracy has been derailed by those seeking power by promoting ethnic dischord/hatred.

I suspect, depressing as it is, that ultimately Africa going to need to re-draw the national boundaries which are colonial legacy*. Cant see the process killing less than several tens of millions

Is it really not mentioned on mainstream US TV news? I'm surprised, not least coz theres 'dramatic footage'. Its been near the top of the TV news here, typically trading 2nd/3rd spot with the US primaries day-to-day

The US might have a Luo leader before Kenya does

I assume Chad is getting no mention either then, ..., tho' it really does have some oil implications. Oddly, ultimately, the west might end up supporting Gaddaffi's military on this one

Ron doesnt really 'do' non-USA stuff himself

*Happy Dick?

7960 · 02-04-2008, 11:40 AM

If "international (EU) observers" are concerned why don't they do something about it?

DosEquis · 02-04-2008, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by RMNIXON

We can't do anything because it might involve killing a black person and/or a Muslim. Same with Darfur. We might as well put on Nazi uniforms if we do anything like that. Somebody will invent some selfish Imperialist conspiracy of oppression, corporate profit, and racism no matter what. It is better to do nothing any pay little attention.

Not if we went in with allies. If we went in unilaterally then yes, you are correct in both cases. If we got 15 counties together to put in 2,000 soldiers equally across the board, especially if a different country was the one to take the initiative for this, we would not be looked at in such a way.

thomez · 02-04-2008, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by 7960

If "international (EU) observers" are concerned why don't they do something about it?

like..... ?

7960 · 02-04-2008, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by thomez

like..... ?

like.........whatever "international (EU) observers" deem appropriate

WickedLou9 · 02-06-2008, 05:57 PM

They should buy them all golden retriever puppies. It's much harder to fight if you are holding a cute fuzzy puppy.