Issues of Global Import

23 June 2003


Berlusconi Prosecution Foiled by Abuse of Power
When most people are on trial for bribery, a vigorous defense is offered or a plea bargan arranged. In the case of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, it was easier just to have parliament vote immunity. If one listens carefully, one can hear the ghost of Richard Nixon applauding in admiration. Click here to read Kensington's Opinion.

Jordanian Election Almost Democratic
King Abdullah of Jordan has been ruling his country by decree for the last two years, citing the need for firm leadership after the Al-Qaeda attacked America and the US responded with wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is almost always a bad idea, and the elections held last week for seats in the Jordanian parliament mitigate the situation somewhat. Yet, as the king himself said, these elections are part of a transitional phase -- meaning the people can't be trusted yet. Click here for more.

No Peace Yet for Liberia
Liberia's warring factions may have signed a peace accord, informed parties have to see an end to fighting before believing it. As the rebel surrounded the capital of Monrovia, and as accused war-criminal Charles Taylor prepared to become the ex-president, the White House was painfully quiet about what should come next. Having been founded by freed American slaves, Africa's oldest republic should expect some kind of US support. Click here to read why.