Issues of Global Import

23 February 2004


UN Backs US on Iraqi Elections - Not Before Hand-Over
The UN has given its stamp of approval to the idea that there can be no proper elections in Iraq before the election-dictated hand over of sovereignty to . . . well, some Iraqis. While Secretary-General Kofi Annan's man on the ground, Lakhdar Brahimi, undoubtedly got it right, that doesn't mean that there is smooth sailing ahead. In fact, the lack of a hand over to something like a democracy will make the job of the US troops in Iraq more dangerous. Click here for more.

Cyprus Unity Talks Start -- But Should They?
For thirty years, the Turkish part of Cyprus has been separate from the Greek part of the Mediterranean island. The first round of talks aimed at reuniting the two communities ended with a degree of optimism on both sides. Yet it seems that the real question of whether the island should be reunited into a single political entity has not been adequately addressed. Click here to read Kensington's Opinion.

Canadian Political Scandal Rocks Ottawa
Not that one would be able to tell from the reporting by the xenophobes known as the American media, but Canada is in the middle of a political scandal that promises to entertain in both French and English. It could also do grave harm to the ruling Liberal Party. Throw in a conservative movement that has finally united, and one has the makings of real political drama, not just talking heads blathering on about momentum, fundraising and endorsements. Click here to read why.