Research Articles Base: Politics And Governance

Balochistan Crisis In Pakistan

BALOCHISTAN CRISIS IN PAKISTAN         Balochistan is the largest provinces in Pakistan that covers almost half of their total land areas. The Balochistan crisis a continuing conflict of Baloch Nationalist and the Pakistan government that started as early as 1948 when Ahmed Yar Khan the brother of the governor Prince Abdul Karim Khan has been taken by the central Pakistan army in exchange of giving up the state of Kalat that has been set to live many Balochistan people so they protested. They have taken the move to revolt against the government of Pakistan that ignited the conflict between the provinces against their government. The forces of Prince Abdul Karim Khan and the Balochistan cannot be underestimated by the government since they also carry a strong army that can protect them.       This has been the beginning of the seemingly never ending battle of civil conflicts since then almost every year there has been reported insurgency that Balochistan and the central government of Pakistan has almost become a separate nation. During the 1970’s that there has been reports 7,000 to 9000 of casualties including civilian women and children who has been trapped in the middle of the war in Balochistan while the central government estimated more than 350 deaths of their soldiers. The crisis has cool down during the early 80’s but it has been reinforced in the beginning of the 2000 and crisis of rebellion has once again reawaken but in the mid of 2005 some of Balochistan leaders have presented a reinforced peace talk between them and the government but it never been successful and then on there were a series of bombing and killing between both parties.       This resulted in a more economic failure condition that workers and professionals including children could no longer work and study regularly because of the fear of war. The industrialization and production of both parties has been disregarded and they failed miserably to produce resolutions between their conflicts the killing of people continues. Balochistan nationalist continues to demand greater rights in their controlled borders they also demanded the full privilege to harness their natural resources that has been suppressed by the government accordingly.       The Balochistan province has also struggled in their border against Iran and Afghanistan during the 2007 up to the present that there were also series of attacks and bombing from these nations and all the boundaries of Balochistan has been covered by their enemy and no matter where border they would fill in their soldiers there will be struggle of war. Groups including Taliban and Al Qaeda have also tried to infiltrate their province recently that they have struggled for serious ethnic violence and repression when this forces have tried to break loose although they have not succeeded.       There were many cases of leadership changes because of murder and death Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was murdered in August of 2006 and Mir Balach Marri was also killed in Afghanistan war last 2007 he was honored like a hero but making their province weaker in the attach of war. Presently they have already launched their website that includes their history, political people, economic conditions and government including their Chief Minister Nawab Mohamad Aslam Khan Raisani. The long history of war and rebellion from this province has disgusted their country to change leaders unpredictably every now and then.       The government of Pakistan intentionally wanted to end their conflicts to bring changes and progress in the province that they have introduced to the rebels economic agenda called “Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan” but the Balochistan nationalist have disregarded the offer that it does not necessarily benefit their province. The Balochistan nationalist has not accepted any economic reforms coming from the government including traders and professionals has not been accepted from Balochistan and if they tried to insist their business they will be murdered. This includes the Chinese engineers who tried to build hydro power irrigation for farmers most of them are killed while there are also reports that some of them were severely injured.       Balochistan nationals has almost developed their own government separate from their mother country which is Pakistan, they wanted to take control of their natural resources including natural gas, agriculture, production and other areas that can only benefit the Balochistan nationals. Somehow they have been able to withstand the economic dilemma brought about by the crisis and insurgency that they have invested in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and coal mining. They can even employ domestic people coming from various countries but because of unsettled disputes the threat remains within their borders that have delimited their progress. References: (http://www.balochistan.gov.pk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1070) (http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-compulsory-subjects/essay/essays/6000-balochistan-crisis.html)  (http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/01/balochistan-crisis.html)  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balochistan_conflict) Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Balochistan Crisis In Pakistan

BALOCHISTAN CRISIS IN PAKISTAN Balochistan is the largest provinces in Pakistan that covers almost half of their total land are...

A SOCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S DIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI

A SOCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S DIPLOMACY:  A CASE STUDY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI Based on the history of Burundi, it has become an independent country since 1962.  But, since that time, there have been a lot of endless social crises that occurred in the country.  In relation to this, the Burundians are still experiencing successive massacres and insurgencies that only elevate the extreme condition of poverty.  However, the peace agreement process has begun in Arusha, Tanzania in 1996 which somewhat reduced the active conflicts  in the place; but still the peace and reconciliation remains the struggling  effort in the country since August 2004 massacre in Congolese Banyamulenge in Burundi’s refugee camp.  Aside from these, numerous killings and wars  are being reported in the Bujumbura Rural province.  So, at this time and age, there is a serious need for developmental assistance that can provide total peace in the country.  Many scholars and researchers believe that the causes of the endless social conflicts between the people are greatly attributed by the division of ethnicity of several Burundian clans.  In fact, even up to this contemporary time, there are still socio-ethnic factions that divide the Burundian people.  This is also the root of differential social history of violence and impunity, as well as attributes to the poor condition of the economy of the people.  In addition to that, the unjust and mismanagement of the Burundi government elevates more the explosions of regional conflicts and killings among Burundian communities.  (http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCPR/Resources/WP27_Web.pdf)   On the other hand, since November 2001, a gradual transition has begun in the society as well as in the politics.  But, there are still many possible negative factors that would trigger the Burundi’s social conflicts.    However, there are also many positive factors that suggest many opportunities for peace development as well as peace process and economic assistance from the neighboring countries.  There are important factors that the country needs for   total reform and development assistance such as for the people to come to realize about the benefits of peace talks from the destructiveness of their conflicts.  In view thereof, the country witnessed an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 killings since 1993.  The never-ending violence among the Burundians has had a direct impact on the agricultural sector which affects 50 % of national products in the country.  The negative impact of dropping down of coffee   prices and land erosion made a massive competition among the coffee farmers.   Moreover, the Burundian society has not been improved politically because of the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic identities.  Subsequently, the chronic post-independence violence gave worst repeated massacres and assassinations as well as series episodes of inter-communal violence; that are also associated with political issues in the country.  And, the worst thing is, even the international communities have been ignoring all these social conflicts that really affect tremendously in the economic condition of the country as well as to the poor living condition of the Burundians.  Unfortunately, even in the diplomatic level, the attempts at military contingency planning failed because of lack of financial    and other support systems from the government.  From 1994 up to 1996, the United Nations did an attempt to intervene with the peace negotiation in the country after the assassination of Burundi former President Ndadaye.   And, the Burundi’s attempt to control Rwanda; but, this was in vain, because of the insufficient military resources.  From then on, there have been many attempts of peace negotiation from the UN officials as well as the other neighboring countries to help in resolving the   worst wars or social conflicts in the country, but it seems that the Burundian ethnic groups are really against to any peace negotiations.  (http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCPR/Resources/WP27_Web.pdf) Consequently, Burundi is   one of the poorest countries in the world; because of its poor legal system in the government, lack of educational system and the worst thing is this is the place where HIV/AIDS is very prevalent.  According to the UN report almost 80 percent of Burundi’s population lives in poverty.  And, based on the record of World Food Programme, 56.8 percent of children are suffering severe malnutrition.  The country has the record of lowest or poorest quality of living in the world. And, because of this severe situation of the society, the country and the people really depend on the foreign assistance.  One more thing about the poor condition of the economy of Burundi is the lack of access among the people to financial service. Eventually,   the United Nation has been able to make significant change in the government through popular voted constitution. But still, there are existing difficulties with rebels, with refugees, and with the sustainability   of food supplies for the war-weary population.  The UN is also doing its great effort to rehabilitate school buildings, orphanages, as well as health clinics and water lines for the Burundian communities. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burundi)   References: (http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCPR/Resources/WP27_Web.pdf) (http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCPR/Resources/WP27_Web.pdf) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burundi)   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

A SOCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S DIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI

A SOCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S DIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI Based on the history of Burundi, i...

My Country_ Philippines

My Country           The Philippines is a country comprising of seven thousand one hundred seven islands. It is found on the Pacific and belongs to the ring of fire. It has been called the Pearl of the Orient.  It is divided into sixteen regions amongst which are the National Capital Region, the Ilocos Region, Southern Tagalog Regions and the Cordillera Autonomous Region. Manila is the capital city with Luzon as the biggest among the three geographical group (Halili, 2004, pg 23). Mindanao comes second then the Visayas.           My country has had a long history with foreign colonizers. Ferdinand Magellan landed in Samar in 1521 and named the islands Islas de San Lazaro. Ruy Lopez de Villalobos gave the name Filipinas in honor of Prince Philip of Asturias in 1543 ( Halili, 2004, pg 22). The Philippines was under Spanish rule for over three hundred years. After the Spaniards ceded the country to the United States in 1898, the country became a self-governing commonwealth in 1935 under Manuel M. Quezon but fell to Japanese rule in 1942( Philippines-CIA- the world factbook,2011). However, after three years of war, the Philippines attained her independence on July 4, 1946 during which Manuel M. Roxas became the president of the Third Republic of the Philippines(Halili, 2004, pg.250).           The country has had fifteen presidents so far. The thirteenth president was thrown out of office amidst allegations of corruption and cronyism in his government. He was succeeded by his then vice-president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and who was then voted into office in 2004 amidst cheating in the elections.  The Philippines has been beset with many problems stemming from corruption and ineptitude of some political leaders.  The economy, however, was able to withstand the global crisis that plagued most of the world due to a well-managed financial machinery of the  government. The banking sector remained unaffected by the said crisis. (Background Note Philippines, 2011) Remittance from Filipinos working overseas contribute largely to the economy and the business processing outsource is the thriving industry in the country today. The national elections has been held last May 2010 using the automated voting machine. Benigno Aquino the third  is voted into office and is currently the head of state.           The Philippines boasts of her vast natural resources and wonderful sights. It is a great place for diving and snorkelling. One could also scale the heights of the country’s various mountains and active volcanoes. Palawan is one of the favorite  tourist destinations. Tubattaha  Reef is a protected site in the place and has been named a World Heritage site by the UNESCO(Halili, 2004, pg 27). Coron, Palawan is also a famous diving site for tourists. Bohol is famous for the Chocolate Hills and the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Donsol is where you can swim with whale sharks.  Who can forget the beaches? Boracay is the trophy beach of the country and is off the island of Panay (Lonely planet, introducing boracay, 2010). It is famed for its white sands. Siquijor, an island of mysterious healers and called the mystique islands, is fast becoming a tourist attraction because of its dive sites, including Paliton beach, Saligdong beach where the mako shark can be spotted, and the colorful reefs of Sandugan and Tongo Points (lonely planet, introducing siquijor, 2009). The country is also famous for its historical places. Among them are Intramuros ,or the Walled City and Luneta in Manila, Vigan in Ilocos Sur and Mactan in Cebu City in the Visayas. The Philippines can also brag about the Banaue Rice Terraces. It is considered the eighth wonder of the world.         The Philippines has several shopping malls to boot. Clothes, shoes, bags and other apparels can be bought at affordable prices. Cell phones and other gadgets and gizmos can also be bought cheaply. My country has the nightlife, too. Just go anywhere in the Timog and Tomas Morato  in Quezon City  and the various bars and cafes are there.         But what the Philippines can really brag about is its people. Despite the diversity, there is still a sense of homogeneity ( Halili, 2004, pg 30). Its people are known for bravery, adaptability and resilience. It is the Filipinos who heralded the call for freedom in 1986 with the people power revolution and ousted an abusive president. Other nations followed the Philippine example. The people of this country can adapt to different cultures and learn their languages and be able to assimilate. The people are also known to be deeply spiritual and patient. This country is widely known for its hospitality and friendliness. The Filipinos warm smile is also universally acknowledged. But most of all, the Filipinos are hailed for the ability to withstand any pressure, whether from natural disasters or any form of oppression.   References: 1st ed: Halili,M.C.,2004. CIA.,ISSN 1553-8133. Philippine History.Sampaloc: Philippines-CIA-the-world-factbook. Rex Bookstore                                [online]CIA:Available at:htpps://www.cia.                                                               gov/library/publication/the-world-factbook/                                                         geos/rp.html[accessed dateJune14,2011]                   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

My Country_ Philippines

My Country ...

Impact of corruption on democratic stability in Nigeria

Impact of corruption on democratic stability in Nigeria Officially called the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa” style=”color: blue; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single” href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Africa”>West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the north. Its coast in the south lies on the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean. The three largest and most influential ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. In terms of religion Nigeria is roughly split half and half between Muslims and Christians with a very small minority who practice traditional religion. (Wikipedia) Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, the seventh most populous country in the world, and the most populous country in the world in which the majority of the population is black. It is listed among the “Next Eleven” economies, and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The economy of Nigeria is one of the fastest growing in the world, with the International Monetary Fund projecting a growth of 9% in 2008 and 8.3% in 2009.[7] [8] [9]The IMF further projects an 8% growth in the Nigerian economy in 2011. (Wikipedia) Nigeria is a Federal Republic modeled after the United States, with executive power exercised by the president and with overtones of the Westminster System model in the composition and management of the upper and lower houses of the bicameral legislature. The current president of Nigeria is Good luck Jonathan, who succeeded Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to the office in 2010. The president presides as both Head of State and head of the national executive and is elected by popular vote to a maximum of two four-year terms. Like in many other African societies, prebendalism and extremely excessive corruption continue to constitute major challenges to Nigeria, as vote rigging and other means of coercion are practiced by all major parties in order to remain competitive. In 1983, it was adjudged by the policy institute at Kuru that only the 1959 and 1979 elections witnessed minimal rigging.  (Wikipedia) The Nigerian State is a victim of high-level corruption, bad governance, political instability and a cyclical legitimacy crisis. Consequently, national development is retarded, and the political environment uncertain. The country’s authoritarian leadership faced a legitimacy crisis, political intrigues, in an ethnically – differentiated polity, where ethnic competition for resources drove much of the pervasive corruption and profligacy. While the political gladiators constantly manipulated the people and the political processes to advance their own selfish agenda, the society remained pauperized, and the people wallowed in abject poverty. This invariably led to weak legitimacy, as the Citizens lacked faith in their political leaders and by extension, the political system. Participation in government was low because citizens perceived it as irrelevant to their lives. In the absence of support from civil society, the effective power of government was eroded. Patron – client relationships took a prime role over the formal aspects of politics, such as the rule of law, well-functioning political parties, and a credible electoral system. In order to break this cycle and ensure good governance, accountability and transparency must be guaranteed.  (Fagbadebo) Fighting corruption needs to have the entire nations back to eradicate such behavior.  One such person is Nuhu Ribadu who is the former head of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a visiting fellow at the Center for Global Development.  Nuhu recounts his term of four years at the EFCC in which he won more than 275 convictions and recovered some billion in stolen assets.   Nuhu explains the circumstances that led Nigeria to create the EFCC, starting with the 1999 democratic elections, the first in 16 years. The new president, Olusegun Obasanjo, had campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks provided an additional push, heightening international awareness of the illicit financial flows that enable terrorist networks and political corruption alike. As a result, in late 2001 Nigeria found itself on an international blacklist of countries that enable money laundering, a list maintained by the independent Financial Action Task Force. It took nearly two years for Nigerian officials to realize they were on this black list and take action to get off of it. When they finally acted, they created the EFCC, a new office charged with cracking down on money laundering. (Mc Donald) Nuhu lacked a budget, offices, and staff when he became the head of the EFCC.  But through his tenacity, he built an institution that stood as a symbol of the capacity for good governance in Africa. By the time he left office, he oversaw a professional staff of 1,600, whom he praises as, “probably the best you could get in the world when it comes to issues of law enforcement.” His unit went after crooked politicians and criminals, often bringing them to justice on money laundering charges, much as FBI nabbed Al Capone on tax evasion.  (McDonald)   References: Fagbadebo, Omololu.  Corruption, Governance and Political Instability in Nigeria.  Obafemi Awolowo University.  Retrieved on 22 June, 2011 from http://www.academicjournals.org/ajpsir/pdf/Pdf2007/Nov/Fagbadebo.pdf Mc Donald, Lawrence.  Fighting Corruption in Nigeria:  Nuhu Ribadu.  Global Prosperity Wonkcast.  19 April, 2010.  Retrieved 22 June, 2011 from http://blogs.cgdev.org/global_prosperity_wonkcast/2010/04/19/fighting-corruption-in-nigeria-nuhu-ribadu/ Nigeria.  Wikipedia.  Retrieved on 22 June, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria    Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Impact of corruption on democratic stability in Nigeria

I mpact of corruption on democratic stability in Nigeria Officially called the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria is a federal ...

Africa’s emerging governance regime since the end of cold war: An assessment

Africa’s emerging governance regime since the end of cold war        After decades of static autocratic dominant, Africa shifted its way to another form of government since the end of cold war. Liberalization took place in 1989 where there were only 3 countries including South Africa, Ghana, Mali and Senegal have joined. After about twenty years only then additional 30 countries have joined. People in this region have never believed that the government stands and upsurge in the number of society could give them as much freedom and opportunities in their chosen political position.  Their democratic forms of government remains strong even they belong to a third world country.            Africa’s rich political history goes way back in time of Autocratic government era. Africa has an autocratic form of government that is ruled by autocratic practices. But because growing changes in economy diverse in government transform at least half of African country into democratic types of government variation took place and liberalization soar. Freedom of the press has tends to enjoy choices of people in changing their political preferences among nations. Effective engagement in international trade opened up a whole new world of opportunity.  Peace and investment has become the conventional scenery for progress. Shared culture and education took place, openness among nation bring forth additional opportunities among people.                  Finally at the end of cold war, they created a more disciplined and a more hospitable environment for democrat’s believers. Its effect is contagious and highly accepted.  The end of the cold war has turned Africa into a period of unprecedented democratic expansion in Africa. Since the monopoly ruling power of decades has past. The convergence of exchange of ideas in other neighboring countries shifted to democratic advances, however the implication of far reach economic progress and stability is still out of reach. Though freedom is on their way reaching the dream of progress takes time and experience. Since democracy is not an instance change but a long term process.       Democrat Practitioners says that this reform breaks the following into four stages. First is the opening where competing perspective on how the ruling party should be governed and come into public view. Second is the breakthrough stage where freedom of speech, ruling-party sectors may come and multi-party election becomes a norm. Third, transitions may come from 10 to 15 years. Fourth is the and last is the consolidation where all phases of democracy will be accepted in by people and all major political actors.       At this staged only the leaders who are transparent victorious winner in the election process will be the one to legitimately govern. And at this stage peaceful and meaningful transfer of power is at stake.   Categorization of African Political Regimes as of 2007: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal">Autocracies: Cameroon, chad, Equitorial guinea, 	Erithrea,Gabon, Guinea, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, Zimbabwe</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Semi-Authoriatarians – Angola, Burkian Faso, 	Central African Republic, Congo, Coe de Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, 	Guinea Bisau, Rwanda, Zambia</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Democratizers – Burundi, Comoros, Dem republic 	of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, 	Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Consolidating Democrats – Benin, Botswana, Cape 	Verde, Ghana, Lesoto, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Sao Tome & Princepe, Senegal 	and South Africa.</li> </ul> Record show that the steady growth in economy of democrats has been translated into improved living condition for most of their citizens. Death rate has declined by 13 percent and growth of democrats shows 5 times more stable than of Autocrats. This pattern show same results in other countries. Civil conflicts notably show as high as 60 percent decline which results in less famine and less refugee crises. While the vast majority in autocratic government likes Chad, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Angola have shown little improvement in their standard of living.       Some problem arise with the Neo Patrimonial who opposed the democrats they are the non conformist that have a negative belief that this so cold democrats will have done no good to the country. The result is just a complex in stand and not much ideal have been resolve. However democrats show a better job in creating such institution than as of Neo Patrimonial and other government system. Their characteristic goes a long way in policy debate.       International support and alliance between countries in providing aid took place. The European Union which offers exceeds more than 1 Billion dollars for democracy promotion and activities. The United States provide at least 850 million dollars in democracy aid annually.  And many other international agencies have provided their supported for democracy.  Their support shall provide and strengthen the democrats. Although studies of mixed impact show that politics has yet flourished economic growth, the support coming from the first world country still existed.       Democratization in Africa also shows that external influence matter and some people do question is the reason why the super power government has provided aid. Somehow the democratic aid has formed a dispute. Some have made a stand that super power nation simply undermine its worth but to form an alliance among nation in case of war. This dispute created implication for aid. And what is it all about?  While helpful and in some instance indispensable this assistance will not ensure political progress. With this in mind the following recommendation are offered to show improvement in giving aid to Africa: They will have to differentiate funding base on democratic commitment, Strengthen mechanism of shared power, Create incentives for ongoing economic reforms, Raise regional economic standard. And recognize the oil curse. Thereby Africa show dramatic changes in the past decade yet still the democratic position remain in question since more than half of its nation remain in a different position and would still not believe in democrats most of these government still resist these position of changes. And for aid provider their contributing factor should be clear.       The end of cold war open up a whole new world in this continent although success or failure of democratic reform is in the hand of the people, nevertheless the starting points of Africa’s democratic experiences has come their way.           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Africa’s emerging governance regime since the end of cold war: An assessment

Africa’s emerging governance regime since the end of cold war After decades of static autocratic dominant, Africa shifted its way t...

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