I would agree that putin's actions are adding to his long list of war crimes and crimes against humanity. 60,000 tons of grain would possibly feed a quarter million people for a year (maybe someone can verify this number). And the foxy criminal has invited leaders of African nations to St Petersburg, so he does not have to leave his country, as he would and should be arrested immediately when caught outside the Russian borders
This is a form of genocide. This Russia -Wagner Group is disarming. Coups just continue to roll along.. And the UN is passe because it does not have an impact on any of these military terrorist and humanitarian devastations. How many countries are now autocratic regimes. This is sad news to end the week.
Many Russians and Kazakhs died during the same period. Urban political functionaries never understand what they are doing when they take over farms and ranches, especially in the midst of an environmental disaster. The drought that hit America during that same time, was really a global event - the first real harbinger of climate change. Putin destroying all that grain now is another indicator of how unhinged he has become, and how little he knows or cares about the history of the regions he wishes to rule.
Meredith, we do not need to allow Putin to control this situation. We can find other ways to work with our allies to provide grain from Ukraine to the nations who usually receive this life saving food supply. It may be more expensive with Ukraine's earnings less but together we can do it. We can work together to use a variety of transport to get grain to those who need it.
Putin's actions only reveal his desperation to control what he cannot. Those of us who believe in freedom can prevail by caring about this situation and our fellow humans.... by working together, using our expertise in transport opportunities we can defeat this plan. We must have the will. Freedom is not free!!! We must work hard together to help Niger (and others) maintain a free government.
The free world is itself a family...always working to be better....working against our own innate "bad, selfish character" for a goal that is bigger and better than ourselves. We need one another .... to continue pulling up one another....it does not just happen!!!!
We must consider that we can be negatively effected. When one part of our earth is in trouble ....we feel it in some way. We must work together to defeat those who want to take from the weaker or vulnerable ones for their own selfish gain.
Read "Execution by Hunger -- the Hidden Holocaust" by Miron Dolot and be aware of the reality of the forced starvation of the Ukrainians because they were Ukrainians while Russia had no famine and Ukrainians were not allowed to go to Russia (unless they were being deported to Russia concentration camps in the north). This is internationally recognized as the Holodomor during which millions of Ukrainians were deliberately starved to death after all their food supplies were taken from them and all their resources to procure food, their bodies in the fields where they searched for potato pieces or along the roads as they tried to go to the cities to find sustenance offered in the foreign markets.
Horrible and sickening. Russia has been known to be ruthless and careless with lives. Russia lost more lives in WWII that Germany did. In the battle of Leningrad (which was of no real significance) Hitler wanted it because it was named after Lenin. Stalin refused to let the Germans have it because the city has his name on it. Over a million Russians died for this useless battle.
They drug their present soldiers to go into suicide missions. They do not care for their soldiers.
If there was yet another reason to deny Putin's ambitions, it would be this - control over Ukraine (or any other nation) means the opportunity to directly murder by execution, and export to labor camps and work to death, and starve, its population - just like Stalin did. I can envision labor camps in which Ukrainians are forced to clear minefields, to farm huge collective farms without access to the food they grow there, and to reconstruct the infrastructure Putin and his orcs have destroyed - under threat of either being murdered immediately or being starved to death. "Arbeit macht frei" redux, anyone?
The destroyed Ukrainian grain wasn't bound for Africa. Only 2% of Ukrainian grain exports have gone to Africa. The biggest importers are China,Turkey and Spain:
While IMO war itself is a "war crime", everything putin is now doing is most certainly crimes against humanity. I would like nothing more than to see Special Prosecutor Jack Smith resume his role at The Hague and have at putin after he is done with trump!
Yes, please. Terminate TheRump's threat to American democracy, then take on Putin's crimes against humanity; stop this modern-day Stalin in his tracks.
Jack Smith sort of radiates the impression that he will not suffer fools gladly:
тАЬI think this original indictment was engineered to last a thousand years and now this superseding indictment will last an antiquity,тАЭ Ty Cobb told CNN. тАЬThis is such a tight case, the evidence is so overwhelming.тАЭ
I do believe that is why he does not travel outside of certain countries. Something like an open arrest warrant applies... you won't see him anywhere in Europe, and he won't be attending any meetings at the UN.
Unspeakable action on PutinтАЩs part. But what a relief to read about Niger, to learn so much in a wonderfully written letter from Heather. And what a relief to not have seen a certain name I will not mention. I hope the military coup will fail in Niger. A true setback for their young, fragile democracy. I am going to my maps to see exactly where Niger is! Thank you, Heather! Have a great weekend.
Elisabeth, I had the greatest history teacher in 6th grade, then another in 12th grade. I loved drawing maps and studying many of the countries in the world. Africa was always so mysterious.
The building of the pyramids and the amazing use and the understanding of the rising of the water of the Nile river in order to transport materials was so impressive. Also the various tribes and peoples in other areas, the way they lived and worshiped....I loved it. I also enjoyed learning about the powerful waterfalls as well as the amazing variety of animals and birds...etc.
This continent and its people should be the ones to receive the blessings of its abundance.....not robbers and thieves who only want personal gain!!!
Love this description of Africa, such abundance as you say, Emily! But they are thwarted and terrorized by "robbers and thieves" like Yevgeny Prigozhin and his mercenaries.
Beautiful comment. My best friend from 1974 is married to a man from Rwanda and we have close friends from Ethiopia. I have a Jewish friend in S. Africa. I want to visit as soon as possible in the coming years. All of Africa is my "bucket list"!
We are fortunate that we spent 3 years in Sierra Leone in the Peace Corps (and were married in Freetown) and I was in Sierra Leone before that for six months of study abroad. Since i taught African history while I was there, I have a good idea of where places are and the geography of the continent. I also understand to a degree how the politics work there and the long effect of colonialism. Much later we were lucky to win a trip to South Africa. In our PC days during the summer we couldn't leave the continent of Africa, but we couldn't go to South Africa then because of apartheid. So we ended up going to Egypt with a few days in northern Nigeria. A lot has changed in Africa since then although a lot of things remain the same, including frail governments and various countries eager to exploit Africa's natural resources.
The destroyed Ukrainian grain wasn't bound for Africa. Only 2% of Ukrainian grain exports have gone to Africa. The biggest importers are China,Turkey and Spain:
Though Putin faces crimes against humanity, authoritarians mostly don't travel outside their country. Compounded by fear, Putin has made less trips or none at all to other countries.
But, Africa seems to have remained as a battleground for superpowers that want to flex their power muscles and project themselves as powerful. Russia hosted the Africa-Summit recently to entice African countries and promise goodies in terms of securities and resources and often with no conditions. On the other hand, US comes with grants and aids to Africa but on condition that they adhere to Western values. In short Africa is up for grabs among US, Russia, China and EU.
However, Africa-Russia Summit had lowest attendance for the first time. This was partly contributed by the President of Kenya William Ruto who said that Africa must first reorganise itself before attending any Summit and demand that they must be treated as equals. He suggested that Africa must look for its own solutions especially in terms of security. The Wagner Group has messed with regimes by supporting rebels in exchange for economic resources.
NB/ let me condemned the coup carried out by the military in Niger after the first democratic transition of power in 2011. This is barbaric and further escalates the already fragile democratic situation. Both parties must cease to using undemocratic means and put the country first.
ЁЯМН You can join me in my newsletter as I focused on underserved communities in Africa.
I have long thought that most, if not all, the solutions to the challenges faced by African nations already exists in the minds of Africans themselves. Ruto's statement of Africa first recognizing itself is the best articulation of this I've ever heard. The challenges are immense and diverse - but then so is Africa.
He seems to understand that the more Africa seeks outside solutions, the more it comes with unwanted and systematic problems that takes time to root out. Consider, Wagner Group, mercenaries associated with Russia. It positions itself as a provider of securiry solutions, but the long term impacts are disastrous. Look at Mali, Chad, and 2 days ago, Niger has had coup. At the same time, they extract resources away from Africa.
I have always felt that there are certain prerequisites of nationhood, more specifically (1) logical borders such as mountain ranges or bodies of warter, (2) natural or human resources sufficient to support a viable economy, (3) an ethnic, religious, or linguistic commonality of its population, making it distinct from those of neigboring areas, and (4) a sufficent number of educated people, dedicated to and capable of, effectively managing it as a nation. It appears to me that lack of even one of these can lead to instability and a neo-colonial dependence on outside powers, or a takeover, usually claimed to be, but rarely, temporary, by whoever controls the military or by the military itself. This seems to be the problem in Niger and elsewhere in Africa, if not the world.
That is why thirteen individual colonies succeeded in forming one United States of America two and a half centuries ago. They had the Atlantic Ocean as a natural border, plenty of natural resources, a homogeneous population, racially White, speaking English, and following Christianity, and many well educated people. Meeting these prerequisites was not hampered by the new nation's shortcomings, particularly slavery, which ended in 1865, the echoes of which some see as a threat to its homogeneous nature, even today, as its population becomes more heterogeneous.
Edwin, another knowledgeable poster has told us that the Wagner group has not been known to be in Niger and Niger is standing strong for democracy.
After PrigozhinтАЩs revolt and withdrawal from Ukraine, it would not be surprising to see a change or growth in their mission in Africa, especially because Putin is vindictive and angry. I would not be surprised to see him suddenly pivot and target fledgling democracies, in addition to their current interest in lucrative resources.
Sure. It seems this has given an impetus for Wagner Group to relaunch itself to further benefit from unstable democracies in Africa, even if they may not have been involved in Niger.
Thank you. William Ruto didn't attend and its resolution to restructure the power of Africa seems to be taking off with most African countries boycotting Africa-Russia Summit. I am sure in the next months ,he will organise for a meeting with African countries. While in Paris, he expressed dissatisfaction with the financial infrastructure that sets Africa into debt by saying that the continent pays its debt 8 times more than developed countries.
Edwin, the NYT published data that there were more than 30 empty transport ships anchored at the mouth of the Danube waiting to ship grain when Putin attacked. What is the impact on African nations?
Of course, this will have a huge impact on Africa considering that Ukraine has had agreements with some African countries to supply grains. Africa might face shortage of grains in the short-term but I am sure other countries fighting for a space in African Market might jump in and take advantage to supply grains. Russia only wanted to outwit Ukraine out of Africa just like it is doing to US.
I believe that Africa can find its own solutions but it starts sometimes with individual contributions despite systemic problems. On my part, I have decided to write тЬН deeply about underserved communities (check my newsletter) and what they face in their quest to live elusive decent life.
Thus, when you subscribe to my newsletter, you contribute to my individual mission of helping underserved communities. Thank you
Putin, charged with war crimes...is unable to travel without risk. His safe travel is restricted. Many nations are obliged to arrest him and turn him over to the World Court.
Putin grew up in the ruins of post-war Leningrad, a city scarred by a brutal 900-day siege during the Second World War. PutinтАЩs mother, Maria, almost died of starvation while his father was away fighting.
A very large number of people emitted from WWII having lived through horror, starvation, having seen mass slaughter and torture, incarceration. Seriously.
Take a look at the Netflix short documentary "The Last Days".
A very large number of those people went on to live close to normal lives without causing pain for others.
Putin is just a nasty bully. Nothing to do with his childhood. Too many people have thrown off the horror of their WW II experience and gone on to productive, loving lives to give Putin an excuse for his nasty.
He is just nasty. He enjoys nasty. He is evil. Nothing to do with WW II.
I watched this documentary last night, as you mentioned it earlier this week. Highly recommend тАЬThe Last DaysтАЭ. It is the story from 5 different people who survived the concentration camp, Auschwitz. Truly moving to see their love of life after living this horror. I have visited Dacchau - but hearing peopleтАЩs 1st hand account of the atrocities is the best learning we can have of learning from history- and understanding how vile the Greed of Man can be.
Very good! I found "The Last Days" both very sad and very encouraging. How people could go through so much horror and still end up being kind humans with soft spoken voices showing their love for humanity.
It really affected me. I am glad you liked it.
I am not sure I could visit those places btw. I was in Germany briefly with my kids long ago and we did not.
About 11 years ago, I read a book written by a Holocaust survivor. I subsequently read many, many more - over 75 - mostly first hand accounts and some just about WWII. The will to survive was absolutely amazing to me as was their ability to pick up the pieces and go on with a "normal" life after surviving all of that trauma. The one thing that stuck out to me and that I think about a lot, is how food was used to slowly, tortiously, kill so many people. One person wrote about being very close to death in the infirmary of a concentration camp. Someone slipped him an onion - just one onion - and he credited that one onion with his survival. I will try to watch "The Last Days" this weekend. Thank you for the recommendation.
We visited Auschwitz while on a tour of eastern Europe. It was a tough and the energy there hangs like a black pall. I have never been anywhere else quite like it, not even Robbins Island in South Africa. It was also a gray day adding to the somberness. Although the Germans tried to destroy the ovens before the Russians got there, there is one intact near where the camp commander lived with his family which I think was a prototype for the ones across the way where you can see the railroad that took people to their deaths.
I saw the documentary too. (The night before I watched тАЬTillтАЭтАФtwo nights in a row of deep sadness.) I have also been to Auschwitz/Birkenau. I commented yesterday to friends that manтАЩs Inhumanity is boundless.
The dedication of land, skills, work, time and energy to produce grain being heartlessly destroyed is beyond terrible: wasting resources that could help people survive.......Putin will stop at nothing to succeed in his illegal war and destruction of Ukraine.
Thanks. Not actually surprising, but good to know. It appears that a small part of Ukrainian grain might end up anywhere, but most went to China, Spain and Turkey.
For whatever it's worth, from Pepe Escobar covering the recent Russia-Africa summit:
"Putin showed how Russia holds a 20% share of the global wheat market. In the first 6 months of 2023, it had already exported 10 million tons of grain to Africa. Now Russia will be providing Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Somalia and Eritrea with 25-50 thousand tons of grain each in the next 3-4 months, for free."
"Putin detailed everything from approximately 30 energy projects across Africa to the expansion of oil and gas exports and тАЬunique non-energy applications of nuclear technology, including in medicineтАЭ; the launching of a Russian industrial zone near the Suez Canal with products to be exported throughout Africa; and the development of AfricaтАЩs financial infrastructure, including connection to the Russian payment system."
That's a stupid lie. The destroyed Ukrainian grain wasn't bound for Africa. Only 2% of Ukrainian grain exports have gone to Africa. The biggest importers are China,Turkey and Spain:
If Putin travels to a country that has signed up to the International Criminal Court (ICC), yes, he could be arrested. The US is not a signatory of the ICC.
The Russians DESTROYED 60 thousand tons of grain bound for hungry Africa? How is this not a crime against humanity?
If Putin leaves Russia will he be arrested and taken to the Hague?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/24/russian-drones-destroy-grain-warehouses-ukraine-danube-ports
I would agree that putin's actions are adding to his long list of war crimes and crimes against humanity. 60,000 tons of grain would possibly feed a quarter million people for a year (maybe someone can verify this number). And the foxy criminal has invited leaders of African nations to St Petersburg, so he does not have to leave his country, as he would and should be arrested immediately when caught outside the Russian borders
This is how mass starvation happens.
... 'food terrorism', as the Guardian calls it.
This is a form of genocide. This Russia -Wagner Group is disarming. Coups just continue to roll along.. And the UN is passe because it does not have an impact on any of these military terrorist and humanitarian devastations. How many countries are now autocratic regimes. This is sad news to end the week.
Russia is an old hand at the business of mass starvation; they did to Ukrainians before in history.
Many Russians and Kazakhs died during the same period. Urban political functionaries never understand what they are doing when they take over farms and ranches, especially in the midst of an environmental disaster. The drought that hit America during that same time, was really a global event - the first real harbinger of climate change. Putin destroying all that grain now is another indicator of how unhinged he has become, and how little he knows or cares about the history of the regions he wishes to rule.
Meredith, we do not need to allow Putin to control this situation. We can find other ways to work with our allies to provide grain from Ukraine to the nations who usually receive this life saving food supply. It may be more expensive with Ukraine's earnings less but together we can do it. We can work together to use a variety of transport to get grain to those who need it.
Putin's actions only reveal his desperation to control what he cannot. Those of us who believe in freedom can prevail by caring about this situation and our fellow humans.... by working together, using our expertise in transport opportunities we can defeat this plan. We must have the will. Freedom is not free!!! We must work hard together to help Niger (and others) maintain a free government.
The free world is itself a family...always working to be better....working against our own innate "bad, selfish character" for a goal that is bigger and better than ourselves. We need one another .... to continue pulling up one another....it does not just happen!!!!
We must consider that we can be negatively effected. When one part of our earth is in trouble ....we feel it in some way. We must work together to defeat those who want to take from the weaker or vulnerable ones for their own selfish gain.
Yes.
Ukraine doesn't send grain to Africa, but Russia does.
Read "Execution by Hunger -- the Hidden Holocaust" by Miron Dolot and be aware of the reality of the forced starvation of the Ukrainians because they were Ukrainians while Russia had no famine and Ukrainians were not allowed to go to Russia (unless they were being deported to Russia concentration camps in the north). This is internationally recognized as the Holodomor during which millions of Ukrainians were deliberately starved to death after all their food supplies were taken from them and all their resources to procure food, their bodies in the fields where they searched for potato pieces or along the roads as they tried to go to the cities to find sustenance offered in the foreign markets.
Horrible and sickening. Russia has been known to be ruthless and careless with lives. Russia lost more lives in WWII that Germany did. In the battle of Leningrad (which was of no real significance) Hitler wanted it because it was named after Lenin. Stalin refused to let the Germans have it because the city has his name on it. Over a million Russians died for this useless battle.
They drug their present soldiers to go into suicide missions. They do not care for their soldiers.
The Holodomor is also recounted in Timothy Snyder's book Bloodlands.
Stalin did it to BOTH Russians and Ukrainians who refused to collectivize. Stalin wasn't even Russian: He was Georgian.
Holdomor 1932-33 Ukraine
Putin is a true son of Stalin. Once a KGB/Stasi, always a Stalin.
If there was yet another reason to deny Putin's ambitions, it would be this - control over Ukraine (or any other nation) means the opportunity to directly murder by execution, and export to labor camps and work to death, and starve, its population - just like Stalin did. I can envision labor camps in which Ukrainians are forced to clear minefields, to farm huge collective farms without access to the food they grow there, and to reconstruct the infrastructure Putin and his orcs have destroyed - under threat of either being murdered immediately or being starved to death. "Arbeit macht frei" redux, anyone?
Exactly Ted.
Do you think that these military or rogue gangs grab control of the food/ medical aid and it never gets to where it is supposed to go?
Marli, to deprive 250 thousand people for a year of food, is just mind boggling. I believe you 100%.
At least a majority of those African leaders were far more "foxy" and did not manage to attend Putin's little enclave!
The destroyed Ukrainian grain wasn't bound for Africa. Only 2% of Ukrainian grain exports have gone to Africa. The biggest importers are China,Turkey and Spain:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1333847/ukrainian-agricultural-exports-via-the-black-sea-by-country/#:~:text=China%20was%20the%20leading%20export,Spain%2C%20while%20Turkey%20ranked%20third.
While IMO war itself is a "war crime", everything putin is now doing is most certainly crimes against humanity. I would like nothing more than to see Special Prosecutor Jack Smith resume his role at The Hague and have at putin after he is done with trump!
Yes, please. Terminate TheRump's threat to American democracy, then take on Putin's crimes against humanity; stop this modern-day Stalin in his tracks.
I see Putin as a KGB thug. Cold War throwback that never moved on.
Hopefully so, Annabel. Or, maybe he can book a double bunk at Leavenworth as his buddy Trump will be there before we can count to 11, 780 votes!
Good laugh, thanks Daniel
But none of this is funny. ItтАЩs deadly serious
It definitely is deadly serious!
Jack Smith sort of radiates the impression that he will not suffer fools gladly:
тАЬI think this original indictment was engineered to last a thousand years and now this superseding indictment will last an antiquity,тАЭ Ty Cobb told CNN. тАЬThis is such a tight case, the evidence is so overwhelming.тАЭ
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/28/trump-lawyer-charges-1000-years-mar-a-lago
lol
IтАЩve always said Putin and TFG should be cell mates! TheyтАЩd make a lovely couple in matching orange outfits.
Denise H: And they are so fond of each other!! A match made in ......
Hell?
What would trump do without a female to harass?
Denise H. - "IтАЩve always said Putin and TFG should be cell mates!"
FWIW, it is quite doubtful that Trump would (or will ever) see the inside of a jail cell.
"ЁЭШЙЁЭШ╢ЁЭШ╡ ЁЭШ╕ЁЭШкЁЭШнЁЭШн ЁЭШ╡ЁЭШйЁЭШжЁЭШ┤ЁЭШж ЁЭШдЁЭШйЁЭШвЁЭШ│ЁЭШиЁЭШжЁЭШ┤ ЁЭШвЁЭШдЁЭШ╡ЁЭШ╢ЁЭШвЁЭШнЁЭШнЁЭШ║ ЁЭШ│ЁЭШжЁЭШ┤ЁЭШ╢ЁЭШнЁЭШ╡ ЁЭШкЁЭШп ЁЭШдЁЭШ░ЁЭШнЁЭШе, ЁЭШйЁЭШвЁЭШ│ЁЭШе ЁЭШ▒ЁЭШ│ЁЭШкЁЭШ┤ЁЭШ░ЁЭШп ЁЭШ╡ЁЭШкЁЭШоЁЭШж ЁЭШзЁЭШ░ЁЭШ│ ЁЭШ╡ЁЭШйЁЭШж ЁЭШзЁЭШ░ЁЭШ│ЁЭШоЁЭШжЁЭШ│ ЁЭШ▒ЁЭШ│ЁЭШжЁЭШ┤ЁЭШкЁЭШеЁЭШжЁЭШпЁЭШ╡? ЁЭШЦЁЭШпЁЭШж ЁЭШзЁЭШжЁЭШеЁЭШжЁЭШ│ЁЭШвЁЭШн ЁЭШ╕ЁЭШйЁЭШкЁЭШ╡ЁЭШж-ЁЭШдЁЭШ░ЁЭШнЁЭШнЁЭШвЁЭШ│ ЁЭШдЁЭШ│ЁЭШкЁЭШоЁЭШж ЁЭШжЁЭШ╣ЁЭШ▒ЁЭШжЁЭШ│ЁЭШ╡ ЁЭШ╡ЁЭШ░ЁЭШнЁЭШе ЁЭШ╢ЁЭШ┤ ЁЭШйЁЭШжЁЭШ│ЁЭШж ЁЭШвЁЭШ╡ ЁЭШХЁЭШкЁЭШдЁЭШмЁЭШк ЁЭШЪЁЭШ╕ЁЭШкЁЭШзЁЭШ╡ ЁЭШ╡ЁЭШйЁЭШвЁЭШ╡ ЁЭШжЁЭШ╖ЁЭШжЁЭШп ЁЭШкЁЭШз ЁЭШЫЁЭШ│ЁЭШ╢ЁЭШоЁЭШ▒ ЁЭШ╕ЁЭШжЁЭШ│ЁЭШж ЁЭШдЁЭШ░ЁЭШпЁЭШ╖ЁЭШкЁЭШдЁЭШ╡ЁЭШжЁЭШе, ЁЭШ╡ЁЭШйЁЭШж ЁЭШвЁЭШпЁЭШ┤ЁЭШ╕ЁЭШжЁЭШ│ ЁЭШкЁЭШ┤ ЁЭШв ЁЭШ│ЁЭШжЁЭШ┤ЁЭШ░ЁЭШ╢ЁЭШпЁЭШеЁЭШкЁЭШпЁЭШи ЁЭШпЁЭШ░, ЁЭШвЁЭШ┤ ЁЭШ╡ЁЭШйЁЭШж ЁЭШзЁЭШжЁЭШеЁЭШжЁЭШ│ЁЭШвЁЭШн ЁЭШ▒ЁЭШ│ЁЭШкЁЭШ┤ЁЭШ░ЁЭШп ЁЭШ┤ЁЭШ║ЁЭШ┤ЁЭШ╡ЁЭШжЁЭШо ЁЭШкЁЭШ┤ ЁЭШпЁЭШ░ ЁЭШоЁЭШвЁЭШ╡ЁЭШдЁЭШй ЁЭШзЁЭШ░ЁЭШ│ ЁЭШЫЁЭШйЁЭШж ЁЭШЛЁЭШ░ЁЭШпЁЭШвЁЭШнЁЭШе."
https://www.nickiswift.com/1349522/donald-trump-no-match-federal-prison-convicted-expert/
lol
Good laugh!
I do believe that is why he does not travel outside of certain countries. Something like an open arrest warrant applies... you won't see him anywhere in Europe, and he won't be attending any meetings at the UN.
HeтАЩs locked inside his 6.6 million square mile prison.
With his food tasters and bodyguards, for the half of Russia that would just as soon see him in a coffin.
Unspeakable action on PutinтАЩs part. But what a relief to read about Niger, to learn so much in a wonderfully written letter from Heather. And what a relief to not have seen a certain name I will not mention. I hope the military coup will fail in Niger. A true setback for their young, fragile democracy. I am going to my maps to see exactly where Niger is! Thank you, Heather! Have a great weekend.
I learned a lot in this letter, including how ignorant I am.
Michael, I now know where Niger is and the countries that surround it. I want to memorize the map of Africa to deal with my ignorance.
Elisabeth, I had the greatest history teacher in 6th grade, then another in 12th grade. I loved drawing maps and studying many of the countries in the world. Africa was always so mysterious.
The building of the pyramids and the amazing use and the understanding of the rising of the water of the Nile river in order to transport materials was so impressive. Also the various tribes and peoples in other areas, the way they lived and worshiped....I loved it. I also enjoyed learning about the powerful waterfalls as well as the amazing variety of animals and birds...etc.
This continent and its people should be the ones to receive the blessings of its abundance.....not robbers and thieves who only want personal gain!!!
Love this description of Africa, such abundance as you say, Emily! But they are thwarted and terrorized by "robbers and thieves" like Yevgeny Prigozhin and his mercenaries.
Beautiful comment. My best friend from 1974 is married to a man from Rwanda and we have close friends from Ethiopia. I have a Jewish friend in S. Africa. I want to visit as soon as possible in the coming years. All of Africa is my "bucket list"!
Same. Until I read тАЬAmericanah,тАЭ I didnтАЩt know that Nigeria had a coastline or that Lagos was a coastal city.
Niger and Nigeria are two different countries.
Niger is landlocked and surrounded by important, powerful countries.
Same here, Michael. I increased my knowledge of Niger by 98%.
Me too!
YouтАЩre not the only one
We are fortunate that we spent 3 years in Sierra Leone in the Peace Corps (and were married in Freetown) and I was in Sierra Leone before that for six months of study abroad. Since i taught African history while I was there, I have a good idea of where places are and the geography of the continent. I also understand to a degree how the politics work there and the long effect of colonialism. Much later we were lucky to win a trip to South Africa. In our PC days during the summer we couldn't leave the continent of Africa, but we couldn't go to South Africa then because of apartheid. So we ended up going to Egypt with a few days in northern Nigeria. A lot has changed in Africa since then although a lot of things remain the same, including frail governments and various countries eager to exploit Africa's natural resources.
Colonialism, Michele, plus "frail governments and various countries eager to exploit Africa's natural resources," especially China.
And the Wagner group.
Me too!
The destroyed Ukrainian grain wasn't bound for Africa. Only 2% of Ukrainian grain exports have gone to Africa. The biggest importers are China,Turkey and Spain:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1333847/ukrainian-agricultural-exports-via-the-black-sea-by-country/#:~:text=China%20was%20the%20leading%20export,Spain%2C%20while%20Turkey%20ranked%20third.
Though Putin faces crimes against humanity, authoritarians mostly don't travel outside their country. Compounded by fear, Putin has made less trips or none at all to other countries.
But, Africa seems to have remained as a battleground for superpowers that want to flex their power muscles and project themselves as powerful. Russia hosted the Africa-Summit recently to entice African countries and promise goodies in terms of securities and resources and often with no conditions. On the other hand, US comes with grants and aids to Africa but on condition that they adhere to Western values. In short Africa is up for grabs among US, Russia, China and EU.
However, Africa-Russia Summit had lowest attendance for the first time. This was partly contributed by the President of Kenya William Ruto who said that Africa must first reorganise itself before attending any Summit and demand that they must be treated as equals. He suggested that Africa must look for its own solutions especially in terms of security. The Wagner Group has messed with regimes by supporting rebels in exchange for economic resources.
NB/ let me condemned the coup carried out by the military in Niger after the first democratic transition of power in 2011. This is barbaric and further escalates the already fragile democratic situation. Both parties must cease to using undemocratic means and put the country first.
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I have long thought that most, if not all, the solutions to the challenges faced by African nations already exists in the minds of Africans themselves. Ruto's statement of Africa first recognizing itself is the best articulation of this I've ever heard. The challenges are immense and diverse - but then so is Africa.
He seems to understand that the more Africa seeks outside solutions, the more it comes with unwanted and systematic problems that takes time to root out. Consider, Wagner Group, mercenaries associated with Russia. It positions itself as a provider of securiry solutions, but the long term impacts are disastrous. Look at Mali, Chad, and 2 days ago, Niger has had coup. At the same time, they extract resources away from Africa.
I have always felt that there are certain prerequisites of nationhood, more specifically (1) logical borders such as mountain ranges or bodies of warter, (2) natural or human resources sufficient to support a viable economy, (3) an ethnic, religious, or linguistic commonality of its population, making it distinct from those of neigboring areas, and (4) a sufficent number of educated people, dedicated to and capable of, effectively managing it as a nation. It appears to me that lack of even one of these can lead to instability and a neo-colonial dependence on outside powers, or a takeover, usually claimed to be, but rarely, temporary, by whoever controls the military or by the military itself. This seems to be the problem in Niger and elsewhere in Africa, if not the world.
MaaslowтАЩs hierarchy of needs comes to mind.
On a individual psychological level, yes. But applying Maslow to nationhood is a stretch.
True. Those parameters are essential for democracy and a civilised nation.
That is why thirteen individual colonies succeeded in forming one United States of America two and a half centuries ago. They had the Atlantic Ocean as a natural border, plenty of natural resources, a homogeneous population, racially White, speaking English, and following Christianity, and many well educated people. Meeting these prerequisites was not hampered by the new nation's shortcomings, particularly slavery, which ended in 1865, the echoes of which some see as a threat to its homogeneous nature, even today, as its population becomes more heterogeneous.
Edwin, another knowledgeable poster has told us that the Wagner group has not been known to be in Niger and Niger is standing strong for democracy.
After PrigozhinтАЩs revolt and withdrawal from Ukraine, it would not be surprising to see a change or growth in their mission in Africa, especially because Putin is vindictive and angry. I would not be surprised to see him suddenly pivot and target fledgling democracies, in addition to their current interest in lucrative resources.
Sure. It seems this has given an impetus for Wagner Group to relaunch itself to further benefit from unstable democracies in Africa, even if they may not have been involved in Niger.
...and the US doesn't?
Good for Kenya William Ruto. And thank you Edwin for keeping us informed.
Thank you. William Ruto didn't attend and its resolution to restructure the power of Africa seems to be taking off with most African countries boycotting Africa-Russia Summit. I am sure in the next months ,he will organise for a meeting with African countries. While in Paris, he expressed dissatisfaction with the financial infrastructure that sets Africa into debt by saying that the continent pays its debt 8 times more than developed countries.
Edwin, the NYT published data that there were more than 30 empty transport ships anchored at the mouth of the Danube waiting to ship grain when Putin attacked. What is the impact on African nations?
Of course, this will have a huge impact on Africa considering that Ukraine has had agreements with some African countries to supply grains. Africa might face shortage of grains in the short-term but I am sure other countries fighting for a space in African Market might jump in and take advantage to supply grains. Russia only wanted to outwit Ukraine out of Africa just like it is doing to US.
I believe that Africa can find its own solutions but it starts sometimes with individual contributions despite systemic problems. On my part, I have decided to write тЬН deeply about underserved communities (check my newsletter) and what they face in their quest to live elusive decent life.
Thus, when you subscribe to my newsletter, you contribute to my individual mission of helping underserved communities. Thank you
Putin, charged with war crimes...is unable to travel without risk. His safe travel is restricted. Many nations are obliged to arrest him and turn him over to the World Court.
Which is why he didn't attend the BRICS summit in South Africa earlier this year.
Correct.
What was Putin's childhood like?
Putin grew up in the ruins of post-war Leningrad, a city scarred by a brutal 900-day siege during the Second World War. PutinтАЩs mother, Maria, almost died of starvation while his father was away fighting.
https://www.theweek.co.uk/news/world-news/961071/how-putins-childhood-casts-a-shadow-over-his-life
A very large number of people emitted from WWII having lived through horror, starvation, having seen mass slaughter and torture, incarceration. Seriously.
Take a look at the Netflix short documentary "The Last Days".
A very large number of those people went on to live close to normal lives without causing pain for others.
Putin is just a nasty bully. Nothing to do with his childhood. Too many people have thrown off the horror of their WW II experience and gone on to productive, loving lives to give Putin an excuse for his nasty.
He is just nasty. He enjoys nasty. He is evil. Nothing to do with WW II.
I watched this documentary last night, as you mentioned it earlier this week. Highly recommend тАЬThe Last DaysтАЭ. It is the story from 5 different people who survived the concentration camp, Auschwitz. Truly moving to see their love of life after living this horror. I have visited Dacchau - but hearing peopleтАЩs 1st hand account of the atrocities is the best learning we can have of learning from history- and understanding how vile the Greed of Man can be.
Laurie,
Very good! I found "The Last Days" both very sad and very encouraging. How people could go through so much horror and still end up being kind humans with soft spoken voices showing their love for humanity.
It really affected me. I am glad you liked it.
I am not sure I could visit those places btw. I was in Germany briefly with my kids long ago and we did not.
About 11 years ago, I read a book written by a Holocaust survivor. I subsequently read many, many more - over 75 - mostly first hand accounts and some just about WWII. The will to survive was absolutely amazing to me as was their ability to pick up the pieces and go on with a "normal" life after surviving all of that trauma. The one thing that stuck out to me and that I think about a lot, is how food was used to slowly, tortiously, kill so many people. One person wrote about being very close to death in the infirmary of a concentration camp. Someone slipped him an onion - just one onion - and he credited that one onion with his survival. I will try to watch "The Last Days" this weekend. Thank you for the recommendation.
We visited Auschwitz while on a tour of eastern Europe. It was a tough and the energy there hangs like a black pall. I have never been anywhere else quite like it, not even Robbins Island in South Africa. It was also a gray day adding to the somberness. Although the Germans tried to destroy the ovens before the Russians got there, there is one intact near where the camp commander lived with his family which I think was a prototype for the ones across the way where you can see the railroad that took people to their deaths.
I saw the documentary too. (The night before I watched тАЬTillтАЭтАФtwo nights in a row of deep sadness.) I have also been to Auschwitz/Birkenau. I commented yesterday to friends that manтАЩs Inhumanity is boundless.
The Auschwitz exhibit at the Reagan Library is quite powerful, especially the interviews of survivors placed throughout.
The dedication of land, skills, work, time and energy to produce grain being heartlessly destroyed is beyond terrible: wasting resources that could help people survive.......Putin will stop at nothing to succeed in his illegal war and destruction of Ukraine.
Yes.
The grain wasn't bound for Africa.
Source, please.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1333847/ukrainian-agricultural-exports-via-the-black-sea-by-country/#:~:text=China%20was%20the%20leading%20export,Spain%2C%20while%20Turkey%20ranked%20third.
Thanks. Not actually surprising, but good to know. It appears that a small part of Ukrainian grain might end up anywhere, but most went to China, Spain and Turkey.
For whatever it's worth, from Pepe Escobar covering the recent Russia-Africa summit:
"Putin showed how Russia holds a 20% share of the global wheat market. In the first 6 months of 2023, it had already exported 10 million tons of grain to Africa. Now Russia will be providing Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Somalia and Eritrea with 25-50 thousand tons of grain each in the next 3-4 months, for free."
"Putin detailed everything from approximately 30 energy projects across Africa to the expansion of oil and gas exports and тАЬunique non-energy applications of nuclear technology, including in medicineтАЭ; the launching of a Russian industrial zone near the Suez Canal with products to be exported throughout Africa; and the development of AfricaтАЩs financial infrastructure, including connection to the Russian payment system."
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230729/pepe-escobar-geopolitical-chessboard-shifts-against-us-empire--1112240929.html
That's a stupid lie. The destroyed Ukrainian grain wasn't bound for Africa. Only 2% of Ukrainian grain exports have gone to Africa. The biggest importers are China,Turkey and Spain:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1333847/ukrainian-agricultural-exports-via-the-black-sea-by-country/#:~:text=China%20was%20the%20leading%20export,Spain%2C%20while%20Turkey%20ranked%20third.
If Putin travels to a country that has signed up to the International Criminal Court (ICC), yes, he could be arrested. The US is not a signatory of the ICC.