Comments for notes from new hampshire http://caithowarth.wordpress.com comments on politics & conflict around the world Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:44:54 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Grid and a Gas Tax, Two Bits by Jamelle http://caithowarth.wordpress.com/2008/11/26/grid-and-a-gas-tax-two-bits/#comment-31 Jamelle Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:44:54 +0000 http://caithowarth.wordpress.com/?p=37#comment-31 Caitlin, you should post more often. Just sayin'. Caitlin, you should post more often.

Just sayin’.

]]> Comment on Mapping Violence and Probability in Kenya by caithowarth http://caithowarth.wordpress.com/2008/02/03/mapping-violence-and-probability-in-kenya/#comment-28 caithowarth Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:10:59 +0000 http://caithowarth.wordpress.com/?p=30#comment-28 Thanks for reading it. I was starting to stretch beyond the limits of the usual article size (well beyond it), so I didn't answer that question - definitely the stuff of the follow-up article. My short answer is that support from the UN (perhaps more so than NATO, but we should talk about that more) is undoubtedly necessary, and that Odinga's call for peacekeepers is actually quite a hollow gesture. He knows what the AU can and can't do, and they're already completely overstretched. But by making the call, he looks like he's on the right side and gives some politicians (including ours) the cover they need to do nothing and let the violence continue. Cynical, but probably true. Thanks for reading it. I was starting to stretch beyond the limits of the usual article size (well beyond it), so I didn’t answer that question – definitely the stuff of the follow-up article. My short answer is that support from the UN (perhaps more so than NATO, but we should talk about that more) is undoubtedly necessary, and that Odinga’s call for peacekeepers is actually quite a hollow gesture. He knows what the AU can and can’t do, and they’re already completely overstretched. But by making the call, he looks like he’s on the right side and gives some politicians (including ours) the cover they need to do nothing and let the violence continue.

Cynical, but probably true.

]]> Comment on Mapping Violence and Probability in Kenya by Kyle Atwell http://caithowarth.wordpress.com/2008/02/03/mapping-violence-and-probability-in-kenya/#comment-27 Kyle Atwell Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:33:13 +0000 http://caithowarth.wordpress.com/?p=30#comment-27 Great article, Caitlin. You bring up an important point, and I agree Kenya could spiral, even if an agreement is made at the highest political level. The situation may have already gotten beyond the control of the politicians. You argue, "To provide a lasting peace, Kenya needs widespread intervention now" I wonder who should intervene? Odinga calls for the AU specifically, but can the AU really pull a mission like this off? Probably not without extensive logistical and financial support from NATO or the UN, as is <a HREF="http://newsblaze.com/story/20080201081800tsop.nb/newsblaze/WORLDNEW/World-News.html" rel="nofollow">the case with Sudan</A>. Should NATO really be playing a role in these African missions? I would argue yes based on the idea that instability somewhere is a threat everywhere, including in NATO member states. However, I am concerned that the AU will begin to expect NATO help for future operations instead of developing its own capabilities. Already, the AU is requesting additional air support help for the AU mission in Somalia. Great article, Caitlin. You bring up an important point, and I agree Kenya could spiral, even if an agreement is made at the highest political level. The situation may have already gotten beyond the control of the politicians.

You argue, “To provide a lasting peace, Kenya needs widespread intervention now”

I wonder who should intervene? Odinga calls for the AU specifically, but can the AU really pull a mission like this off? Probably not without extensive logistical and financial support from NATO or the UN, as is the case with Sudan.

Should NATO really be playing a role in these African missions? I would argue yes based on the idea that instability somewhere is a threat everywhere, including in NATO member states. However, I am concerned that the AU will begin to expect NATO help for future operations instead of developing its own capabilities. Already, the AU is requesting additional air support help for the AU mission in Somalia.

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