Editorial
Internationalism in a flux
Set formulas wont work
The political rivalry between the two power contenders in Ivory Coast has plunged the country in total anarchy. Matters could have been solved peacefully if Luarent Gbagbo had conceded defeat to his rival. It could have been an instance of peaceful transition of power. That did not happen. Gbagbo instead persistently refused to accept the poll results. He defied warnings from his rival at home and leaders abroad. After a futile battle to cling to power and causing immense sufferings to his people Gbagbo now looks for a safe exit.
We are at a loss to understand as to why local or regional options of peace between rival political parties are not working. There seems to be a drought of persuasive processes to find indigenous solutions. International will is not working effectively either. Even having the UN forces stationed in Ivory Coast is not helping matters.
Leading global powers seem to be so preoccupied with themselves that they do not care for problems that they have no stake in. They seem to be going their separate ways. In a multi polar world, diverse political interests make it difficult to thrash out a solution to any problem allowing things to worsen.
Events in Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya are clear instances of how countries plunge into greater disarray following an intervention or through continuing civil wars. Unresolved conflicts weaken the state and bring severe economic hardship to people even in otherwise resourceful countries. In such circumstances, people are the worst victims.
It's time the leading powers and the UN together device an effective problem-solving mechanism that will be at the same time ideally suited to the local conditions with due regard to sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries in trouble. Imposing formulas from outside that the people of those countries can not own up to would do more harm than good to them.
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