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10 Apr 2011 20:34

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World: Jacob Zuma throws himself head-first into Gaddafi dramarama

  • The brother leader’s delegation has accepted the roadmap as presented by us. We have to give cease-fire a chance.
  • South African President Jacob Zuma • Pushing to get folks to back a peace plan that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has agreed to. The plan, which could lead to a cease-fire, may be just what Libya needed. Now we’re sure Zuma, representing the African Union, probably has a better handle on Gaddafi than most, but we’re going to say that this probably isn’t going to be particularly effective. And Zuma has a history of backing a soft-pedal approach to leaders that probably don’t deserve it. Robert Mugabe for starters. We’re sure Morgan Tsvangirai feels pretty good about Zuma’s help in that situation right now. source

01 Apr 2011 23:12

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World: Libyan rebels issue ceasefire demands

  • The necessary concessions are laid out: Protests against Muammar Gaddafi must continue safely, as must a process to replace the longtime dictator be agreed upon, if the Libyan rebellion is to halt its fight. The offer has already been rejected by the Gaddafi government, but this does have interesting implications for the reported mounting defections. The more the rebellion strikes the pose of a unified front with organized leadership and goals, as they have here, it may turn up the pressure on officials mulling whether they can ride this out or not. Also, it’s heartening from a foreign relations standpoint to see a few American flags in that crowd at the end. source

28 Jul 2009 12:36

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World: Hamid Karzai’s peeps say one thing, the Taliban another

  • The government is pleased A mouthpiece for Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai said a ceasefire has been negotiated in northwestern Badghis province for the election. It’s a first, and they’re calling it a model for maintaining the peace across the country. Score!
  • The Taliban is coy Afghan journos talked with a local militant, and he confirmed it all. The catch: one of the Taliban’s main spokesmen, Yousuf Ahmadi, vehemently denied the truce, saying, “With the government, we have no ceasefire.” That’s awkward.
  • The election is happeningThis leaves us with an election that is still happening August 20 and may or may not involve some sort of deal with the Taliban. Maybe. If it did, that would be sweet. If not, then some polling stations might be havin’ some major issues. source