Here is the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/world/africa/06ivory.html?ref=global-home
The Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo has negotiated terms to step down, thus preventing what could have been an even more bloody conflict with France and the U.N. The article says Mr. Gbagdo's final decision was the, "culmination of a four-month standoff that has underscored both the strengths and limits of international diplomacy." While it is always ideal to use diplomacy over any violent means in combating the enemy, there are times like Gbagdo's refusal to give up power that push states to use violence. Similar situations can be seen in Lybia and Egypt where violence ensues and provokes a corrupt dictator to stand down.
Gbagdo and supporters see the U.S.'s support of France and the U.N.'s military strikes as part of their plan to undermine the country's "sovereignty." This may in fact be true, but this illegitimate leader fails to see his role in pushing these powers to take such actions. Do you think their is a "Western plot" to undermine the Ivory Coast's power? Or is their sole motivation in protecting civilians?
They mention the situation is in "flux," so I guess nothing is fully settled yet. Plus, Gbagdo's replacement, Mr. Ouattara, may not be the ideal leader.
--Alex Giersch
Ryan section: Friday, 11am
I do not think he stepped down to protect the civilians because if this was the case he would have done it before this and not get this issue on this bad of terms. I think it is to undermine the Ivory Coasts power because as they stated in the article he's still playing games and nothing will be solved until he is prosecuted.
ReplyDeleteKate Fitzgerald
Armel 10:00 am
I agree with you with, I don't think he is doing it to protect the civilians either. During that four-month standoff he didn't think about protecting the civilians, which should have been his sole duty.
ReplyDeleteHermane Louis ( Armel 10:00 Am)