Quote Originally Posted by Banquo's Ghost View Post
I would suggest that the tragedy in the Ivory Coast deserves more than a one-line throw away.

You are indeed right, however, that much of the world's media have been notably quiet on the matter.

The civil war there appears to have entered the endgame, with Gbagbo apparently suing with the UN for peace - or at least, for some degree of protection. I understand that French forces have been involved with some targeted strikes against the "government" forces. However, there are also reports that Gbagbo has changed his mind about surrender.

Since both the UN and France are there (perhaps someone could refer me to the authorisation for the French strikes - does it derive from the UN mandate?) the question about intervention is moot. What do Orgahs think will emerge from this vicious internal conflict? Will the southern support for Gbago be punished by the northern alliance that has brought Ouattara to the presidency - a legitimate but divisive win?
I think it's absolutely the right thing to do, and it sets the right precedant, unlike Gadaffi. The man lost a democratic election, but having been given ten months grace the local populace and the UN have lost patience, so now he faces helicopter gunships. This was the right point for the UN to intervene, rather than 20-40 years later.

And should the BBC Radio 4 news presenter who last night compared the situation in Ivory Coast with George Bush's controversial 2000 election win, be locked naked in the stocks with a radish up his fundament?
Can we make it an onion, and can we nail his ears to the headboard?