Countries Changing Course
Pakistan
Stepping aside graciously just doesn’t come naturally to politicians. Pervez Musharraf’s resignation as President of Pakistan signals a new era for that country, perhaps to a more democratic, less authoritarian rule.
I suspect that most Pakistanis are relieved to have witnessed a somewhat orderly transition of power back to civilian authority. Raucous political fights are generally preferable to military coups.
Bolivia
The struggle between Bolivia’s new President Evo Morales and his political opponents over the distribution of wealth from the countries’ natural resources shows no signs of abatement. A twenty four hour general strike and rioting in states which oppose Morales have added to the tensions.
Bolivian police used tear gas to break up demonstrations in the eastern city of Santa Cruz. It’s difficult to see how Morales can govern effectively under these conditions even though he did recently survive a recall election.
Paraguay
While President Fernando Lugo of Paraguay enjoys greater support in his country than Morales, he also faces a variety of pressing problems. Paraguay’s new government under Lugo hopes to re-distribute farm land that was given to friends of the former dictator Alfredo Stroessner. Stroessner’s cronies were rewarded with around 20 million acres of land during his thirty five year rule. Paraguay’s new leaders won’t get that land back by simply asking.
Lugo hopes to also fight government corruption and improve living conditions in his country. While Lugo has many challenges, Paraguay’s peaceful transition away from a political party that has dominated the nation for decades is another positive sign for this region of the world.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:37 am
[...] pockets don’t necessarily suggest a lack of skills. Thanks to Dr. Yunus, growing companies in poor countries now have access to the type of resources they could once only dream [...]