RE: war

[John MacRitchie]

I do have to ask - why all the focus on the US its deeds and misdeeds.

The Balkans are much closer to good number of wealthy European countries
that (to my recollection) could not seem to get their act together to do
anything effective.

In Rwanda, the UN had peacekeepers on the ground - Belgians that were killed
when thing went to hell.  The Canadian commander on the ground saw what was
coming tried to get more support for personnel, materiel and most
importantly clear orders to act from UN.  None were forthcoming to the shame
of all of us.  Rwanda was a UN show, the US was understandably on the
sidelines after the fiasco in Somalia.

Each situation is unique and none of us have clean hands in all this.  If we
got focused on solving some problems, not waiting or debating on what the US
might or might not do, I think our time would be better spent.  And a
willingness to act might also reduce the influence - good, bad or
indifferent - of the US which has become too easy a target for individuals,
groups and governments to cover their own ineptitude and corruption.

John MacRitchie
PC 76-78