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The Overview: 04.04.08

posted by John MacFarlane at 4h51 GMT on Apr 4

Africa: Uncertainty reigns in Zimbabwe, where nobody really knows how many seats any party has won, officially or otherwise five days after the election. Nobody knows what Robert Mugabe is planning, either: some reports have him stepping down if he is guaranteed immunity, but raids on opposition offices yesterday might be an ominous sign. Uncertainty, at least, is better than violence and chaos. In Kenya, the power-sharing government has agreed on a cabinet, which the Standard labels "bloated" with 40 members. Again, bloating is surely better than violence and chaos.

Europe: In more violence and chaos news, nobody is very excited about the top Turkish court's decision to hear a case about banning the ruling party, president and prime minister because they allegedly threaten the country's secular foundations. 

Asia: China's plans for a shiny, happy Olympics that avoided all of those pesky human rights concerns are falling apart long before the opening ceremonies. First various Tibet-related protests, and now public figures are withdrawing from the torch relay, including the BBC's top journalist. See also this piece from the NY Times Magazine.

 
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