• G8 leaders : Live 8 concerts : Iraq constitution G8 leaders : Live 8 concerts : Iraq constitution Belfast Telegraph, Northern Ireland – July 6, 2005 Thanks to the Live8 concerts and the preliminaries for the G8 meeting in
• G8 leaders : Live 8 concerts : Iraq constitution
G8 leaders : Live 8 concerts : Iraq constitution
Belfast Telegraph, Northern Ireland – July 6, 2005
Thanks to the Live8 concerts and the preliminaries for the G8 meeting in Scotland, the whole world should be aware of the chronic problems of Africa. Yet, as they gather today, there are growing doubts about the commitment of the leaders of the eight richest nations to introduce policies that would make a change. …
President George W. Bush has already scotched any idea that America is in a generous mood. With the US economy feeling the pinch from Iraq, he has declared that his primary purpose at Gleneagles will be to put America’s interests first, presumably in the belief that what is good for America is good for the world.
The other leaders will try to disabuse him, arguing for a collective approach to matters like aid to Africa and global warming, but they know the task they face, given America’s influence as the world’s biggest consumer and only superpower. Even Tony Blair, as the G8 president, has been warned not to expect any favours because of his uncritical backing for the war in Iraq.
Nevertheless, the public response to the Make Poverty History campaign and the Live8 events represents a challenge to the politicians that they would be foolish to ignore. …
If the G8 can only produce toothless documents, which members are free to interpret, it will be seen as the cosy, capitalist club that its critics decry. No one supports the mayhem that anarchists brought to the otherwise peaceful demonstrations in Edinburgh, but there is a strong groundswell – particularly among the young – for a fairer distribution of the world’s wealth, based on the human right to life. Politics, in general, is on trial this week.
Bergens Tidende, Bergen, Norway – July 5, 2005
It wasn’t hard to be jubilant during the weekend’s Live8 concert. But now both G-8 countries’ leaders and ourselves will be challenged to show whether we are willing to sacrifice anything at all for change. …
For many countries, debt relief means a badly needed economic freedom. But for many African countries, more basic reforms are needed. The rich countries can help with some changes. Others, the countries must carry out themselves: the battle against corruption and building institutions and democracy. …
The great challenge … is the debate on trade barriers. … Everyday, the rich countries subsidize agriculture with one billion dollars. These subsidies keep many of the poorest countries from building a foundation for managing without the sporadic, alms of the rich.
- Provided by the Associated Press
