Welcom to Mesr (Egypt)!

Week one of orientation has been colorful to say the least. Biggest protests in years in Egypt have been happening the past two days in the aftermath of the success of the Tunisian protests. I have had a general feeling of uneasiness since being here; however, I would attribute that to general culture shock. The past two days, I have felt much more uneasy because of the level of high alert as a result of the protests. There is energy in the air. The Egyptian people have taken to the streets. They are asking, begging for change. Fathers and mothers are on the streets with their young children. Businessmen are heading out to protest during their lunch break; however, no change has happened. From the perspective of a non-Egyptian, it doesn’t seem like much more will happen. The energy is there, but as the government noted the protesters have not made their demands “clear.” This is a huge barrier to making a difference; however, who could really blame them for not making their demands clear. In a country with over 40% illiteracy and a high percentage of people under the poverty line, I can imagine why it is difficult to express their demands. Just take a tour bus to the pyramids and you will see poverty firsthand. You will see children picking cabbage in polluted fields and selling postcards barefoot to tourists from around the world. Further, the level of corruption is so high and so common that overthrowing the current government will not be enough to make a difference. In order to make a long term change, the Egyptian people must work to address these fundamental problems. While the protests are an amazing start to change, an equally important step would be for Egyptians to change their society day by day. They must refuse to accept corruption, educational inequity, and the appalling level of poverty in the city and countryside. By refusing to accept these things the people will undermine the government’s power and garner support from nations and people around the world. Yalla, ya Mesr!

Child Soldiers in Northern Uganda

Since the Civil War between the Government of Uganda (GoU) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) began in Northern Uganda in 1986, the humanitarian situation in the region has become dire. Though the citizens of Northern Uganda have all experienced the effects of the Civil War, children have been the most affected, as thousands have been abducted and forced into a life as child soldiers in the LRA. As the conflict continues, the human rights of children in the region are constantly in danger.

Civil War

Since 1986, the GoU has been involved in a Civil War with the LRA movement, which can be traced back to a woman named Alice Lakwena who believed the Holy Spirit spoke to her and ordered her to overthrow the GoU. (Invisible Children) When Lakwena was exiled, Joseph Kony, who claimed to be her cousin, took control. Because he lacked support, Kony and the LRA resorted to abducting children and indoctrinating them into their ranks beginning in the late 1980s and continuing today.

Recent Peace Process

The Juba Peace Talks between the GoU and the LRA commenced in 2006 and concluded in March 2008 with the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) which secured a cease-fire agreement and facilitated valuable discussion about the need to address political and economic problems in the region. (World Vision) They were conducted with EU, UN, and US support in addition to Southern Sudanese government mediation; however, they failed because Joseph Kony refused to sign, as signing would cause him to lose power and face arrest for human rights and war crimes.

Child Soldiers

The LRA attacks villages and displacement camps to abduct children for their ranks. The children are forced to commit acts of violence including cutting off hands, ears, or lips of individuals alleged to be allied with the GoU. (World Vision) The children are as young as eight, and include boys and girls, used to work as child soldiers, or to serve as “wives” of rebels. (United Nations) Since the start of the Civil War, it is estimated that 30,000 to 66,000 children have been kidnapped. (World Vision) Joseph Kony’s waning legitimacy and support from the citizens of Northern Uganda have caused him to resort to the abductions. Since over 90% of the LRA are abducted children, it is evident that the movement is dependent on child soldiers.

Individual v. Collective Rights and State Sovereignty

Understanding the debate between individual and collective rights as well as state sovereignty are key to realizing an end to the conflict. For those who value individual rights, there is motivation to take steps to protecting and restoring the rights of the children in Northern Uganda, child soldiers or otherwise. For those, like the GoU, who value collective rights, there is little motivation to take steps to protecting the rights of children when that might mean compromising political and economic stability, security, and funding available to the rest of Uganda. State sovereignty is important to consider when determining the amount of international presence and pressure in Uganda. Though there is genuine international interest in protecting the human rights of Ugandan children, there is also interest in protecting the sovereignty of the GoU to make decisions about its own country. This presents challenges in the distribution of international aid and peacekeeping.

Past and Current International Responses

The EU, US, and Canada have responded to the crisis in Northern Uganda through domestic legislation, diplomatic support, and humanitarian aid. (Invisible Children) In 2005, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Joseph Kony. The UN has coordinated aid and support for the 2006 Peace Talks; however, peacekeeping forces have not been provided. (World Vision)

Non-Governmental Organizations The most active NGOs in Northern Uganda are Invisible Children, Resolve Uganda, and World Vision. Invisible Children is committed to seeking sustainable solutions to foster an environment that encourages peace, including educational and economic development. (Invisible Children) Resolve Uganda is concerned with political collective action to end the war. (Resolve Uganda) World Vision began working in Uganda in 1986 and has secured sponsorship for more than 112,000 Ugandan children to ensure their welfare and futures. (World Vision)

Government of Uganda’s Actions In 2008 the GoU, DRC, South Sudan and the Central African Republic launched an attack on LRA strongholds within DRC. (Invisible Children) The GoU has not actively given priority to protecting, rescuing, or rehabilitating children from the LRA, despite national and international laws guaranteeing their basic rights. (World Vision) Police and judicial infrastructures, crippled during the war, are unable to address high rates of sexual violence and other crimes. (World Vision) Though the GoU has created a framework for redeveloping conflict-affected areas, the continued lack of implementation has prevented educational and economic development from occurring. (World Vision)

Future Response I would advocate for a 5 pronged attack: (1)International Engagement and Peace Process, (2)Prevention, (3)Rescue and Rehabilitation, (4)Reconciliation, (5)Economic Development.

The first step towards bringing an end to the issue of child soldiers in Northern Uganda, is bringing an end to the Civil War. Engagement from world leaders could lead to the end of LRA violence and prevent additional children from being used as soldiers. Increased political pressure from citizens of the free world will be required for government and UN action. (Resolve Uganda) Americans have succeeded in lobbying Congress and the US Department of State; however, ensuring that the government follows through on promised actions is necessary. Grassroots advocacy and information sharing worldwide about the situation in Northern Uganda and other LRA-affected areas will garner support and consensus for the peace process. It is only through peace that the abducted children of the LRA will have a chance to lead lives with productive rather than violent opportunities. Even as international engagement is important, ultimately, the responsibility for future stability and the protection of human rights in Northern Uganda falls on the GoU. Following the examples of the Rwandan end to genocide and Sierra Leonean post-conflict rehabilitation of child soldiers should be referred to in order to obtain lasting and meaningful peace.

Conclusion It is critical to bring an end to the human rights violations of children in Northern Uganda. A result of the Civil War, child soldiering will end when the war ends. The GoU has taken limited steps to bringing an end to the conflict and towards protecting and restoring the rights of Ugandan children. Similarly, the UN has not taken a satisfactory role in the peace process. Increased UN presence and assistance will bring hope for swift and sustainable peace.

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php

Women's Rights in Afghanistan

Some argue that focusing on women's rights should not be a priority; however, it will be impossible to end the insurgency without improving the role of women in a society which sees “two women…as equal to one man.” (A Woman Among Warlords) At one time, women experienced great freedom in Afghan society, including economically, domestically, and politically. In “Kabul and some other cities, some girls are now able to go to school, and certain jobs are available to women, but this is the situation of a fortunate minority.” (A Woman Among Warlords) However, as a result of decades of war, the role of women in society has been greatly damaged.

First and foremost, the rights of women must be improved in their homes. Laws such as the one passed in 2009 which allows for marital rape and food deprivation, do not show support for the rights of women in marriage. Why would individual husbands and communities show respect for women’s rights when their own government does not? Such legislation is reinforcing the adage that “killing a woman is like killing a bird.” (A Woman Among Warlords) Officials like President Karzai and his wife Zeenat must set a positive example for Afghan society by showing how a husband should treat his wife with proper respect. Zeenat should consider traveling to villages and speaking to communities about the importance of education for young girls as well as against domestic violence and rape.

Since the early 20th century, “women in Afghanistan were encouraged to work in many professions”; therefore, tapping into the talents of those women who already have experience working in business, education, or medicine will establish a foundational workforce that will lead the way for future generations. For those who do not possess such skills, the first step should be ending the perils of “many Afghan girls…who know only work and subservience from a very young age." (A Woman Among Warlords) The role of microfinance could be very beneficial in empowering women who have been found better able to manage money than their male counterparts. Sarah Chayes’ current endeavors as a soap maker are a good example of a project that Afghan women are capable of doing.

Politically, women need to be granted protections in voting and running for office. Though, as Malalai Joya points out, a “person’s ideas and character matter” more than gender, “seeing women in leadership positions can give young girls hope.” (A Woman Among Warlords) Elevating the rights of women in political positions has been beneficial in other post-conflict nations, including in Rwanda where women make up over 50% of the government. The current political structure in Afghanistan leaves out a multitude of potentially successful groups including women.

For more information on this topic, please read "A Woman Among Warlords" written by Malalai Joya, an Afghan woman who refuses to settle for failure in Afghanistan.

The "war on terror"

In the name of the “war on terror,” a bomb was dropped in Waziristan this morning, May, 8, 2010, killing three and wounding many more. One must ask how this attack has impacted the war on terror. Has an attack which may have killed an individual terrorist along with civilians garnered support for the war, or is it creating enemies? Will those affected by the attack praise the actions of the US and its allies or turn to the side of the Taliban and extremist forces at work in the region?

Honestly answering such questions brings to light the need for alternative offensives in the war on terror. Alternative “offensives” could include improving education, democratic institutions, and women’s rights, as well as combating corruption and encouraging transitional justice. Focusing on such efforts would give the people of Afghanistan alternatives to joining the Taliban and would lead to long lasting, meaningful development and change in the region. Additionally, focusing efforts on curbing the power and meddling behaviors of the Pakistani government and ISI will go a long way in proving to Afghanistan that the world is willing to give them a chance to stand on their own two feet.

Future US Diplomatic and Intelligence Actions in Fighting the Worldwide Jihadist Threat

Diplomatic Relations

President Obama’s speech to the Muslim community in Cairo during 2009 set the stage for improved diplomatic relations with Muslims worldwide. While we have increased diplomatic presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is still a great need to improve upon diplomatic relations with other Muslim nations. Most notably, the Department of State must more publicly hold Muslim nations such as Sudan and Saudi Arabia accountable for their human rights violations and their willingness to harbor jihadists and extremist clerics. Similarly, the US must begin to listen to the cries of jihadists and Muslims worldwide who view the atrocities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as an extension of the United States. While it may not be politically beneficial to hold Israel accountable for its violation of UN sanctions and poor treatment of Palestinians, in the long run, making a clear distinction between the US and Israel will go a long way in winning the hearts and minds of Muslims worldwide. Focusing our foreign aid and efforts on developing areas of the Middle East other than Israel will signal the rise of a more balanced US foreign policy.

As the US government has expressed concern over Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities, it may be time to reconsider the choice to completely sever diplomatic relations with the country. Though controversial, initiating diplomatic relations with Iran will allow for greater political influence and recognition of the growing discontent and call for democracy by Iranians. Similarly, increasing diplomatic relations through what Secretary Hillary Clinton calls “21st Century Statecraft” will expand US influence on groups which are not as accessible through traditional channels of diplomacy. By focusing on gaining the support of the current and future leaders of the Middle East, the US will experience better relations in the short and long term. Utilizing technology and the worldwide web will counter the spread of jihadist ideology and recruitment through these mediums.

Human Intelligence

As seen by the recent “Christmas Day Bombing” attempt and a suicide bombing of a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan which killed 8 CIA employees, there is a need to improve the human intelligence aspect of our fight against jihadists. There have been significant failures since even before September 11th in the ability of the US intelligence agencies to share and coordinate information concerning terror plots. Appropriately combining the efforts of the CIA, DHS, DoJ, DoS Bureau of Diplomatic Security, FBI, and NSA will go a long way in protecting the American people.

While we have avoided an attack on US soil since 2001, we must continue to be vigilant, making prevention of an attack of the utmost importance. We must also prepare ourselves and the American public for the fact that a terrorist attack in the US is imminent—a question of “when” rather than “if.” The CIA had virtually unlimited autonomy in its activities during the Cold War and conversely extremely limited autonomy during the Clinton administration. The relationship between the US government and the Agency must take a more balanced approach to funding and oversight in order for it to be effective while avoiding “blowback.” By improving the ability of intelligence agencies to conduct their human intelligence activities, we will better be able to analyze and prevent future attacks. Though the political tides in Washington may change, consistent support for the intelligence community both financially and politically is imperative
Continuing strategic relationships with foreign intelligence agencies including the Jordanian Intelligence Agency and the British MI-5 and MI-6 will be beneficial to intercepting and thwarting threats. Conversely, greater discretion needs to be taken with the Pakistani ISI and the Saudi GIP. Using discretion will prevent Pakistani and Saudi government and military officials who are sympathetic to the Bin Laden and the Taliban from foiling US intelligence and military actions against al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Don't let anything steal your JOY

MY MOM AND I IN FRONT OF THE WHITE HOUSE ON THE 4TH!

4^th of July in the nation’s capitol was so memorable. I was blessed with the presence of my mom, aunts, and family friend Sally. The fireworks on the national mall illuminating the Washington monument was unbelievable. Our weekend was filled with fun laughs and new adventures, including our double-decker bus tour that put us in danger of being knocked out by low branches and OF COURSE, a trip to Georgetown Cupcake :). Our most unusual activities included the Georgetown dog parade and going to the White House Visitor Center’s CHILDREN’S activity during which we wore patriot hats and pretended to be part of the Continental Congress that ratified the Declaration of Independence. After having guests I realized how I have truly become well acclimated in a new city!

JULIA AND I AT THE GEORGETOWN DOG PARADE

MY FAMILY AND I AT LA TASCA IN CHINATOWN

This past weekend I realized that I have moved past the tourist stage as I ran into people around DC whom I had met since arriving here. A friend from Pittsburgh came to visit me last weekend. He and several other of us in DC met two years ago in Philadelphia through the Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Program. It was fun to reunite for a fun filled weekend. We had a full weekend with dinner, karaoke, salsa dancing, a 4.5 mile hike in the Shenandoah Mountains, a rooftop party and a short trip to the farmer’s market all between 5pm on Friday and Sunday at noon! I have had very eventful weekends (and weeks) including a trip to the movie theater for the midnight showing of Bruno—highly inappropriate yet hilarious moments.

FELLOW WASHINGTON CROSSING SCHOLARS

ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS WE SAW ON OUR MOUNTAIN HIKE

I continue getting closer with my roommates which has been great! Out of all of my experiences here, I have most consistently enjoyed them! We had our biggest setback last week when a mouse popped out from behind the stove. It freaked me out as I stood on the couch and screamed. Julia told me to stop screaming followed by her short panic. We came to the conclusion that we couldn’t kill the mouse because we are vegetarians and mouse traps are animal cruelty. So…we just scrubbed the kitchen and have been sanitizing things more frequently, cohabitating with who Katie calls “Stewart”.

Work has been pretty slow, but I have had some cool opportunities that I am thankful for. First, I have been able to attend an Arabic language table during lunch. People who speak Arabic have very interesting backgrounds and having a sign at our lunch table that says “Arabic Table” in Arabic attracts some interesting people from future translators to missionaries to a man born and raised in the Gaza Strip! I was also given the opportunity to go to the Saudi Arabian Embassy to learn about the culture and the people of Saudi Arabia. It was a beautiful embassy, and I got to ask some “politically charged” questions of the PR person, all of which he answered skillfully. A highlight of my time at the State Department came when I was able to see Secretary Clinton speak at the employee Town Hall meeting last Friday. I admired many of her remarks and her great interest and interactions with employees and interns who had questions and comments.

My time here has brought me so many happy moments. However, for some odd reason I have been thinking almost daily about the Bible verse that says “consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of any kind because we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2) Now I know that I was thinking of this verse because I was about to face an emotional trial… I had a bit of a setback yesterday which was really unexpected. Today my attitude was seriously impacted and consumed by the issue, but when I left work that verse kept scrolling through my head. I decided to work out to a different playlist (Bob Marley). Listening to a song called “Positive Vibrations” actually relaxed me. I had been thinking all day that I need to be positive but didn’t know how to pick my mood up. The workout helped! When I walked out of the gym, I felt an amazing peace and then…got half off at Qdoba! Today is significant to me because I feel that I have matured so much since last year. It was through the trials I had last year that I learned to deal with unexpected trials. Today I felt the verse is true…I have developed “perseverance.”

Be encouraged when you read this and know that whatever trials you are facing are for a reason. Remember, a trial today might be just what you need to face a trial tomorrow!