ABSTRACT

 

Topic: An Unassuming Revelation: Cuba’s Social Policy towards the AIDS Epidemic

 

Authors: Michael Christie, Ph.D. Department of Engineering and Computing, FIU, Miami, FL

               Leroy A. Binns, Ph.D. The Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Studies, The

Union Institute, Cincinnati, OH

 

The thrust of the discussion is nestled in Cuba’s complimentary approach to the treatment of the HIV/AIDS virus.

 

In a comprehensive and comparative fashion the contents therein give credence to a developing nation that demonstrates expedience and emphasizes a history of continuity with remarkable results. The composition specifically assigns credit to two tenants namely the National Commission on AIDS and the sanatoria for curtailing the deadly disease on the island. In spite of controversy surrounding the latter the document details its significance in administration and education and lays the foundation for ambulatory service and special training.

 

Underlying the report is a journey that enlightens the reader to a process rich in application and outcome during a period in which the plague has transformed the Caribbean and Latin America community. Meanwhile it also speaks to a collaborative effort inclusive of government, medical agencies, laboratories and the public towards a common good.

 

The country nonetheless is not without its shortcomings and therefore monetary constraints and matters of confidentiality and discrimination are pivotal to the presentation. In fact an elaborative characterization accentuates a 50 year old commercial interdiction and bioethical interpretations as deterrents. Whereas the first contributes to an inability of the exchange of goods, services and information the other is arguably at the core of a debate on affordability and accessibility.

 

Against all likelihood a contrasting analysis of regional states inclusive of America aided with the utilization of charts and graphs documents Cuba’s astonishing success in restricting HIV/AIDS. The Cuban model as described is an exemplary work in progress but likewise the fulfillment of a socialist philosophy towards humanity.

 

Name of Conference: Ethical Issues in Biomedical Engineering

Topic Area of Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract

 

US Foreign Policy: A Declaration of Inconsistency

 

Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

 

An expose of two realities conveys similarities and vast distinctions - the latter uniquely identified by controversies surrounding the application of US foreign policy towards Vietnam and Cuba.

 

On display is an illustration of variation in treatment awarded by Washington to the recipients aforementioned. Albeit both entities suffered a comparable lot originating from adherence to a conflicting ideology Hanoi’s 19 year ordeal ended with the restoration of diplomatic relations with the White House. To the contrary Cuba with an equivalent system of government remains a pariah.

 

A descriptive analysis utilizing excerpts, figures and projections document commercial success and the lack thereof. In short an examination of a growing trading and investment partnership between the United States and Vietnam unveils prosperity visible in the form of expansion and returns. Further the essay articulates the importance of America’s endorsement of Vietnam’s membership to the WTO as such privileged association increases possibilities and advances favorable speculations.

 

The discourse nonetheless follows a path of disintegration as Cuba receives microscopic consideration. While embracing the socialist leadership in Vietnam it outlines Cuban seclusion.

 

Within the context of a global economy the discussion chronicles Washington’s archaic interpretation of Cuba and the severe consequences of such assessment. In essence restrictions to commercial activities with lineage to a 46 year old trade embargo add a perplexing dimension to the account - a disregard for moral and fiscal prudence.

 

With the inclusion of citations echoing American public support for congeniality accompanied by the academic and business community’s assumptions of lofty benefits from exchanges with Cuba the article questions the pertinence of a strategy lacking effectiveness. Moreover in light of comradeship with Vietnam the presentation also suggest overt prejudicial behavior in need of expeditious attention.

 

In accordance with the concept of democracy a proposal inspires a constructive engagement of government, professional and educational sectors to overcome this impasse and stimulate an evolution.

 

 

 

 

Abstract

 

The Post Cold War Syndrome

 

Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

 

In 1991 the world seemingly breathe a sigh of relief as the cold war finally came to an abrupt end. On December 25^th 1991 the president of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Mikhail S. Gorbachev formally announced his resignation thus terminating the status of the superpower to the East and possibly the ideology commonly known as communism.

 

For many political observers the stakes were high with regards to global stability. The shackles that had politically and economically crippled Eastern Europe and its satellite states causing devastation and unrest had now vanished and hope for democracy and free market economics sprang eternal.

 

America gained and coveted title of world protectorate yet the task at hand has proven itself to be beyond her wildest expectations Cultural differences and political turmoil aided in the creation of hot spots on the continents of Africa and Europe which have given unmatched meaning to military adventurism.

 

It will become obvious by disclosure that the circumstances surrounding the demise in Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, Chechnya and the former Yugoslavia are often times unrelated nonetheless collectively they portray the emergence of a new catastrophic rea void of solutions.

 

The countries’ conflicts depict ethnic cleansing of epic proportions, the massive destruction of commercial centers and rural districts and most unfortunately the starvation, torture and deaths of scores of their inhabitants. These tragic occurrences have accented indifference or an inability on the part of the United States of America to preempt the continuation of human destruction. Moreover it has clearly defined reluctance on the part of Western Europe, Russia, the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to resolve crises independent of US leadership.

 

Somalia is an illustration worthy of recognition. This sub-Saharan African state amidst anarchy failed to receive substantial assistance from the US, and the UN until world scrutiny became overbearing. To make matters worse the former’s relentless search for the previous head of state and faction leader Said Barre overshadowed the reconstruction of the Mogadishu government while the latter procrastinated to provide humanitarian aid hence resulting in the unthinkable.

 

Despite vivid revelations of recent disaster in Somali, Burundi and Rwanda suffered a similar fate. The US and the UN were not forthcoming with assistance. In fact Washington refused to engage the warring Tutsis and Hutus in the interest of peace and prosperity instead she grudgingly chose to operate under the auspices of a hesitant UN in supplying armory for peace keeping efforts. Both were also highly criticized for lethargic executions to nutritional and medical concerns.

 

In contrast to the above mentioned states, Chechnya which is geographically located within the borders of the Russian republic is comprised of the most homogeneous settlement. Nonetheless both distinctions have contributed to generic elements associated with political autonomy.

 

An attempt to procure independence from Moscow has tested president Yeltsin’s political intentions, most notably his unaccommodating approach to opposition. The national government’s resolution, the deployment of its army which consequentially climaxed into a major irreversible conflagration accentuates a lame Russia lacking the aptitude to resolve domestic disputes by diplomatic means.

 

The ongoing debacle in the former Yugoslavia may best serve as the archetype of failure within the international community. America’s premature acceptance of the newly created states of Serbia and Croatia, her hesitance to challenge the Bosnian Serbs and her imposition of an arms embargo against the Muslim minority in Bosnia have been contributing factors in the malaise. Equally as destructive is Russia’s unwavering support for the Serbs and Western Europe’s, the United Nation’s and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s indecisiveness to halt atrocities faced by mankind.

 

In short, this composition is intended to question the assumption being presented by the academic community with respect to successful world leadership.

 

 

 

 

Abstract

 

US Policy in Grenada and its Implications for Cuba

 

Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.   

 

Contrary to optimism and a political school of thought expressed by many social scientists in favor of a post socialist era in Cuba, it is the author’s contention that the substitution of communism with western democracy in Cuba could result in political and economic pandemonium akin to that experienced in Grenada.

 

In an attempt to support such hypothesis a comparative analysis accents pre and post revolutionary Grenada. The article notes the need for political transformation that aided in the removal of a corrupt Eric Gairy establishment and gave rise to its replacement, the Bishop regime. Information that later unfolds defines the philosophy and successful agenda of the New Jewel Movement which was in contradiction to US designs for the tiny island. Further US fabrication, continued resistance and infiltration of Grenada due to her leftist persuasion by the likes of the Soviet Union and Cuba all took its toll on a youthful government and are also integral components in the equation.

 

This essay evaluates the aftermath in US/Grenadian relations subsequent to the US staged invasion of Grenada and arrives at the conclusion that the political and economic climate had deteriorated considerably throughout the mid and late 1980s. A cogent illustration magnifies the perception that Washington’s abandonment of substantial investment to the island displays deception. Meanwhile a combination of foreign inaction and the local political parties’ inability to create the necessary mechanisms to enhance national growth resulted in a period of bedlam.

 

Given the sequence of events and America’s imperialistic objectives the composition subscribes to the theory that US/Cuban relations parallel US/Grenadian relations at various times during the 20^th century. Case in point is America’s attitude towards both countries when under the tutelage of alleged democratic personalities. Although questionable, the US sought to maintain a congenial relationship with the states under scrutiny through diplomatic and financial channels. However transitions were faced with propaganda and isolation. Grenada faced isolation following the extinction of Gairy while Cuba suffered an identical fate with the expulsion of Batista.

 

Other conspicuous characteristics do abound and are collaborating themes associated with this thesis. Grenada’s ties to the United States prior and subsequent to the revolution paints a picture of unequal partners of which the latter stands to benefit at the former’s expense. The same can be said with regard to Cuba during the Batista era. In essence both countries have experienced restrictions and on several occasions fiscal endorsements from Washington under the pretext of infrastructure, industrial and human development in an effort to attract the flight of foreign capital.

 

In short Grenada albeit disadvantaged by size and resource in comparison to her Spanish neighbor provides insights into a post communist Cuba. The island’s historical and political likeness to Cuba which includes unfortunate circumstances resulting from consistent and disingenuous American foreign policy is critical for examination.

The Haitian Dilemma

By: Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

Haiti once again made international news as the November 29^th general election resulted in the death of 35 citizens and the hospitalization of many others.

Although such outrage is not unheard of in poverty-striken countries these irate occurrences that led to the cancellation of Haiti’s first general election in 30 years demonstrate the fallacy underlying Western democracy. For many politicians and laymen alike the State Department helped to orchestrate the overthrow of Jean Claude Duvalier from office nearly two years ago but despite this symbolic gesture the US administration has continued to intervene in the internal affairs of the state by fabricating the procedures necessary for democratization. The US Under Secretary of State for Caribbean and Latin American Affairs Elliot Abrams has gained the endorsement of Caribbean leaders in an effort to dictate Haiti’s electoral format. Furthermore our government has also financed the electoral process and supervised it with US personnel with the hope of deciding its outcome.

As the issue unfolds so have varying speculations concerning the regrettable bloodbath and a plot of reversal by supporters of the deposed Jean Claude Duvalier made public by Secretary of State George Shultz, Congressmen Dante Fassell and Walter Fauntroy and King Henri Christophe University’s president Louis Nossin. However amidst confusion and inadequate organization by the junta’s electoral commission these accusations have been met with skepticism by most Haitian Americans. Instead in major US cities such as New York and Miami these transplants have voiced the opinion that US intervention over the years of the Duvalier dictatorship and throughout the transition period that followed provoked political turmoil within the state.

At present the US denies such charges and has therefore suspended $62 million in economic assistance for fiscal year 1988. Nonetheless she demanded the implementation of a new electoral commission and coerced the involvement of the Organization of American States in democratization of a sovereign state.

In summary over the past months bloodshed has ceased. Yet strong opposition to foreign intrusion which includes the withdrawal of attorney at law Gerald Gourgue, economist Marc Bazin and minister of religion Sylvio Claude from the presidential race, a surge in workers’ strikes and a 15% electoral turnout that supposedly brought Dr Leslie Manigat to power is evidence of an ongoing internal strife that leaves the Haitian political catastrophe unresolved.  

The Big Bang Theory

Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

During the twilight hours of January 6^th the United States once again took center stage as her war planes shot down two Libyan MIG 23s in international airspace off the coast of Tobruk.

Within minutes of the attack Libyan officials denounced the callous act and readily asserted that their aircrafts were reconnaissance planes on a routine mission. Meanwhile in a Pentagon briefing Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral William Crowe expressed the view that the Libyan fighters displayed “clear hostile intent” towards their American counterparts. Carlucci reiterated by saying that missiles were fired only after the planes showed signs of unfriendly aerial maneuvers. Nonetheless for many the clash within the Mediterranean was premeditated.

Ever since the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan US/Libyan relations have gone sour. The chronology of events reveal the following: The 1981 downing of the two Libyan warplanes alleged to have attacked US Navy F-14 fighters over the Gulf of Sidra, a US attack on several Libyan ships and a missile installation on Libyan soil and the bombing of Tripoli and Benghazi all of which occurred in 1986. As if that were just the tip of the iceberg the Reagan administration has now threatened to destroy a Libyan pharmaceutical plant she claims to be a budding haven for chemical weapons.

During a stormy period of allegations the US has accused Bonn of failure to investigate Imhausen Chemie, a German company aiding the Libyan venture. In addition the former’s distasteful attitude has caused commotion at the Global Conference on chemical weapons that recently convened in Paris. However although the Germans conceded that the firm in question assisted the Libyans in the construction of the controversial plant they denied there was proof to link her to an arms deal. By the same token while addressing delegates in the French capital Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze emphasized the need for evidence if Libya ought to be condemned whereas French and Greek regimes withheld judgment but cautioned America against premature actions.

As tempers flared Libyan Col Muammar Gaddafi has asked for and gained the support of Third World nations. Saudia Arabia much to the dismay of the United States has voiced opposition to the skytrain affair and has offered to mediate on behalf of both parties while countries such as Syria, Tunisia and Cuba to name a few have used the United Nations as a political forum to denounce US atrocities.

In spite of the fact that Herbert Okun, a US representative to the UN Security Council perceives America’s position as “a clear and unambiguous act of self defense” Libya’s assertion remains an issue. In the past America has admitted to her unwarranted involvement in naval exercises off the coast of Libya. Such acts could also be considered groundless especially when pondering staunch opposition to the plant’s closure due to lack of evidence.

Unfortunately a Libyan diplomat’s summation tells it all. “This is the Reagan administration’s notion of a goodbye celebration – the display of fireworks on foreign soil.”

Book Review

Title: Cuba Confidential – Ann Louise Bardach

Publisher: Random House - 2000

Author Ann Louise Bardach captivates an audience with poise and authenticity through the prism of a wrecked vessel and the least expected survivor and lead actor Elian Gonzalez. Like the investigative A&E television program City Confidential the plot is riveting in topography, villains and victims yet departs on interpretation of decency which is largely ascribed to political ideology, social experiences and geography.

The book revisits causation surrounding a failed and unauthorized attempt by two families and friends to travel the Florida Straits by boat to American prosperity. It accurately dissects each individual and contributes a descriptive tale of affection, comradeship and personal desires as the bedrock of this adventure that ran amuck. The story is relived by shipmates Arianne Horta and her boyfriend Nivaldo Fernandez but eclipsed by the emergence of the 6 year old boy and orchestrated by his handlers, grand uncle Lazaro Gonzalez, his uncle’s daughter Marisleysis, congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) and the extended Cuban-American community in Southern Florida.

Bardach uniquely hones her craft articulating the utilization of paternity to exasperate antagonistic flames towards the Cuban establishment. Central to this discussion is the role of the CANF, its founder Jorge Mas Canosa and Washington in alliances of ill repute unveiled by participants and techniques of a questionable nature employed to dislodge the Castro administration. The illustrious and ruthless leader of the Cuban government in exile who is incriminated by associates for countless encounters with known felons most notably drug dealers Rafael de Arce and Antonio Canaves and Bay of Pigs operative Luis Posada Carriles is quoted as saying, “We will never forget our friends and will always remember our enemies” and therefore unwaveringly thwarts an exchange of ideas on transition in Cuba.

Regrettably disparaging battles of admonishment were waged unsparingly against fellow Cuban-Americans who defied the odds in Miami as the foundation’s overwhelming power silenced many, permeated the airwaves and even the White House and the national legislature where it bore the rare distinctions of influencing American foreign policy with presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, William Clinton and George W. Bush and congressional representatives Robert Menendez, Robert Torricelli and company. Hence ironically the deportment of the accusers unmistakably embodies hypocrisy as malignant deficiencies of intolerance are hallmarks shared with their Caribbean adversaries. 

Not to be overshadowed by philosophical assertions is also revelation of family connections between members of the Cuban leadership in South Florida and Havana. Castro’s indifference and subsequent divorce from his first wife Mirta Diaz Balart, the sister of Rafael Diaz Balart a former cabinet member of the Batista regime and aunt to congressman Lincoln Diaz Balart and the sunshine state senator Mario Diaz Balart ferments personal vendetta towards the maximum leader.

Balanced assessments incorporate precision in analysis of Cuba through the lens of its messiah and local observers. Such invites extensive interviews seeking to untangle the web of an individual of privileged means and an incomprehensible personality; upper-class childhood, brilliant student, uncommitted father, philander, revolutionary and maniac.

A tapestry of Castro’s life relays an ambivalent relationship with family members, a disdain for the status quo, and efforts to micro- manage marriage simultaneously with application to political protest. Unsurprisingly despite age and the passage of time the polarizing commander in chief vocalizes with zest socialism, its accomplishments, shortcomings, the US propaganda campaign inclusive of assassination attempts and is unremorseful for executions and imprisonments in contradiction with principles of the revolution. Conversely others reference a system adherent to a personality cult and a psychopath clueless to reality by underscoring immigration and decay on the domestic front.

The writer artistically interweaves politics as an overarching theme in explicating the characteristics of the underworld and its links to government. Accounts provided by Posada charged the CIA as a covert instrument of recruitment and training for clandestine outfits namely the Junta Revolutionaria Cubana, the Cuban Representation in Exile and the Commandos of the United Revolutionary Organizations aimed at destabilizing Havana and aired his dubious past with Orlando Bosch a convicted terrorist and former governor of the province of Las Villas.

An extended network also engulfed Latin American safe havens and/or launching pads such as Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama and Venezuela, and surrogates Hernan Ricardo and Freddy Lugo, the accomplices of the 1976 Air  Cubana bombing and Frank Castro and Felix Rodriguez among others. Moreover in light of shifting currents in Grenada and Nicaragua, the Reagan-Bush presidencies received recognition for ambiguous endorsements and commitments as demonstrated by Secretary of State Alexander Haig, National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane to annihilate Cuba.

Following a crescendo that embroiled local fanfare and a fiasco fueled by the media, courts, defense attorneys and politicians the pronouncement of justice was met with a possibility for reflection. With the loss of political leverage and Elian’s return to his homeland the text reveals a political fallout and disintegration staged by Team Florida.

The once cohesive CANF displayed signs of fragmentation. Nonetheless an appeal for moderation aligned with the ascension of Jorge Mas Santos, the son of the late Mas Canosa was subject to reproach from former affiliates Radio Marti and Radio Mambi accompanied by personalities the likes of Ninoska Perez-Castellon, Alberto Hernandez and Jose Antonio Llamas and isolation by congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen’s former campaign manager and recent governor Jeb Bush. Further as anticipated the democratic party and particularly Janet Reno became instant targets for retaliation and later suffered humiliating losses at the polls in 2000 and 2002 respectively. In contrast victory on the island was punctuated with official events and rewards to the Gonzalez family. It was indeed a repeat of David versus Goliath as Castro triumphed over his archrival.

Cuba Confidential is a “must read” for scholars and laypersons as well. It’s thought provocative portrayal of comparable inconsistencies and extremes prevailing on both sides of the divide beckons for reason by moderators fixated on political identities and limited by distrust. 

Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor: The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
The Union Institute

All Hail to the Chief

By Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

Throughout the past two years Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev has continued to captivate the international arena with his charm and wits. His previous engagements with President Ronald Reagan have dealt a severe blow to the Stalin era and given added dimension to East/West relations. However as if that were not enough the General Secretary has left the world in awe once more with his zeal at the historic Soviet party conference.

At last week’s governmental exchange the first in 47 years Gorbachev aroused Soviet delegates by voicing disgust at a decaying Soviet economy but most importantly he called for significant transformation for perestroika to be realized. The Soviet leader’s aspirations included a loosening of party power on the daily affairs of government and industry, an introduction of democratic procedures to make political institutions more responsive to rank and file, increased power to councils that operate at each level of government and the rewriting of the legal code along democratic lines among others. Moreover much to the dismay of the Western press the televised event not only gave rise to the above mentioned recommendations but its aftermath. This spectacle entailed two unexpected requests for the ousters of one time minister of foreign affairs Andrei Gromiko and the number 2 party leader Yegor Ligachev for their inability to foster growth within the Soviet Union, a lengthy and profound debate between the latter and former party boss Boris Yeltsin in which both accused each other of groundless and mistaken tactics and equally as important a vivid account by Gorbachev that attributed Yeltsin’s failures to intolerance to party reforms.

In spite of these and other adverse political dissent among staunch party supporters, US news correspondents and politicians are nonetheless of the opinion that given the present mood existing within the Soviet political hierarchy Gorbachev’s insights may wear thin. In fact in a recent dialogue between Nightline’s Ted Koppel and ABC’s foreign correspondent Pierre Salinger the French newsman questioned the level of Soviet endurance in relation to democratic reform while on Capitol to Capitol the Speaker of the House of Representatives Jim Wright aired concern with respect to glasnost and its arch rival the old Soviet vanguard. Nonetheless political trends have released positive signals worldwide.

Gorbachev’s new thinking has began to transcend theoretical boundaries as he strives to enhance USSR/Third World relations. At present the Soviet leadership is removing troops from Afghanistan while coercing Sandinista/Contra negotiations. They are also engaged in conversation pertinent to the withdrawal of Cuban soldiers from Angola and the Middle East conflict. Across the Soviet empire their policies are weakening previous immigration laws thus allowing an increasing amount of Soviet Jews the opportunity to migrate to Israel and advancing freedom of speech as seen through the Armenians’ cries for self autonomy and promoting economic growth. By endorsing the INF treaty the Russians have secured large sums of revenue for agricultural and industrial sectors.

In short one assertion holds true; the summit has given the Soviets a mandate for change and thus created a new era of Soviet political discourse.  

A Cultural Revolution

By Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

The Chinese crackdown that allegedly took the lives of hundreds of students at Tiananmen Square has become the issue of the day.

According to the media following the massacre Chinese officials denounced what they called counter-revolutionary activities and henceforth proceeded to imprison organizers (ten of whom reportedly have been executed), expelled journalists and postpone a meeting of the national legislature that was scheduled to discuss student demands.

At home fearful residents sought refuge and overseas massive protests engulfed the island of Hong Kong and major cities in Australia, West Germany and the United States. Further foreign governments have shown dissent. The French and Swedes have relinquished diplomatic ties with China whereas the British and American administrations have halted their supply of military hardware. In fact pressure may intensify as congressional members such as Senator Pete Wilson and House Speaker Thomas Foley rally support for an end to the friendship status afforded the communist republic. New measures are also under consideration in other Western countries. The Canadian ambassador to China has been recalled for deliberation and dignitaries from Norway and Denmark have cancelled trips to the world’s most populous state till further notice.

News has it that the local youths were requesting legitimate rights, most significantly freedom of the press, freedom of speech and incorrupt government representation. As a matter of fact they were allowed to do so much to the embarrassment of a subdued regime. Not only were they granted the opportunity to deface the leadership during the visit of General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev – the first by a Soviet president in over two decades but the privilege of world coverage as they called for the ouster of the governing body until opportunism became evident.

Many academics will readily infer that the death of former party leader Hu Yaobang, a prominent supporter of change and previous student movement in the Philippines and South Korea ignited the demonstrations. They will even liken the above to the Cultural Revolution – Mao’s 1965 attack on secularism. However such assessment is preoccupied with regional politics.

In 1972 a Kissinger initiative was introduced. This venture created a historic thaw in US/Sino relations and resulted in an increasing transfer of goods and services between the respective states in the years that followed. Moreover it provided a vehicle for Keynesian thought and radical transformation on the mainland.

 During the past decade the project increased in statute. As students exchange programs developed Chinese immigrants were encouraged to uproot communism in their homeland. Meanwhile additional incentives incited entrepreneurs to alert the world of the eminence of Jeffersonian democracy in the Peoples Republic of China.

Presently the Bush administration has denied any involvement in the Chinese affair but its intentions prove otherwise. In an enclosed session Vice President Dan Quayle informed the Chairman of the Chinese legislature Wan Li of the necessity to reshape the Beijing household by replacing Deng Xiaoping and his loyal subordinates, President Yang Shangkun and General Qin Jiwel with the relatively moderate oustered communist party chief Zhao Ziyang and his reformers and thereafter stressed that decisive steps would be taken to keep the nation in line with America’s wishes.

The events up to date are unfortunate and must be promptly addressed by the Chinese authorities through constant consultation with its subjects and if necessary intermediaries that share a common interest. External involvement may also be useful providing diplomacy is advanced as the means to a peaceful solution.

Amandla!

Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

The Pretorian government gave the cliché, “Christmas comes but once a year,”a new meaning when she oversaw the release of the ANC most admonished leader Nelson Mandela.

Following uprisings in Tembisa, Elliot, Taylor’s Halt and Atteridgeville the de Klerk administration broke trends with the past and after 27 years lifted the ban on all black organizations, freed prominent nationalist leaders and abolished segregation laws.

Although the long awaited transition has been welcomed by the populace at large obstacles still abound. Most significantly there was fierce opposition from the minority conservative party that seeks to maintain the status quo. The problem also culminates with a government that was indecisive about the path to change.

As the spotlight hovers over South Africa, solutions are being echoed from various sectors within the society. On the first day of freedom Mandela voiced integration of blacks into the country’s political mainstream as the alternative while in a rare appearance with ABC’s Nightline correspondent Ted Koppel, President FW de Klerk in uncertain terms aired the possibility of adopting one of the many democratic models.

With upcoming negotiations between the government and her counterparts in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and representatives of the ANC and her affiliates, the abandonment of the state of emergency, the unconditional release of all political prisoners and the implementation of voting laws were some of the primary issues that set the stage for future discussions. However diehard elements continued to hold steadfast on matters of economic sanctions in attempts to solicit attention to promote an agenda.

As it stands the international community has continued to address the problem with zeal. Within the European Community all nations with the exception of Great Britain made public their intention to sustain economic sanctions against Pretoria until serious strides were mad towards equality. At the same time across the Atlantic the US Afro-American congressional caucus was seeking additional trading sanctions and fiscal blockades to bring the transfer of power to fruition.

The passage of political turmoil may nonetheless give rise to the Zimbabwean model - the institutionalization of black leadership at the hands of the country’s old oligarchy. Thus the South African majority must heighten her awareness for the days ahead.