Prozac, Mr. Annan?

Despite someone having pumped Kofi Annan with a potent Red Bull and speed cocktail, then Crazy Gluing his eyelids open before propping him in front of BBC News cameras, he still manages to come across as numbingly lackluster. He’s on my TV, dispensing yet another one of his trademarked prosaic edicts: Free… Aung … San … Suu… (yawn!) Kyi …

I believe her release will facilitate national dialogue and allow the National League for Democracy to participate in that dialogue. I think it will be in the interest of Myanmar, the region and the world at large. It would also allow the government and the people not only to build the nation together, but to focus on the essential issue of economic and social development. For the democratic process and the reconciliation process to be truly successful, it has to be inclusive. And she has a role to play.

Atta boy!

I was going to call on Mr. Annan to make the same statement for the release of the imprisoned Ethiopian opposition leaders, journalists and civic movement members, but… whaddaya know? They have not been in prison for 10 years. It takes a lot to get Mr. Annan’s attention.

I need to have faith in Annan. Maybe we can highlight some of his successes? (Besides saccharine apologies after genocides.) Anyone?

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The New School for Social Research bestows Dr. Berhanu Nega with Distinguished Alumnus Award.

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