More than 300 people have been killed and up to 100,000 have been displaced in Kenya following the country's presidential election. Pakistan continues to be in the news and the launch of the Gulf Cooperation Council common market were the other events that made headlines this week. These events were contemplated, analysed and commented on. We present here excerpts of editorials from the regional and the international press.
Kenya violence
In one of Africa's most stable democracies, post-election violence has spread across the country and is threatening to turn into a tribal conflict. The flare-up started soon after President Mwai Kibaki was declared re-elected in a controversial result which was challenged by his rival Raila Odinga.
Commenting on the developments in the country, The Guardian termed it as "From fraud to tragedy". It suggested that before the ethnic violence turns worse, efforts should be made to find a process that would allow order to be restored. "A judicial review of the count, as suggested by five of the Election Commission of Kenya's commissioners is the most obvious measure that could be taken quickly. The ECK failed Kenya badly... Sustained international pressure should be brought to bear on Kibaki to ensure this review take place,"it added.
The Independent too criticised the Election Commission of Kenya for declaring the result and the US for rushing to congratulate Kibaki shortly after he was declared the winner. It questioned: "Why would America, a self-styled champion of democracy, make such a counter-productive move? The suspicion has to be that President Kibaki has been given leeway because he has been an ally in the US's so-called 'war on terror', providing support for American operations against militants in neighbouring Somalia.
Yet this is grossly short-sighted behaviour by Washington. Kenya has been an oasis of stability and economic growth in a blighted region. But it will not long remain so unless the international community supports genuinely democratic forces in the country."
Pakistan turmoil
After last week's assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan is limping back to normalcy. President Pervez Musharraf has given in to domestic and international pressure and has sought the assistance of Scotland Yard to probe the killing of the former prime minister. Elections too has been postponed to February 18 and Benazir's 19-year-old son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been anointed as her successor to the leadership of Pakistan People's Party.
Washington Post said that a delay in elections should be used to ensure that they are democratic - and not to bolster President Musharraf.
"With the unfortunate backing of the Bush administration, Musharraf has repeatedly acted in recent months to save himself at the expense of Pakistan's best interests ... The election postponement, evidently intended to diminish a potential sympathy vote for Bhutto's party, increases the risk that Pakistanis will take their discontent to the streets. Fortunately, Bhutto's husband, Asif Ali Zardari, urged her supporters yesterday to "be peaceful and express their anger through their ballots".
GCC Common Market
January 1 will be a historic day for the Gulf countries. The six countries which comprise the Gulf Cooperation Council have now come more closer together with the establishment of the Common Market.
Remarking on the importance of the event, Arab News said: "For the first time, reality has been given to the aspirations and vision of those who recognise that only by forming a viable and vibrant economic bloc can the six member states look forward to a prosperous, industrially diversified future."
