Ahmadinejad has been criticized by many for his actions at the funeral of leftist leader Hugo Chavez. In Nigeria, the militant extremist group Boko Haram is a constant threat to stability, but the government and President Goodluck Johnathan are not doing a good job of portraying stability and trust either.
What do you think? In what ways does this illustrate COGOPO concepts about LDCs and NICs?
The fact that a man can be pardoned for stealing millions of dollars after only two years in prison is simply ridiculous. Putting it into perspective, a serious theft crime in the United States could lead to a sentence of 12.5 years, which would probably be extended for a crime like this. This article serves to show just how corrupt Nigeria's government is, that being BFFs with the president can make stealing millions of dollars okay. I think this also illustrates a corrupted government maintaining its legitimacy with bribes and favors to its most important supporters.
ReplyDeleteMaintaining its legitimacy amount its most influential/powerful supporters, not legitimacy in general
DeleteThe article about money laundering in Nigeria exemplifies many of the problems faced by developing countries. It is also an example of e corruption that can be found within an illiberal democracy. In this situation, the pardon was given not because the criminal was fount innocent but rather for the president's own political ambitions and desire to stay in power. This story is newsworthy largely because Nigeria possesses oil which is important to the rest of the world. The political stability of Nigeria is linked to the oil that is potentially available for other countries.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably one of the most hilarious stories I have ever read. I think in this instance it demonstrates the close bond between Chavez and Ahmadinejad as people, but the not as close bond between their governments. Iran is run by an Islamist leader, the ayatollah, so it makes since that such a religious leader does not agree with befriending to a great degree leaders of infidel nations, like Venezuela.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is hard for me, as an American, to understand why the photo of Ahmadinejad hugging a distressed mother would be controversial, the fact that someone would be willing to doctor a photo to show this illustrates a typical slanderous effort that occurs internationally (such as the faked photos of UK soldiers abusing Iraqis). It emphasizes the discontent some citizens feel with their leader and shows the intense connection between religion and state.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see that not only is there tension between Ahmadinejad and the high ranking religious officials but that this isn't really a new thing. They went to great lengths to try and preserve his image, but ultimately this could really hurt the relationship between the ayatollah and the president .
ReplyDeleteBoko Haram is soo confusing in in terms of who they are. I wonder how they will attempt to become a more global group in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi guys! I'm Mr. Sharpe!
DeleteIn regards to the article about President Ahmadinejad, my TOK presentation actually dealt with the influence of digital technology in the media and how digital enhancements could cause a spread of faulty information throughout the media. If only this article was available in January, it would have been the perfect support to my argument. Ahmadinejad being a government official that is not appreciated among many other countries, this spread of false information is just another effect from the hate.
ReplyDeleteThe controversy over Ahmadinejad seems ridiculous that consoling is looked down upon and that others would take the time to photoshop another picture.
ReplyDeleteSome times people will go the extremes just to artificially create stories/rumors against people who do not share similar ideals. When the proof isn't available modern technology is always available.
DeleteThe news from Cameroon/Nigeria about the kidnapping of the French citizen demonstrate that these countries are LDCs because of the corruption and lack of freedoms. The capacity and autonomy of the state does not allow it to manage effectively the states.
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