Pakistan
2020 might be the year that I complete drafts and unfinished posts. Here’s one from last February.
In 1971, the last time India and Pakistan waged war, neither country possessed nuclear weapons. In that struggle, India helped East Pakistan achieve its independence and become the nation of Bangladesh. This time, the unresolved dispute is Jammu and Kashmir. This clash is genuinely terrifying because both nation's have large arsenals of atomic warheads, and the means to deliver them.
Seven Pakistanis, including six police and the driver of a bus carrying match officials, were killed in Tuesday's attack on the Sri Lankan team as it was being driven to the Gadaffi Stadium for the third day of a match against Pakistan.The BBC:
The second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been called off following the attack on the bus carrying the tourists' team in Lahore.BBC: Pakistan faces loss of cricket tours
"Cricket in Pakistan is over for some years, I would believe," said former Pakistan captain, Sarfraz Nawaz.The Independent: Sri Lankan cricketers wounded in Pakistan attack
Former England cricketer Dominic Cork, who was also caught up in the attacks, called for international cricket to boycott Pakistan.BBC: Lahore bus driver's dramatic escapeCork, who was working as a commentator for Pakistan TV, told Sky News: "I don't think international cricket should return to this country.
"I won't be coming back here while I'm still living, there is no chance."
The Guardian: How the attack took place (interactive feature)
BBC: Hunt for Lahore cricket attackers
BBC: Pakistan cricket future in doubt
BBC: [Referee] Chris Broad's eyewitness account of Pakistan attacks
The Times: Heroics of blood-splattered Chris Broad who protected umpire during attack
The Times: Angry Chris Broad says cricketers and officials were left as 'sitting ducks' by Pakistan
So this is how democracy dies - in two fragile democracies.
In Kenya, the rioting and violence related to the nation's contested election was taken to a new level when a mob torched a church where people tried to escape the chaos. Over 30 civilians, including many children, were killed. The UN ought to join the US and EU in calling for an internationally monitored recount and/or independent investigation of the election.
In Pakistan, the general election scheduled for January 8th, has now been called 'impossible' to hold as scheduled by the nation's election commission. A postponement would almost certainly provoke international criticism and more violence on the streets.
