Sudan : North and South

Fight for the Soul of the North

Fight for the Heart of the South

Al Jazeera's Coverage on the Sudanese Issue and South Sudan's independence

(Above are the links to some of the best documentaries I've watched on the Sudan)

To begin with this, as far as I'm concerned, Al Jazeera offers an exceptional coverage on Middle Eastern and African issues. Uniquely amongst major news websites, Al Jazeera has had the most through and comprehensive evaluation (both in prose and media) on the Sudanese issue, bringing out the multitude of perspectives on the issue, from civil society, military leaders, government leaders, youths and the private sector. 

On another note, I must say that from looking at all these different perspectives, from both North and South, I cannot but get the feeling that the reasons that led to separation can never truly be understood by any non-Sudanese. The extent of bitterness, pain and even anguish at separation cannot be truly felt unless one has had first hand experience of the turbulence of Sudanese history. The degree of emotional baggage and historical animosity must be something that all policy makers in Sudan, in Africa and in the diplomatic community must take into serious and deep consideration. For those who are curious, South Sudan achieved its independence on the 9th of July, 2011.

Flag of Sudan

Flag of South Sudan

I think to best understand the issue in Sudan, one really needs to watch the above two documentaries, "Fight for the Soul of the North" and "Fight for the Heart of the South". For the first documentary, it discusses the future of a diminished North Sudan, how its economy will cope with the loss of Southern oil and the potential political direction it may take. It raises the interesting question if Bashir will continue to remain in power and steer a Muslim majority Sudan further towards stricter implementation of shari'ah law and continued repression of other minorities in areas like Darfur, South Kordofan and the region around the Nuba mountains or will a popular revolution, like that of the Arab Spring, rise and topple the existing regime. It looks at the role of China as a powerful economic force and the possibility of China playing a major role in maintaining peace between the two Sudans. There is certainty a significant degree of sadness amongst common Northerners of the secession of the South. They disagree with their government's policy towards the South, and regret that, but at the same time, one senses the palpable fear amongst Sudanese of the Bashir regime. It also talks about the rise of Salafist Islam (the ultra conservative type as practiced in Saudi Arabia) and the potential of conflict with the more traditional Sufi form of Islam that is practiced by the Sudanese. This particular aspect strikes me most poignantly as it once again raises the issue of the impact of religious fundamentalism and its impact not just on national politics, but on regional politics and peace.

Map of Sudan

Map of South Sudan

The second documentary on the South discusses the various problems faced by the south. Poor infrastructure, years of devastation by war and widespread minefields, predation by marauding rebel groups from neighbouring states like by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the threat of intra-state conflict and a disintegration into a Rwanda style conflict between the 40 different tribes in the country. Only this time, it is not Hutu against Tutsi, but rather the Dinka and the others. It also raises the problem of press freedom and the fear by members of civil society on the fragility and threats against the nascent developing democracy. However, the notion of hope is not left out. There is indeed much economic potential in South Sudan, particularly in the field of agriculture given its fertile land. Indeed, the region of Equtoria has been called the "Garden of Eden". South Sudan's government clearly needs to maintain national unity, create a sense of equity and a system of power sharing amongst the different tribes and immediately begin infrastructure development in areas beyond the capital of Juba. Ultimately, the survival of South Sudan and its viability of the South Sudanese state is dependent upon the government's ability to maintain law and order and create favourable conditions for growth to take place. One now imagines the example of President Kagame of Rwanda and his efforts at reconstruction in Rwanda.

Khartoum, Capital of Sudan at night

Juba, Capital of South Sudan, aerial view

Oman Al-Bashir, President of Sudan

Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan

Indeed, someday when I'm older, I would greatly like to have the opportunity to visit both Sudan's and experience first hand the rich cultures and histories of both nations.

BBC: The Story of India

Rig Veda

I had first caught a glimpse of the documentary series on BBC Knowledge and was immediately struck by it. Since then, I've managed to watch all six episodes of the wonderful series and consequently, my knowledge of India has been vastly expanded.

I'll just do a quick summary of the 6 episodes below:

Episode 1: Beginnings

Traces out the migration of humans from Africa into the Indian subcontinent and the establishment of the first shoots of civilization in the Indus Valley. Discuss the variations of North and South India with the North being invaded by people from Bactria somewhere in Turkmenistan who called themselves Aryan. Also talks about the ancient text of the Rig Veda and how it was carried over from the Aryans and later entrenched itself as one of the 4 sacred Vedas of Hinduism.  

Episode 2 : The Power of Ideas

Sculpture of the Buddha from the Maurya period, found in Afghanistan

Mauryan Empire in 265 BCE

This talks about the conception and rise of Buddhism, really most enlightening (no pun intended) about the major concepts of Buddhism and how is spread across India. Also shares about the invasion of India by Alexander the Great and how this invasion inspired the founder of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta Maurya, the first empire to encompass the subcontinent and even lands in present day Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Afghanistan. 

Episode 3 : Spice Routes and Silk Roads

Caravan in the desert

Looking at the establishment of the trade routes across Eurasia, the linking up on Han China, the Roman Empire and with India at the middle of these two great civilisations. Talks about the Kushan Empire and the city of Madurai as a place of trade with the Greeks. 

Episode 4 : Ages of Gold

Temple in the Cholan Period

Talks about the scientific achievements in the Indian Golden Age like the discovery of the zero and calculating the circumference of the Earth. Also discusses the great civilisation in the south of the Chola Empire founded by Rajaraja Chola. Also talks about Tamil as the last surviving classical Indian language. 

Episode 5 : The Meeting of Two Oceans

The Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan, a Mughal Emperor

This talks about the arrival of Islam in India and the interactions between Islam and Hinduism in India. Also talks about the rise of the last great Indian empire, the Mughals. An interesting insight into Emperor Akbar and his conclusion that no religion could hold the ultimate truth and began on his quest to seek religious unity. 

Episode 6 : Freedom and Liberation

Gandhi, The Great Soul

Nehru, 1st leader of independent India

Jinnah, founder of Pakistan

This episode examines the British (the last invaders of India) and their empire in India and India's struggle for freedom. Gives an interesting if sad insight into the Indian Mutiny as well as the Amritsar massacre. Most interesting, (especially since we have learnt about the India-Pakistan conflict in IH), is the rise of Indian nationalism, of the rise of Nehru and Gandhi and Jinnah and the events that led to the Partition of India in 1947. 

Conclusion:

Today the subcontinent has been spilt into three separate sovereign states, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. What I've learnt from this documentary is not only much about Indian culture, history and its way of thought, but also of the reasons why Partition occurred. Though we might think that the Muslims and Hindus in India have long been at loggerheads with each other, this is shown to be untrue for the two communities have long lived together side by side in peace during the period of the Mughals. It was British colonial policy to register their new subjects by race that first created the divide. The eventually division of the subcontinent was an unfortunate one, coupled with much terrible bloodshed. Indeed, India's ability to constantly assimilate the knowledge it received from other civilisations but to maintain its own unique culture and history simultaneously is what perhaps evokes much admiration fro me. After all, I've heard of empires built upon the sword, upon money, upon power, but only in India have I heard of a civilisation build an empire based on the spirit.

Flag of Bangladesh

Flag of India

Flag of Pakistan

Diplomacy: A Singapore Experience by S Jayakumar

(Book Review No. 1 : Finished reading on the 30th of June 2011)

ISBN: 9789814266949

Price: SGD 34.78

I remember I had originally went to Kinokuniya to get a book on Chinese history for my grandfather. I was walking past the history section when I noticed this book by one of Singapore's most prominent politician and experienced diplomat, Prof Jayakumar. I had read some articles on the book in the Straits  Times and had made a mental note to read it so I decided to get the book. (In the end I totally forgot about getting that book for my grandfather. By a stroke of luck though, he had already bought it the day before but forgot to tell me!)

Diplomacy: A Singapore Experience

S Jayakumar taking questions regarding climate change in Cancun, Mexico

A book written by a man who had served as a minister in the various ministries, including that of foreign affairs was a book definitely not to be missed. Perhaps what enticed me most was that he had set out writing this book with the aim of allowing MFA officers to get a better understanding of the key challenges that Singapore faces and how we have sought to address them in the past by highlighting key examples in which Prof Jayakumar played an important role in. From ASEAN to our role in the UN, to our bilateral relations with states like Malaysia, Indonesia and China, he has sought to define our national interest and how we advocated and defended our interests even in the face of great power pressure.

A couple of things strike me most though:

1. Singapore's foreign policy is one of adaptation to changing international circumstances but with this change, we remain resolute in defending our core interests and constantly maintaing a coherent and unwavering stand when it comes to key issues.

2. That our foreign policy is geared very much towards economics and in helping Singapore advance its economic interests.

3. That foreign policy has to coordinated with our various ministries given the inter connectedness of issues and the concept of One Government that the S'pore government practices. 

4. That we constantly seek new opportunities by creating new initiatives that enhance our security and economic cooperation with other states as a means of protecting our sovereignty and creating new economic opportunities. 

5. That as a small state, we must actively seek to expand our diplomatic space through initiatives that connect us with various regions of the world and to use platforms like the UN to enhance our international standing.

MFA Logo

MFA HQ

Singapore's Embassy in Berlin, Germany

Singapore's High Commission in Canberra, Australia

Singapore's Embassy in Washington DC, USA

I personally found Part 1: Proactive and Creative Diplomacy and Part 3: Managing Bilateral Relations with Malaysia, Indonesia and China particularly interested. All in all, I highly recommend this book to all who would like a better understanding of Singapore's foreign policy and to those who would like to look at diplomacy from a diplomat's perspective. I eagerly await the day in which I can work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and continue the legacy of those first officers who put Singapore on the international scene. =D

Rating: 10/10

Flags at the UN, from left to right: Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia and Slovenia

Inside the Vatican (My Commentary)

I suppose the mysterious nature of the Vatican with its majestic temporal presence coupled with its spiritual significance to more than 1 billion people has always made me interested in the place. How is it run? What is it like inside? How does the Pope go about his day to day business in both secular and religious affairs? Furthermore, the fact that the diplomatic corps of the Holy See (the Vatican City is a sovereign state whilst the Holy See represents the Pope's episcopal power over all Roman Catholics) play an important part in the diplomatic scene have only make me more interested in the workings of the Vatican. After all, not many diplomats carry the title of Apolistic Nuncio or Papal Nuncio. 

Gallery of Maps ceiling decoration, Vatican Museum

St Peter's Square as seen from the basilica 

Pope Benedict the 16th (Pope Benedictus XVI)

This documentary by National Geographic gives one a unique insight into one I suppose is the most peculiar sovereign state in the world. Surrounded entirely by the city of Rome, with the head of state being the last absolute monarch in Europe and with a population of about 800 that is made up almost entirely by 3 main groups: the Holy See's diplomats, the cardinals, bishops and monsignors that work and run the Vatican and the Swiss Guard.  The documentary centres around two main events in the Vatican, namely the ordination of bishops and the beautification of candidates selected for sainthood. It shows how these events are planned out as well. Perhaps what I found most interesting were 3 main things:

1. The glimpse into the vast historical and cultural treasure trove that the Vatican possess with numerous priceless art pieces and the famous Vatican secret archives as well as the showing how a team of dedicated staff help maintain and preserve one of the greatest treasures on Earth.

2. The Swiss Guard, their duties, their history and their unique uniform

3. The diplomatic visits by world leaders to the Vatican

Flag of the Vatican City

Nuns with St Peter's Basilica in the background

St Peter's Square

Swiss Guard

Stalin once said "The Pope? How many divisions has he got?" But the true power of the Vatican and the Holy See as invested within the person of the Pope is not physical or military power. As an office of an elected monarch (elected by the Cardinals) along with his role as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope has immense spiritual and moral stature. Though this has been tainted by the recent spat of sex scandals that have smeared the Church, I believe that the mystic and unique nature of the Pope and the Vatican shall always remain a significant force on the international arena.

(Random Note: The Vatican is one of the top 10 places that I wanna visit =D )

The documentary is by National Geographic : Inside the Vatican

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/11/1118_vaticanmain.html

Speech for NJC's Leadership Symposium 2011

Speech by Linus Wong, Student Head for Leadership Symposium 2011, Address for the Opening Ceremony of National Junior College’s 5^th Leadership Symposium, May 25^th, 2011, National Junior College, LT5.

Our Guest of Honour, Ms Isabella Loh, Chairman of the Singapore Environmental Council

Mrs. Virginia Cheng

Principal, National Junior College

Mr. Yeo Sho Hor, Ms. Amy Ng

Vice-Principals, National Junior College

Student representatives

Teachers and Student Leaders

1.                 Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to NJC’s Leadership Symposium 2011.  On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to thank our Guest of Honour, Ms Isabella Loh, for taking time off this morning to grace our event. I would also like to express my gratitude to Mrs. Cheng and the teachers who assisted the organizing committee for their constant support and guidance. As the chairman for this year’s Leadership Symposium Student Organising Committee, I am delighted to see so many participants. I am sure that through the course of this symposium, you will learn much from the activities and programs that we have planned for you.

Why Is Leadership In Environmental Conservation Important?

2.                 Now perhaps some of you are wondering why this year’s Leadership Symposium centers on the environment. Why did we not focus our attention on another sector that also has problems that need addressing? I shall answer this in a rather roundabout fashion.

3.                 It perhaps comes as no surprise that we face a whole multitude of problems and challenges that seem intractable, unsolvable and insurmountable in the 21^st century. But the greatest challenge that we have is that of the environment, of the problems arising from climate change, the depletion of natural resources and increased natural disasters on a scale never before witnessed in such a short span of time. A couple of weeks ago, I was flicking through the various TV channels after taking a break from planning for this symposium. There was a program about Bangladesh and I decided to watch it. I never knew that most of Bangladesh was less than 1 meter above sea level. I never knew that that country was crisscrossed by river upon river. I never knew, that Bangladesh, a country of 164 million, was slowly being consumed by water. It was a heart-rending scene to watch as the documentary showed a village literally falling into the water. And then it struck me. What if that were to happen to Singapore? What would we do? Where would we go?

4.                 And what we do if climate change threatens our food supply due to increased droughts and floods? Where would the planet’s 6.92 billion get their food and water? Imagine what sort of world that would be. Would we want to live in that world? How would we answer to future generations?

Why We Feel That Youth Leadership Is Necessary

5.                 Now, you might ask what can youths like you and I can do in addressing this existential threat? Fundamentally, we must recognize that this is our world. That this is our century. And just like the citizens of this Republic who have shown that they do care about our country, I believe that we can show the same commitment, concern and care to our environment. We must understand that this is humanity’s greatest challenge and that we, regardless of whether we like it or not, face this challenge together. It affects each and every one of us and this compels us to play our part in making sure that we triumph over this challenge.

6.                 Increasingly, youth across the world have answered this call. The Green movement was in large pioneered and driven by youth concerned about their future. Even the simplest of actions like ensuring that one recycles in their everyday lives and influencing other people around them to recycle can have a monumental impact if all of us do it. Often, I believe, we neglect the individual’s effort and contribution, but we must realize that it is our collective action that matters. Eventually, we will leave school and enter a brave new world. That is where what we believe in can be put into practice as our spheres of influence widen.

7.                 Assembled before me in this lecture theatre are the various student leaders and student representatives from NJC and from other colleges and schools. Each of you can lead in own respective right in your own community. We can lead by example; we can lead by inspiring others with the strength and conviction of our beliefs and we can lead by showing that we have a voice, that we care about our environment and that we are committed to doing something about it.

8.                 Our theme this year, “The Omnivore’s Trilemma: Our World, Our Choice”, sums it all up very well. We face the challenge of balancing the economic costs of environmental efforts, of ensuring the sustainability of those efforts and of the imperative need to not overtly compromise our other goals in pursuit of those aims. It is our choice. Would we choose the easy path, the highway of never ending consumption and economic greed that would drive us straight into the chasm of an ecological disaster? Or would we choose the steep, rocky mountain path of taking the painful political steps to address these problems, of making alterations to our lifestyles and to shoulder increased economic burdens from the costs of dealing with climate change?

How This Year’s Leadership Symposium Hopes to Achieve That

9.                 This year’s Leadership Symposium has been organized with the intention of allowing our participants to understand what it is like to be a leader in the field of the environment, to understand what it is like having to balance our environmental goals with that of our economic and political goals. We have planned a dialogue session where you will be able to hear from youth who have become leaders in this field. Through our Future Problem Solving activity and the Model United Nations Climate Change Conference, we hope to allow you to better understand how good decisions are made and the difficulties and possibilities involved in addressing the largest challenge of our day. On our learning journeys, we hope to allow you to better understand what current solutions and existing plans there are in tackling environmental issues. We as the organizing committee hope that each of these activities not only serve to give you a greater insight into what you can do, but also ultimately inspire you to take that bold step forward to take the lead in the field of the environment.

Conclusion

10.                Ultimately, the world belongs to those who believe in the strength of their dreams, for those who believe in them will fight to the very end to see those dreams translate into reality. There is a Native American saying that “humankind has not woven the web of life, we are but a part of it”. And I think that is something we all have to remember. We have upset the balance of life on this planet. It is only right that we do something to restore it. For we owe that not just to ourselves, but also to our future generations and to the other living beings with whom we share this beautiful planet.

11.               On behalf of the organizing committee, I hope you will enjoy this year’s Leadership Symposium and find it an enriching and meaningful experience. Thank you. 

Sudan and Separation

Sudan: History of a broken land - Sudan: The Break-Up - Al Jazeera English

A very informative and insightful view on the history of Sudan and what led to the eventual decision by the South to secede. It traces the artificial division created by British colonial rule in preventing the free movement of Northerners and Southerners (IH students will find this aspect of British colonial policy particularly recurring); of the challenges posed by historical animosities between the two (SEA students will find this familiar); of the issues of racism and religious fundamentalism and of the impact of government policy and leaders on structuring a nation's destiny and history.

What most surprised me after watching this video was that contrary to my previous preconceptions, it seems that ordinary people from North and South have been coexisting with each quite well. Even more surprising was the fact that ordinary people in the North from teachers to shopkeepers would not like to see Sudan divided in two and that they blame the government for instituting policies (such as the implementation of Sharia law) that alienated the South and made them see no recourse but to vote for independence. The struggles of the SPLM were also particularly interesting and inspiring, although it was marred by certain unpleasant incidents and shocking recounts of Southern ethnic cleansing that I thought only existed in Darfur (this is with regard to Sudan).

We can only hope that with the decision of the people of Southern Sudan to secede from Sudan, that in the creation of their new nation, they will finally find the means in which to create a prosperous and stable society for themselves and work together with the North to tackle common problems. This of course is predicated on 4 things:

1. The willingness of the North to respect international decision and treaties agreed with the South and to act in good faith and not undermine the new, fledging state that is soon to appear on the map of Africa and the world.

2. The ability of the Southern Sudanese government to carry out effective administration and begin the difficult road on nation building and achieving economic development.

3. The willingness of the international community to guide South Sudan along the road of being the planet's newest sovereign state and to help it establish effective governance and ability to provide for its people as well as giving the Southern Sudanese people help in economic development.

4. The ability of the North and South to work out an agreement regarding the oil wealth of the South and its transportation to international markets as well as effective resolution to the issue of Abyei in accordance with the peace accords and with respect to both the Dinka and nomadic Arab groups that claim the area.

I will be most interested in viewing the birth of this new state and hope that it will with luck become another Botswana on the African continent.

China celebrates the 90th Anniversary of Communism

Curious to note how Communism still plays a central role in Chinese life, society and the state. Even after the adoption of capitalist market systems, the spirit and belief in Communism seems to remain evident across all sectors and strata of society. I guess many Chinese remember how it was the CCP that restored a modicum of stability to China after many decades of turmoil and war and how it was the CCP that led China to the status of a global power.

On a separate note, I remember in my reading of Chinese history three particular quotations from the Great Helmsman (Chairman Mao).

1."Revolution is not a dinner party, nor an essay, nor a painting, nor a piece of embroidery; it cannot be advanced softly, gradually, carefully, considerately, respectfully, politely, plainly, and modestly. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another."

2. "I have witnessed the tremendous energy of the masses. On this foundation it is possible to accomplish any task whatsoever."

3. “中华人民共和国成立了。中华人民从此站起来了！” 

English Translation: The People's Republic of China has been founded. The Chinese people have arisen!

Photos that I took when I was in Beijing, June 2008

 A monument in Tiananmen Square dedicated to the revolution

 The Monument to the People's Heroes

The Great Hall of the People (right)

                              

The Chinese flag in Tiananmen Square

Looking back on Chinese Communism and the recent crackdown on dissent, one can only wonder if this period of Communism will merely be another chapter in China's ancient history, another dynastic page waiting to be turned, or will the CCP continue to innovate, adapt and maintain the mandate of the Chinese people as was seen in their joy at Tiananmen Square in 1949.

Omar Al Bashir's Visit to China

An interesting analysis on the China-Sudan relationship as well as helping to lay the foundations for why China values the relationship with Sudan. It also offers an intriguing perspective on the motives of the Chinese invitation; as an alternative approach to dealing with a regime that the West has long criticised and to effect change (either in action or mindset) through persuasion from a friend.

Libya casts shadow over AU summit - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Libya casts shadow over AU summit - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Interesting to hear the general African perspective on the issue. It was also interesting to see the summit meeting area and the different African leaders.