I SEE A LOT OF EMOTIONS FLYING AROUND. TIME TO CALM DOWN AND BE STRATEGIC – THE CARDS ARE STAGGERED IN OUR FAVOR.
Here are four important facts. I am sharing the facts to help our greenhorn politicians to resist their temptation to screw up. Do not underestimate their natural affinity to screw up. They are natural at it. Just pray God help them the way to enlightenment or the humility to sit and learn from the professionals.
Not to brag or anything. Here are the facts anyways.
First, all indications show the US Treasury is alone in the arm twisting. The US Department of State is not a part of it. Anyone who knows anything about America’s international policy knows this is a big deal and ultimately, the US Department of State will prevail.
Second, in four US Treasury Press Releases November 6 through February 13, the US and the World Bank were presented as co-observers. All of a sudden in the February 28 Treasury Press Release the World Bank’s Role is downgraded. Its role is described as providing technical inputs. Hint: Not to brag or anything but I told you the World Bank’s intervention was in contravention of its bylaws. Now that things look ugly it is trying to get out of it. That was why I recommended two days ago that we should not demand the World Bank to withdraw itself. Only a fool would do that. Their only way out is fixing the mess they allowed themselves to be dragged into.
Third, Several International Newspapers reported for four months that the World Bank and the US government were co-sponsors. If this was not factually true, the World Bank would have issued a press release to clarify its role. Treasury’s downgrading of the Bank’s role shows the World Bank has expressed dismay or concern the way things are moving.
Fourth, High level government officials of the US, Ethiopia and Sudan have stated there are are outstanding issues that need to be addressed before a final agreement is reached. Ignoring two of the three countries and the US Secretary of Sate, in his Feb 28 Statement, the US Secretary of the Treasury stated: “The United States believes that the work completed over the last four months has resulted in an agreement that addresses all issues in a balanced and equitable manner, taking into account the interests of the three countries.”
The above are all documented facts. I have the links for all documents.
It is not time to panic. It is time to calm down and be strategic.
