Kenya's Ethnic Cleansing & The American link

In the abscense of civilian leadership, military intervention prevails and dictatorships are born.

Perhaps Barack Obama should take this opportunity to prove his foreign policy skills by talking some sense to his fellow Luo tribesman, Raila Odinga. After all, Obama's father hails from the same village as Raila Odinga, a reason why the two met when he visited Kenya last year.

Al Gore should also call Raila Odinga and school him on the merits of life after defeat; that in conceding, Raila will serve the nation's interests and not selfish ambitions.

When civilian leadership fails, military intervention occurs and dictatorships are born. Kenya has been a beacon of peace and hope in Africa; it serves as the strategic nerve center of commerce in East and Central Africa and plays a key role in the global war on terror.

A failed state is unthinkable and should be prevented at all costs. Obama, this is your time to shine.

President Bush can also bag this one easily by openly acknowledging Kibaki's victory and recognizing his Government and asking Raila to concede. Ambassador Michael E. Ranneberger, a career diplomat, eloquently portrayed the US position on the outcome of the election without openly endorsing the victor, President Kibaki; leaving the door wide open for President Bush to seal the deal. Nevertheless, the Ambassador in his subtle and diplomatic tone hinted that Odinga, in the interest of the nation, should concede defeat and wait for the next 5 years.

Given that the chaos are in their infancy and localized in opposition strongholds, Kisumu in Nyanza Province, and Eldoret in the Rift Valley Province, the western media should be careful not to incite the excitable public by airing inaccurate information. There have also been incidents of career hooligans and criminals taking advantage of the situation to loot and rob at elevated levels. Consultations with friends in various cities including the capital Nairobi, have confirmed that life is systematically returning to normal despite the heightened tension from the increased security forces.

Huckabee should also find a way to parlay his diplomacy in this situation, and vindicate his foreign policy which has been his Achilles heel on more than one occasion.

Our prayers and sympathies go out to all peace loving Kenyans; may they find strength and courage to deliberate and reconcile their differences peacefully.