Canada Putting Sanctions on Myanmar

[icarus]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

South Africa is a crime haven now and barely resembles a free country.

Not sure what prompted this, but as one who has lived in South Africa and worked in local government I have to say this is quite an exaggeration. But we digress.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by icarus

Not sure what prompted this, but as one who has lived in South Africa and worked in local government I have to say this is quite an exaggeration. But we digress.

I read in the newspaper fairly recently that 1/4 South Africans have been burglarized, and it is #1 in the world for rapes and car jackings, and #2 for murder.

If that is not true, then I apologize, but if it is true, then it hardly sounds like the model for a free society.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

So tell me this...

When have sanctions ever helped make difference?

Iraq, where hundreds of thousands died from lack of food and medicine due to sanctions?

Cuba, where sanctions allowed the dictatorship to further isolate it's population and strengthen its iron fist?

They don't help. It's nothing but a chance for politicians to puff out their chests and act tough.

For the record, the area he works in is popluated by ethnic minority buddhists - so those are the people who will be effected when the company pulls out. Currently, the company is negotiating with the government to loosen some of it's sensorship. In fact, they were recently allowed to have email in more locations, so if anything, they are trying to bring change. Maintaining foreign relations is the only way to bring change.

Bosnia they worked very well. I agree different situations call for different ideas and it doesn't always work, but to say sanctions never work is not correct.

You definitely have far more knowledge than I do of this situation so I'm not arguing this specific case, but I think sanctions have their place.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Daradon

Bosnia they worked very well. I agree different situations call for different ideas and it doesn't always work, but to say sanctions never work is not correct.

You definitely have far more knowledge than I do of this situation so I'm not arguing this specific case, but I think sanctions have their place.

I only recall there being sanctions on arms sales to Bosnia. I don't recall sweeping sanctions that prohibited foreigners from doing business or visiting there.

And if you asked the people of Sebrenica what they thought of those sanctions, I'm sure it would be interesting...

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Sounds to me like Mayanmar is due for an Iraq-style invasion from America and Co. You know, if the whole "free the people from the evil dictatorship" mantra is really what drives the current administration....

Naw, they don't have enough oil to justify an American invasion.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I read in the newspaper fairly recently that 1/4 South Africans have been burglarized, and it is #1 in the world for rapes and car jackings, and #2 for murder.

If that is not true, then I apologize, but if it is true, then it hardly sounds like the model for a free society.

There is a lot of crime, particularly in Jo'burg, but people don't live in fear, it's certainly a free country, and the government is very liberal although there is a lot of corruption. But nothing like Myanmar or even Zimbabwe.