Global Notebook

 High Tech Toys Fuel Africa’s World War
BRAZZAVILLE — Tantalum – the refined extract of Columbite-tantalite, also known as coltan — is a hot property these days. It’s used in everything from Nokia and Ericsson mobile phones to Intel computer chips. But securing a supply for high-tech toys also fuels war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to a recent investigation in the Industry Standard, the Congo supplies seven percent of the world’s tantalum, most from rebel-controlled mines where the local population is under brutal control. The rebels have earned millions from western technology companies, who’ve done little to avoid purchasing "conflict" tantalum. A recent UN report called the companies trading minerals in the Congo "the engines of conflict in the DRC." read more

World Bank Blinks, Then Blames Protesters
BARCELONA — The World Bank has a new tactic to deal with resistance: cancel a meeting and blame its critics. In May, Bank spokeswoman Caroline Antsey explained that the Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics (ABCDE), originally slated for Barcelona on June 25-27, wouldn’t be held, except possibly online.

"Despite our efforts to reach out to some of the groups planning demonstrations, and to include them in the conference, the intention of many of the groups … is not to join the debate or to contribute constructively to the discussion, but to disrupt it," she charged. "It is time to take a stand against this kind of threat to free discussion." read more

Plan Colombia Seeks Panama Connection
PANAMA CITY — Officially, both the Panamanian and US governments deny any Panama connection with Plan Colombia, or any significant US military presence in the country. But an ad in the US government’s Commerce Business Daily April 4 edition, unearthed by Panama News Online (www.thepanamanews.com), indicates otherwise. The Pentagon is apparently looking for a civilian contractor to operate from Panama, flying military forces and supplies in and out of Colombia.  read more

Europe Rejects US Push in Colombia
BRUSSELS — In an almost unanimous vote, the European Parliament has rejected the US-backed "Plan Colombia," saying it’s "not the product of a process of dialogue amongst the various partners in society," and "stepping up military involvement in the fight against drugs involves the risk of sparking off an escalation of the conflict in the region." It adds, "Military solutions cannot bring about lasting peace."  read more

Castro Assassination Plot Derailed

PANAMA CITY — Four Right-wing Cubans were arrested Nov. 17 after an alleged attempt to "eliminate" Fidel Castro during an Ibero-American Summit. But extradition is apt to be rejected, in part because Cuba has previously refused to send Panamanian criminals home. In general, Panama also refuses to extradite anyone who might face the death penalty if returned.

No firearms were found when the four were arrested, but a cache of plastic explosives was discovered a few days later, buried near the international airport. Panamanian authorities think the plot was to bomb Castro’s motorcade during a drive to an engagement at the University of Panama. Cuba suspects that the men, who had tens of thousands in cash, planned to shoot down Castro’s plane. read more

Boycott Hits World Bank Where It Hurts
SAN FRANCISCO– Following Berkeley and Oakland, CA, San Francisco recently became the third US city to pass a resolution agreeing not to invest in World Bank bonds. Similar initiatives are being pressed in Sacramento, Boulder, CO, and Madison, WI. The Communications Workers of America, United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, and several socially responsible investment firms have also signed on. Students across the US and Canada are mobilizing on campuses. read more