The World Today: February 2010: February 2010

Britain’s general election – most likely in early May – will once again be heralded as the first true ‘internet election’ and once again, it will probably disappoint. Although much media attention has been given to the use of the internet in the last American presidential election and, from this, conclusions will be drawn about the internet’s impact here, it is important to step away from the hyperbole and look at a few key facts and, most importantly, key differences.

For the first time in a generation, defence has become an election issue in Britain. Over the last eighteen months the Conservative opposition has been highly critical of Labour’s defence policy and its handling of the war in Afghanistan. This has tapped into a wider public sentiment which has separated support for the armed forces from its opposition to Britain’s wars.

It is twenty years since Nelson Mandela walked free from prison on February 11 1990 and over fifteen since the advent of democracy in South Africa. The country has faced multiple challenges, but only one of the post-apartheid presidencies – that of Mandela himself – has risen to meet them, and even then only partially. Thabo Mbeki’s presidency was notable for an abdication of responsibility in crucial areas, and, so far, Jacob Zuma appears more concerned with a careful balancing of party interests than providing bold leadership and a coherent government agenda.

Just over ten years since returning to democracy, after a turbulent twelve months, and shortly before fifty years of independence, Nigeria is again at a key point. Its President, Umaru Yar’Adua, is ill in Saudi Arabia, many are asking for constitutional clarity. In recent years the country has commendably wanted to set good standards abroad. Applying those standards at home is now more important than ever, for Nigeria and for Africa.

More people live in cities than ever before, creating burgeoning demands for housing, services and infrastructure. Cities face the challenge of meeting these needs, in addition to problems of rapid development such as congestion, pollution and environmental degradation. Cities also need to tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions and introducing adaptation measures. Thus, the well- being of current and future generations will depend largely on how well cities can grow in a sustainable manner.

The botched plot to bomb Northwest Airlines Flight 253 – believed to have been hatched in Yemen – has turned the media spotlight on terrorism in this strategic Arabian peninsula state.