The World Today

The world wants Iran to give up any aspiration to become a nuclear weapons state and the United Nations has backed sanctions several times. Russia has its doubts. It benefits from trade and nuclear deals with Iran and the Bushehr nuclear plant is finally about to open. If Iran changed, Moscow’s influence might wane, if it became more radical it could be a threat. For Moscow, the current balancing act is best.

Health problems often worsen in countries caught in conflict: people are injured, hospitals destroyed. But could health play a part in conflict prevention or resolution? There are real ethical questions and a lack of leadership, yet lives and peaceful progress are at risk.

Drugs and Colombia were once inseparable, and the country faced a significant left-wing rebel movement too. Now, much of the drug-related violence has migrated north to Mexico, closer to the giant American market. Politicians are daring to hope they can recreate a relatively normal country.

The Burmese people are probably about to get their first chance to vote in twenty years. Things did not go well last time; the military prevented the winners taking power. Now, new groups are emerging to try to take advantage of the limited opportunities on offer.

For months monitors have reported on the crackdown against stateless Rohingya refugees in south eastern Bangladesh and allegations that the Thai Navy is pushing back boatloads of them in the Andaman Sea. As Burma, Bangladesh and Thailand all gear up for elections, these practices seem more common. One fear is that anticipated changes in Burma following polling there will send more unwanted Muslim migrants to seek refuge in neighbouring states.For months monitors have reported on the crackdown against stateless Rohingya refugees in south eastern Bangladesh and allegations that the Thai Navy is pushing back boatloads of them in the Andaman Sea. As Burma, Bangladesh and Thailand all gear up for elections, these practices seem more common. One fear is that anticipated changes in Burma following polling there will send more unwanted Muslim migrants to seek refuge in neighbouring states.

Britain has not properly identified its national interests: its view is unrealistic and hyper-activity on the global stage produces problems. Unless it can identify what kind of country it wants to be in a tough economic situation, there will be trouble ahead.