Sustainable Norway and Failed State Pakistan

Sustainable Norway and Failed State Pakistan

Whether a country is sustainable or at a failed state is important in international affairs. As a contrast, we review a ‘sustainable state’ such as Norway against Pakistan to show the differences and the degrees to which Pakistan is verging on failure as a state. Norway has policies that allow it to gain high marks on issue areas such as environmental responsibility, military cooperation and fiscal responsibility with virtually low incidences of corruption. Pakistan, on the other hand, is the eleven most failed state and can’t be ignored as it is a detrimental liability to the international community-- not only a hot bed for terrorism, but unable to police its own borders and help its impoverished people. “Sustainable development means substantially reducing the pressure on the earth’s ecosystems, while lifting millions out of poverty. The Norwegian Government gives a high priority to this work. It sets ambitious goals and will be an important basis for our efforts in the years and it is imperative that sustainable development becomes an integrated part of al decision making processes,” stated Kristin Halvorsen, the Minister of Finance for Norway (www.regjeringen.no/upload/FIN/rapporter/R-0617E.pdf). Ideas of human rights, freedom of expression, and gender equality, as well as equitable distribution for a growing economy are valued aspects in many wealthy and developing nations, and they are building blocks to becoming a sustainable nation.

Sustainable development has been put firmly on the international agenda in response to the persistent poverty in many developing countries and growing pressure on the earth’s ecosystems, stated Halvorsen in (www.regjeringen.no/upload/FIN/rapporter/R-0617E.pdf) The most sustainable countries are Iceland, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Sweden, Norway, Mauritius, France, Austria, Cuba, and Colombia; at least according to Yale and Columbia Universities. The Environmental Performance Index 2010  shows a comprehensive sustainability rating system where 163 countries were judged based on 25 stringent sustainability performance indicators. The outcomes of the research are surprising to say the least, especially when it comes to Cuba and Columbia. This is really a “green” rating. The Climate and Pollution Agency under the direction of the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment the database of environmental performance indicators and provides more information on the environmental performance of Norway’s being a sustainable country. 

Norway has earned its way onto the list of the most sustainable countries in the world because of its active management and progressive environmental policies. However, though Norwegians have a very high level of affluence, it may prove difficult to attain the status of a sustainable country if the trending for consumption continues. This next chart shows that purchases abroad and purchases of "other goods and services" that has increased quite a bit over the last four decades. Consumption patterns are not sustainable and, if continued, could change Norway's ranking as one of the most sustainable countries.

On the other spectrum is Pakistan, a failed state. The top 20 failed states on the index are: Somalia, Chad, Sudan, Congo, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Pakistan, Yemen, Nigeria, Niger, Kenya, Burundi, Burma, Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia “States fail when national governments lose control of part or all of their territory and can no longer ensure people’s security. Failing states often degenerate into civil war as opposing groups vie for power, (Brown)”.  Another reason for governments to breakdown is their inability to provide food security. This has been an overwhelming problem for developing nations especially since the 2007 rise in food prices. Among the top 20 countries on the 2010 Foreign Policy Failed States list, most are losing the battle between food production and population growth. There are also demographic indicators that show the viability of future political instability. Pakistan is no stranger to this, with various military coups, assassinations, and tumultuous wars.

Pakistan is in fact a failed state. The term is often used to describe a state having failed politically or economically, where some of the basic conditions and responsibilities such as an erosion of legitimate authority to make collective decisions. It is not able to provide public services and effectively interact with the other states as a member of the international community. In a failed state, like Pakistan, there can be corruption, crime, and a stark downfall in the state’s economy. Pakistan, in being a failed state, is a threat internationally.  The Taliban and Al Qaeda have their training camps within the country of Pakistan. “South Waziristan was a haven—and now the base from hundreds, perhaps thousands of Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters who had fled Afghanistan. Every major terrorist attack since 2004—London, Madrid, Bali, Casablanca, Istanbul, and Mumbai--has been traced back to the tribal areas of Pakistan,” (Weaver). The militias have too much power and the international community needs to get more involved, especially since the country has the 5^th largest nuclear arsenal, and the Pakistani Army has admitted they do not have control over their government, their streets, and their cities, especially in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. As a failed state, the country is a threat to all other states in the destabilized region and all over the world.

 Pakistan has been ranked 12th on a list of the “failed states” by Foreign Policy, a global magazine of politics, economics, and ideas. The report titled “The Failed States Index 2011” compiles a list of countries in terms of vulnerability. “From refugee flows to poverty, public services to security threats, the list takes together a country’s performance on this battery of indicators to reflect its stability, (The Express Tribune).”  In both 2009 and 2010, Pakistan took the number 10 spot on this index, whereas in 2008 it was ranked number nine. The 2011 Failed State Index reported states that Pakistan has long been dubbed the “world’s most dangerous country” in Washington policy circles. The report cites terrorism and civilian deaths as one major reason for Pakistan’s position, adding that the 2010 floods displaced millions of people, adding to the instability of the country.”

This is a list of countries by order of appearance in the Foreign Policy and Fund for Peace Failed States Index 

         One of the leading challenges facing the international community is how to prevent that slide into chaos and not go on as business as usual. Within the U.S. government, efforts to deal with weak and failing states are not a joint effort. What we need is new policies and an agency that deals with just failed states, like a department of global security that would be in place to help weak nations. We can learn from what makes a nation sustainable like Norway to help diplomatically with Pakistan. Issues such as debt relief and market access would be at the forefront. Populations would need to be stabilized and environmental support systems put in place. We would hope to end poverty and strengthen security locally and nationally. These are humanitarian issues that aren’t going away. Pakistan is improving slightly having pushed up from the 10^th most failed state last year to the 12^th this year. Better oversight and cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan and the international community could really make a difference to help Pakistan become a sustainable country.

UMB Veterans Day Dinner

This year the Veterans Day Dinner at UMass Boston felt especially nice, because I know this year will be my last year to attend. I got my picture taken with the Chancellor, listened to poem roastings of distinguished staff members, like my former boss Kevin Bowen, and ate a delicious meal surrounded by friends and co-workers, who have served in the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army.

I brought my friend Colina from class, and I had a blast introducing her to the Provost Winston Langley, the VA Representative Gus St. Silva, and Upward Bound Director Barry Brodsky. Like me, she felt a sense of community here at UMass. Spending time with the folks that run UMB really gives you a chance to embrace a sense of ownership as a student here. Gus and I were cracking jokes about how awful the National Anthem singer last year was. This year we brought in some students from another university, I think in Framingham, to do justice to the colors. They were awsome.

Spinellis' did a great job feeding us. There had to be at least 100 people there, but since I knew so many of them the room felt smaller than it was. I liked the sausage the best. It was full of flavor and I had way too much coffee. I don't know how I slept that night. The cake was beautiful as well, made with real sweet frosting, like places used to make cakes.

Then there were the raffle tickets and unbelievable great gifts to win. Carole deSouza, you had me laughing so hard! She is a riot. As MC, Carole you had even the folks behind the podium cracking up.  Someone had to sign for the IPAD and Gus commented "IPAD (winner) you just re-enlisted for another 4 more years."

I sat next to Colina and Dominque Powell, the 2009 JFK winner, who now works full-time at Upward Bound, goes to grad school at BU, and is in the Air Force Reserves. She was also a former Marine. The vet dinner just happened to fall on the date of the Marine Corps birthday. Someone behind the podium made sure to mention the special date and it was followed by much Hoorahs!

The guy in Army uniform smelled like he just came from the field. I laughed to myself about that. It was a fun night and I will miss these school events. The Chancellor's speech was honest and real like most of the crowd. All in all, it was a night to remember.

I miss the military

In writing my Veterans' Day articles for class and the Mass Media, I was overcome with grieve knowing this will be the first Veterans' Day in 11 years that I will not be in uniform. I miss it. I really do. Being a Soldier was part of who I was. It was an idenity, purpose, and an elite club all rolled into one. Sometimes I feel like it was really unfair to get a medical discharge.

So far, I have not received Compensation and Pension for my disabilities. Well I do get 10% for the lung damage, but that is nothing. My appeal for my other disabilities has been pending since 2009. Isn't that ridiculous? And times are tough. I could really use the money.

I heard the Army National Guard is now offering to pay off $50,000 of student loans for a 6 year part-time commitment. I am focusing on getting myself back in shape, but that sounds so enticing. But what unit would I go to? There is only one Public Affairs unit in the state and I deployed with them. I don't miss being in that unit. I don't understand why it is so difficult to take care of the troops. I always drempt of becoming an officer and being the type of leader I always wished I had.

Is my time in the military really over? I was honorably discharged in July and it is still difficult to swallow. I always wanted to be a combat journalist. When I was embedding and escorting journalists from all over while I was in Baghdad, I wished I had their job. I was a bit envious. Now with the troop withdrawls, I think it is too dangerous to do that job.

Perhaps now at the ripe age of 30, it is time to start a civilian career. I have been thinking of mixing my military background with a government job. Maybe something covert. I wonder if I will always see those in uniform and sigh. They say when God closes a door, he opens a window. When the window opens, I hope I am able to move on. God Bless America and Thank you troops for your service.

Why Military Intelligence Lacks Intelligence

Why Military Intelligence Lacks Intelligence

By Felicia Whatley

What’s better than a leader that leads by example?

In a Massachusetts Intelligence Army unit the First Sergeant ordered a showdown inspection where everyone had to bring in all their gear. This time it wasn’t for accountability. He had them all load it up onto a flatbed truck and he got in it and in the middle of the weekend drill time drove it down to the nearest Army and Navy Depot store where he unloaded the gear and cashed it in for his gambling funds. This kleptomaniac also stole the unit’s only Public Affairs camera. Ass-clown.

Everybody is squared away and motivated in our unit, right? Then there is the Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer who not only sold the unit’s new shipment of M4 rifles to the French during pre-deployment training, but was also in charge of the unit’s pay system. And instead of paying the soldiers, he would direct deposit in funds for drill pay, then wait a week and gradually drain their accounts to pay child support for all his illegitimate children. I’m sure his wife loved that. And get this, he was never job qualified. Instead of passing the training, he paid off his Drill Sergeants. In the MI unit, they made him a Platoon Sergeant. Way to lead from behind!

Then there was the pee test lottery. Because everyone in the unit supposedly had secret clearances every month 10% of the unit would be drug tested. Funny thing, the guys administering the drug test would do cocaine and heroin every chance they could. So they would be high in uniform while they administered the drug test. Fan-fucking-tastic!

Then there were the mandatory government travel cards. The full-timers would use them to pay for their hookers at our expense. Way to put on the mileage guys!

Then there were the super motivated officers. They would be there for first formation to be accounted for then spend the rest of the day at the local bars in Harvard Square, then return trashed for final formation, and drive two hours home drunk. Since they weren’t getting paid anyways, I guess it really didn’t matter, just as long as they didn’t kill someone else on their ride home.

Let’s not forget about how serious Intelligence units are about appearances. Physical Fitness was always important. So important, that twice a year Lieutenant Zoo would pay the Training NCO to get his perfect 200 score. He was called out on it, so he showed up late, while we were already done with the push-ups, sit-ups and halfway done with the two-mile-run. He presoaked his shirt and did a few victory laps and finished when we finished, and yet still managed to achieve a perfect score and get promoted to Captain. Remember we are building America’s leaders here.

Then there is the overworked Supply Sergeant. He got his government issued cell phone taken away for not only spending 90% of his day on the phone, but calling internationally to a terrorist network in Puerto Rico. Because he is on the phone so much he has daily scheduled nervous breakdowns when it is 5 o’clock and he realizes he didn’t get anything done.  His biggest fear is that he doesn’t look Hispanic enough so uses self-tanning lotion and changed his last name to a common Spanish name. This is the same guy that got kicked out of college for falsely exploiting of all the grants and programs for Hispanics.

We train like we fight! Then there are the covert operations at the nearby grocery store. The full-timers trio would lock and load semi-automatic rifles to go food shopping and then wonder why they would spend so many nights in the local Cambridge jail. Are you fucking kidding me?

My favorite asshole doushebag of the year award goes to the Training Non-Commissioned Officer, who felt the need to put his dick on the table every time he walked into the room. He would publicly drop soldiers to do push-ups for stupid shit. I explained to him that outside a training environment he would need to drop with the soldier. I had to do more push-ups for hurting his ego. And he didn’t drop with me. But that’s not why I hated him.

The unit received an unusually large amount of funding for schools and training this past year. Instead of putting his soldiers first, he put himself into four different schools ensuring his promotion and an empty desk so he didn’t have to do his real job. But character counts in the Army right? He would occasionally spend some time in jail as well for attempting to boost cars. When we deployed to Korea for a few weeks, he collected up the soldiers car keys and got arrested trying to sell our vehicles. So what did the unit do to punish him? Well promote him of course.

Bye Bye Gaddafi

So the Libyan dictator is dead and I am celebrating. Most students I talked to on campus are either indifferent or feel that it is somehow evil to celebrate someone's death. But now OUR troops can come home! Plus an evil asshole can no longer cause havoc and human rights attrocities. NATO will still assist the rebels to stabilize the government and provide security.  I think we live in a very historic time and the end of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi rein is worth celebrating!


My mom was quick to point out that he purposely graphed skin from his ass to his face to make him look more mean. Um so would that make him a buttface? Just asking. Ok I am having fun looking at the Wikapedia info on him.


"He seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1969 and served as the country's head of state until 1977, when he stepped down from his official executive role as Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council of Libya, and claimed subsequently to be merely a symbolic figurehead. Critics have long described him as Libya's autocrator demagogue, despite the Libyan state's denial of him holding any power In 2011, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya state he established was overthrown in a civil war which consisted of an uprising aided by a NATO intervention."

It goes on to say  " In the 1980s, he started several wars and acquired chemical weapons, leading to the United Nations calling Libya under Gaddafi a pariah state and countries around the world imposing sanctions."



Then there was news of his demise. In February 2011, following revolutions in neighboring Egypt and Tunisia, protest against Gaddafi's rule started. This escalated into a revolt with forces opposing Gaddafi was joined by the French, British and the U.S., eventually backing his removal from power and a Civil War in Libya. He was captured alive after his convoy was attacked by NATO warplanes as his hometown Sirte fell on the 20th of October of 2011. He was also killed that day.  Whoo hoo!

I think it is worth celebrating.