Just in case

Just in case you thought that I had moved on from the situation faced by Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani, as I Blog about Human Rights Racism and the Colonisation of Wales and Africa. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but some things are simply too important. Regular readers will accept that the Blog threads will not seamlessly connect. Hey ho, that's insignificant compared to standing up for what you believe in.

If you believe in something that matters then sign the petitions at:

http://stopstonningnow.com [http://stopstonningnow.com/sakine/sakin284.php?nr=50326944&lang=en] (11,000 signatures),

http://www.avaaz.org [http://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_stoning/?cl=651962225&v=6766] (529,000 signatures)

http://freesakineh.org ( 129,000 signatures)

And visit and add the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Sakineh-Mohammadi-Ashtiani-from-being-Stoned-to-Death-in-Iran/123908540984923 (45,000 people)

None of the above values are insignificant figures. It really is a case of the people of the World standing united and arguing as to why Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani should be released.

What did the Romans ever do for us?

Of course the Colonisation of Wales did not start with the English incursion into the country. The Romans colonised Wales long before the English. Historically, Wales was believed to be a military occupation zone. The Roman Villas that represented long term gain and lifestyle choice through farming and trade were believed to have been restricted to South Wales and England. That is until recently, when Archaeologists unearthed a Roman Villa at Abermagwr near Aberystwyth in the County of Ceredigion.

The excavation has shown that the owners used coins and imported pottery from afar afield as “Oxfordshire, Dorset and Northampton” (The Cambrian News p.4 22 July 2010). This was an established Roman Villa dated late 200AD early 300AD and is evidence of Roman activity in this part of Wales for some time beyond the previous known date of 130AD when the Roman Fort at Trawsgoed also in the County of Ceredigion was abandoned. The newspaper article goes on to make an interesting observation about the name ‘Abermagwr’. We are informed that the word ‘Magwr’ in Welsh means ‘ruined homestead’. So the Welsh name implies a memory of a building on the site, long before the modern hamlet was established.

With all of this ‘Romanesque’ activity in the County coming to light; the phrase “what did the Romans ever do for us?” springs to mind. Those of you who know your Monty Python will also know where that phrase comes from. Plus of course there is a nice link to me and to Ceredigion in respect of that particular film. My good friend Douglas Rumsey and I were desperate to see the film, and had read the reviews that mentioned colossal crowds. So we camped out at the ABC Cinema in Newport, South Wales and waited for several hours. Whiling away the time sat on the kerb and drinking the odd can of beer. As the door to the cinema opened for the Newport premier; we were the only ones waiting. Well, it could have been worse as this was 1979, and if I had been living in Ceredigion then I would have had to have waited another 30 years to have watched that film in the Cinema. The film ‘the Life of Brian’ was banned in Aberystwyth.

Some people regarded the film as about Christ and Christianity. For me the film was about group dynamics. Insider and outsider groups as explained by Norbert Elias, and the interaction between groups. Brian takes on the mantle to fight for the freedom of the Jews from the Romans. The problem being that there are many groups with the same intent, but none will work with the others as a cohesive force. The film is as much about group dynamics and insurgency as it is about Religion. The ban in Aberystwyth lasted for 30 years until the delightful Sue Jones-Davies (the lady on the Cross) became Mayor of Aberystwyth and had the ban overturned.

I missed the screening in the Arts Centre in Aberystwyth, simply because I did not know of the event until the last minute and by then all of the tickets had been sold. But I wonder how many of those that attended the screening where true fans? Would they have sat on a cold pavement for many hours waiting to see their heroes? Did they own a copy of the tape that was played for hours in the car cassette player?

No, I’m not bitter; I just want to know what did the Romans ever do for us?

The Thin Line

My lack of understanding regarding racism was matched by my inability to separate the term ‘Apartheid’ from Africa. Well, the two go hand-in-hand don’t they? Or so I thought until my academic horizons were raised.

RR Davies in his work “Owain Glyn Dwr – Prince of Wales” explains the gulf that existed between the Welsh and the English in terms of Apartheid (p. 140). During the Welsh Rebellion that was led by Owain ap Gruffudd Fychan ap Gruffudd (Owain Glyn Dwr), the Penal Laws were passed by the English Parliament in 1401-02. These laws served to widen the significant gulf that already existed between the peoples of these neighbouring nations. The Penal Laws intended that no Welshman could hold any office of importance, or register as a political official or representative of a borough in Wales. Nor could he buy land in the boroughs of Wales and the border areas between Wales and England. No Englishman could be tried for a crime by a Welshman. The Penal Laws defined the Welsh and the English as two different nations with the Welsh regarded in law as the inferior of the two peoples. The stated inferiority meant that an Englishman, who felt that he had been wronged by a Welshman, could turn to the Penal Laws for redress. This was colonialism long before the mad rush for Africa.

The term ‘Apartheid’ may have been in popular use many centuries later, but the Penal Laws and the time preceding and following these laws are evidence of the existence of Apartheid in Wales before and during the 15C.

This Apartheid also led to suspicion and to men of worth losing their role in society due to the poor application of the Penal Laws. Legal interpretation can always be hazy, and I understand that you should not confuse the law with justice. There are significant examples of injustices suffered by the Welsh during this period. These injustices were replicated several hundred years later with the transportation of slaves from Africa. The west coast of Ghana was a prime departure point for the unfortunate slaves. The slaves had little in common with their new masters. Body structure, skin tone and facial recognition were all different. Many of the slaves had facial markings to aid tribal identification during close combat. It is little wonder that racism occurred as the slave trade died out and these dispossessed persons had to be fully integrated into new societies.

It was an inevitable outcome of the civilising process that the trading of slaves would cease. The end of slave trading was as inevitable, as the outcome of the people of Wales and England evolving to exist in harmony. Integration through marriage, friendships and industry bring people together and make it more difficult for fault lines to appear. Although, for Western society, events in nearby Bosnia, is evidence that these faults can occur and when they do the results can be catastrophic.

The book ‘War of the World’ by historian and author Niall Fergusson examines political violence throughout the 20C. It’s a great read, but what strikes home more than anything else, is how easily society crumbles to allow racism to take over. It is a fine line, and all too often it is crossed.

Response

I had my first acknowledgement of my letters concerning Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani today. The response came from Portugal and is evidence that we can all make a difference if we try, and that our words will not go unheeded if we can become vocal enough. Why don't you set aside a few minutes and write a letter to someone regarding something that you hold as important. Be it Human Rights issues, or something else that you feel is unjust.

Friendship

My understanding of Racism was greatly expanded when I undertook my Masters study in social and economic science at the Department of International Politics in Aberystwyth. I suppose, like many other people, I related racism to Black Slavery.

I remember Michael Appiah explaining to me, that the English did not bring slavery to his country. Slavery had been present for some time through tribal exchanges. Slavery was not a new phenomenon that occurred when the English arrived. No, what the English managed to do in Michael’s words was to industrialise the process.

The obvious difference in skin tone and facial structure must have led to concerns on both sides, the land of the master, and the victim.

My first introduction to racism occurred when I was eleven years of age. I had met a new friend in Secondary school and called at his home on our second day so that we could walk together. We were both from extremely poor backgrounds. Our parents could not afford the bus fare, but we lived too close to be considered for a free bus pass. It became a long walk as the winter months drew in. But this was only the second day of a new term and for me a new beginning. My grandfather has been quite rich prior to his reverse of fortune. My uncle had a university education and my father would have enjoyed the same standard of education if it had not been his desire to seek succour in the Arts.

Anyway, we were poor, this was day two and I was on my way to school. I called at the home of my new friend Glyn and was duly invited in by his Mum. As we sat in the lounge, I was offered a cup of tea which I gladly accepted. A trait for those who know me that I still have today. If you are offered a cuppa, never say ‘no’. One, it’s bad manners, and two, when you are as poor as I have been, you never know when your next cup of tea is going to come from. Especially if you are the type of person who expects a drop of fresh milk rather than the powdered type to grace the cup.

We trundled off to school and I never gave the matter a second thought. Well, why would I? Glyn was my new friend and his Mum had invited me into her home. The next day, I again called for Glyn and we set off for Queen’s High School that was at the time located in the centre of Newport Gwent near to the Westgate Hotel. Which of course is an important location for those of you who know your Welsh rebellion, and injustice history.

As we walked along, Glyn turned to me, and explained that he was now my lifelong friend and that he would be there to protect me whenever anyone ever tried to do me harm. Pretty cool statement really, as I had only known Glyn for three days.

Glyn explained that I was the first white person to ever call at his home, and therefore the first one to enter and receive hospitality from his Mum. His mother was so proud, and Glyn seen that as a bond of friendship. You see, Glyn was what we would now term ‘Mixed Race’ but in 1971 would have been referred to as a ‘Half-Caste’.

Glyn Bailey would have been my life-long friend if he had not been murdered on the streets of London in broad daylight aged 17. A gang of Asian youths had killed him because he dared to insist that a parking space was for his relative. The funeral was an extremely sad affair. Well, funerals often are. Glyn was a young man with his life ahead of him. The family were still extremely poor, and when you don’t have worldly possessions, your sense of perspective and focus rests firmly on your kin.

This Blog post is a lead-in to my current study of Welsh history and the racism that occurred during and following the Welsh revolt led by Owain Glyn Dwr. You see, Africa and Wales are not that far apart historically.

23 AND Rising

Readers from 23 countries have now read the Blog. The latest addition is from Spain. Which is really cool as I had lunch in a Spanish restaurant yesterday and enjoyed a bar of Spanish chocolate the evening before. 'Viva La Espana', I say. Welcome to the Blog and enjoy the read. It's all about Africa, Wales, the Civilising Process and Human Rights. Oh, and with a few personal stories thrown in for good measure.

Human Rights

Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani

Gaining and preserving Human Rights is a important aspect of World citizenship. Ms Ashtiani has been in prison for 5 years and has been flogged with 99 lashes for having an illicit relationship. The original sentence of 'death by stoning' has been set aside, but Ms Sakine Mohammadi Ashtiani is in grave danger of being executed by other means by the Islamic Republic of Iran. I have never challenged the right of Iran as a sovereign state to make a decision. I have never accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of being either barbaric or uncivilised.

My academic studies have taught me that in many ways all countries are still uncivilised for a variety of reasons, and that all societies are still in the developmental helix of the civilising process. Western societies that consider themselves civilised, may not be as special as they think they are. The fine line between advancement and decivilising was shown in Bosnia. That was a comparatively recent deflection in the process. Nevertheless, Bosnia is evidence of the existence of a fine line that can be unexpectedly crossed. Societies do advance in their own way, and at different rates, and will take different paths. At some stage in their evolution, a country that might now be regarded by some as uncivilised could still be recognised as the 'cradle of civilisation'. While Western powers are in the ascendancy it is easy to label others and to criticise their way of life.

It does not necessarily follow that by being criticised, that something is wrong. What is totally acceptable to one group of people may be utterly unacceptable to others. My non judgemental approach to the widely publicised case of Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani, is to plead with the authorities in three separate letters as to why they should release Ms Ashtiani. My arguments are not based on abhorrence or criticism. They are merely reasoned arguments about how societies develop and interact for the greater good of everyone. Two of these letters have been posted in the Blog and all three of the letters have been sent to the Iranian Embassy in London. The letters to the Embassy have either been sent as stand alone emails or with an embedded link to the Blog.

Please refer to Blog posts of the 08 July 2010 and the 18 July 2010 regarding Ms Sakine Mohammadie Ashtiani or check out the Blog Labels at the bottom of this page if you struggle to find the relevant posts.

Your Excellency, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the Islamic Republic of Iran

This is an Open Letter to the President of Islamic Republic of Iran to release Ms Ashtiani. Blog readers and followers are also referred to Blog entries 08 July 2010 and one made earlier on the 18 July 2010 regarding the circumstances that Ms Ashtiani finds herself. I have been quite moved by the situation since first reading about it in The Times while I was at our flat in Cardiff undertaking some repair work. I stopped that work and started writing letters and Blogging about Ms Ashtiani. This third letter, has been written because my previous two letters went unanswered.

"... Your Excellency, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the Islamic Republic of Iran

I have written to you on several occasions via the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran that is based in London. I have also sent my letter electronically to other persons that may have access to your email and as such can forward communications. I am yet to receive a reply, and suspect that in the main, this is due to my humble status.

I have written to you and published one of these letters on my Blog because I care for people and I am therefore concerned about the case of Ms Ashtiani. I have taken a non judgemental stance and instead attempted to engage with you through reasoned argument. The Blog has been read by people from 22 countries and that figure increases daily. The essence of the Blog is about people, cultures, and civilisation. The Blog may be set against a background of Africanism, but it really examines and comments upon social matters. Irrespective of the issues under comment; be it African, Welsh or matters from another Country. The origin doesn't matter, as it's about the link and the value of a topic to the broader debate. In particular the Blog examines the Civilising Processes that we all participate in, and the social and economic science nature of these processes. An examination of the Civilising Processes (that show that Western society is not yet civilised) was the fundamental reason for asking you to release Ms Ashtiani.

I yet again write an open letter and ask the Islamic Republic of Iran to release Ms Ashtiani. Not because of World opinion, but because you decide that it is the correct thing to do. I have explained in my two previous letters that the Republic could grow stronger from making such a decision. President Obama spoke of offering his hand if Iran would unclench its fist. These are good words, but they were probably written for effect.

I’m not so certain that the hand of Iran is clenched at all. Misunderstood yes, but then again domestic matters are often relevant to domestic circumstance. That position is fine. I have explained in my other letters, that the decisions made by a sovereign state are unique to that State. But the Islamic Republic of Iran can now move forward to embrace the wider community and in making that significant step it can make Iran stronger. Deciding to release Ms Ashtiani is a painless decision, but one that will strengthen the Republic. I yet again urge you to take the next step and start to portray the Islamic Republic of Iran as a caring State that now wants to take its place in World affairs. You have been out on a limb for far too long, now is the time to take an active part in the Civilising process that makes the World a safer and stronger place..."

You can contact me at rba@hotmail.co.uk

Wants and desire

I want to write about the gates, my new friends from the Cameroon, and our Anniversary meal. In fact I really desire the opportunity to tell you about the many meals that I have eaten in the last few months at some wonderful and not so wonderful restaurants and cafes around Wales. But that all pales into insignificance compared to the urgent need to still press the Islamic Republic of Iran for the release of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Who followers and readers of this Blog will know was sentenced to Death by Stoning.

I read of Ms Ahtiani's intended fate while at our flat in Cardiff, after an extremely hard day of prepping the gates for painting. When I read the story in The Times it was in the early hours of the morning and the story was on Page 27. I was horrified by what I read, and was moved to stop working on the gates and instead add a page or two to the Blog and then write the first of two letters that I sent to both the U.N. and the Iranian Embassy in London. After updating the Blog and writing and sending the letter, I went about my business for the day. After a lot more hard work I ended up at Cafe Nero in Cardiff and then read The Times to find that the story had spread overnight from Page 27 to dominate the front cover and the main pages of The Times. Well done to the The Times for taking such a strong stance in such an important matter.

I followed up the initial letter with a second, in which I again set out my position and reasoned arguments. I have learnt that all too often, people shy away from the evidence and reasoned argument of a debate and instead immerse themselves in the emotive dialogue of defence. Sometimes, some things, cannot be defended.

My academic hero is Norbert Elias. Again, followers and readers of the Blog will know of his stature and worth. My academic hero from the United Kingdom is World renowned Professor Andrew Linklater. His work on Harm in World Politics is to say the least 'eye-opening'. Professor Linklater cares for people, and I suppose that my caring nature was enhanced by my exposure to his teaching.

Just when you think that you have all of your heroes in position, and can proceed to buy the Box Set. Along comes a new contender, on this occasion a beautiful looking lady by the name of Nazanin Afshin-Jam. I can advocate her beauty without appearing sexist, as the delightful looking Nazanin is a former Miss World Canada. But her recent beauty is not enhanced by her looks, but by her position as a Human Rights Activist. I have read about Nazanin, because on the 17 July 2010 (our Anniversary), The Times was still running material regarding Ms Ashtiani and The Islamic Republic of Iran. This article was on the 'Opinion' page and was written by Nazanin Afshin-Jam.

Check out http://freesakineh.org/ and http://www.nazaninafshinjam.com/ and while you are at the former Website, take the time to add your name to the petition concerning Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. And if you can find some new and relevant addresses for me to send my two letters to the Islamic Republic of Iran; then please drop me a note at rba@hotmail.co.uk

Dakar

I have had my first visitor to the Blog from the city of Dakar in Senegal. The Blog has also been recently visited by people from afar afield as Chile and India. The full list of countries from which visitors come from is shown below. This list has been extracted from Google Analytics and shows that there have been 500 visits from 22 countries:

United Kingdom
United States
Ghana
Brazil
Canada
Hong Kong
Netherlands
Australia
Germany
Chile
Japan
Honduras
India
Ukraine
Ireland
Vietnam
Sweden
South Africa
Russia
Senegal
Singapore
Antigua and Barbuda

Ghana ranked 7th

The Ghanaian national football team, the 'Black Stars' have been ranked 7th by FIFA following their performance in the 2010 World Cup Finals in Africa. 7th place just behind Brazil and Argentina, is a move upwards of 6 places for the Ghanaians since their 13th place ranking after the 2006 World Cup Finals.

Congratulations to everyone involved with the team. You are great Ambassadors for Ghana, and you all deserve your new found fame and increased prestige.

Keep Hope Alive

I managed to find six addresses and sent a copy of my letter to:

info@iran-embassy.org.uk
consulate@iran-embassy.org.uk
npillay@ohchr.org
urgent-action@ohchr.org
Iran_team@amnesty.org
saneif@hrw.org

You could also write a letter and send it to these and to any other relevant addresses that you can find. Remember, the only thing that makes change happen is people. Five minutes of your time could add 40 years to the life of Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Unlike my error, mention your country of origin. It is after all a shrinking World and peoples from across our World would benefit from better communication and improved understanding. I forgot to mention that I am from Wales. It was an oppressed Country that was conquered. But I could bet on the fact that in some distant past our people were guilty of some act that would be regarded as barbaric by others. It is simply that we have evolved beyond our past, as Africa and others evolve beyond theirs. Let us remember to ‘Keep Hope Alive’ and hope that the Republic of Iran will commute the sentence and allow Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani to rejoin her family.

Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani

I need to deflect from my usual course of writing about Africa, and instead ask you to spare some thoughts for Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani who is under sentence of death by stoning in the Republic of Iran. I repeat below a letter that I have written this morning. I now intend to spend the next few hours in this astonishing heatwave indoors searching for an address to send the letter. If you know who to send the letter to, then please copy and paste and forward to the address that you have in your possession.

I hold a Social and Economic Masters Degree and run an African and Social Science Blog at http://rbabennett.blogspot.com and would say that all in all compared to what many others do or hold; this no big shakes. But the one thing that could come across to those that read my Blog, and those that meet me in the street; is that I care about people.

I am interested in how Civilisations evolve along their development and time helix, and look to Norbert Elias as my academic hero. I see the significant events of history that present a darker side to human nature, as mere deflections that do not impede the natural improvements that occur through evolution. I am not bright enough to be regarded as an academic, but I have a good value set and believe in equality for all. I stand against oppression, but recognise that freedom of speech is not always in the States best interest. Somewhere out there, there is a label that could be assigned to someone like me.

I am none judgemental and do not challenge the right of someone to do something. I believe that we all make choices, and these choices shape our future and our position in the World. Choices made by a leader, can place a nation on the World stage for the right reasons. I do warm to nations that engage in Statecraft and International Politics for the greater good of everyone and not just those that live, work, and play within their society.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has often found itself on the World Stage for the wrong reasons. The rhetoric or the manoeuvring has sometimes been mistimed, and yet, on more than one occasion the Republic has displayed its other side, and by doing so has won World opinion. The case of Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani (The Times, 7 July 2010) is an example whereby Iranian politicians can win through with ease. I urge you not to execute Ms Ashtiani, but instead set her free with the five years of imprisonment and the 99 lashes as fair warning to others who breach the rules that govern your society and in doing so take the next natural step on your developmental helix of the civilising process and cease death by stoning.

I ask you as an average citizen, who has no political alliances, and has nothing to gain from asking you, and has nothing to gain by you accepting the request. I do not challenge your right, I simply plead to your instincts. At some point from now into the future, the Islamic Republic of Iran will stop death by stoning and will stop executing people. Given that in the development helix that outcome is certain, then why not put the mechanism in place now, and thereby take the Moral High Ground in World affairs?

Roger Bennett

Cameroon

My second Blog entry on this astonishingly hot night, relates to the shrinking World. We have bought a second home and I am down in South Wales shoring up the structure and making good those many jobs that occur when we invest in property. It's so warm that the work on this occasion is being done outside.

I was beavering away, and a lovely chap walked around the corner. Well he has to be lovely because he is one of my new neighbours. Well, we got chatting because I thought that he thought that I was a tradesman and he had just popped out to offer me a cup of tea. I know that's an English thing and I'm Welsh, but the family will tell you, I am particularly partial to a nice cuppa. Especially when working.

Unfortunately there was no tea in the offering, but it was nice to chat about Africa. Mr Nice is from the Cameroon, and his Mum had just got out of a taxi on a two week visit from Africa. No, she used a Plane, and didn't travel all the way by taxi. I must try and sit down with them and have a chat once 'Mum' has settled into Wales for her brief stay. I have friends from Ghana, and the Sudane and it would be nice to learn some more about the Cameroon. With this heatwave in place, Africa is well in the forefront of my thoughts. Tonight will be like my time in Accra, but unlike Jeffers, I don't have a blinking great big fan rotating on the ceiling and a blinking great big lizard moving up and down the wall. But sat in the flat Blogging, feels like the time I was sat in the house in Accra. It is astonishingly warm, and I long for tomorrow daytime and the fresh air as I work hard to protect our investment.

Proper Colonial Finalists

Well, who would have expected Spain to defeat Germany 1-0 in the 2nd of the two FIFA 2010 World Cup Semi Finals in Africa? The Germanic fluency that I mentioned in a previous Blog, simply didn't come alive tonight. In many ways it's a grave pity, but the upside is that we will now have a new Football World Cup winning nation.

And that folk's is the way of things, change happens and a new order comes into existence. The European Great Powers searched for lands to Colonise. The 20th Century collapse led to the emergence of Russia and the United States of America. Although the good old USA (our special relations across the Pond) won't be too keen to let go, there is however, an inevitability to the emergence of Asian leading nations. Japanese economic strength and Chinese population transferred into economic growth will eventually lead to Asian dominance of World affairs.

To put it simply, things that can change, often do change. Holland against Spain, who would of thought of it?

Holland, Holland, Holland

Well done to Holland for their crushing 3-2 defeat of Uruguay in a Semi-final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Africa. Although I would have preferred to have seen Ghana taking their rightful place in this game against the Netherlands; what goes round, come round. Uruguay simply weren’t good enough.

The downside of this result is that the cheating that occurred in the Quarter-finals will soon be forgotten. The Netherlands will now meet Germany or Spain in the Final, but the upside is that I don’t have watch the 3rd-4th place Play-off and therefore don't get to see the cheat again.

The Netherlands were Colonial masters in South Africa between 1652 and 1795, with the linguistic strength of the simplified Dutch spoken by migrant Dutch farmers leaving a legacy on the African Continent. Germany showed its Colonial Expansionism by acquiring South West Africa [Namibia], and German East Africa [Mainland Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Togo, and Cameroon]. There are examples of German atrocities regarding native Africans, but these are too extreme for me to replicate on a family website. I knew about the Holocaust and atrocities in Bosnia, and modern Rwanda, but I was not aware of turn of the 20th Century atrocities in Africa. When I finish reading my current set of academic and heroic books, I shall delve a bit deeper into that bit of dark history.

The last of the three World Cup nations was not intent on African Colonisation. Instead, Spain looked towards colonisation of the Americas. However Spain did hold Morocco until 1956, Guinea until 1968, and Spanish Sahara until 1975. The point being that the nation that has already secured a place in the Final of the 2010 World Cup and the two nations that are now left to contend the last remaining place; all held colonies in Africa.

A pretty cool flag and map

This is a pretty cool map and flag combination of Ghana that I found was being used as a Profile picture on Facebook. Ghana is highlighted on the map of the African Continent (just above the central black star on the Flag).

The Times, London

The Times, London

I submitted a letter to The Times regarding the cheating that denied the Ghanaian Football Team their rightful place in the 2010 World Cup Finals held in Africa. Writing a letter to a newspaper is something that I have not done for a very long time, and maybe by referencing the act, you can gauge my outrage that the cheating occurred and that the cheat was shown celebrating the success of his cheating on World Television. Unfortunately, my letter did not make the Editorial cut.

The only letter to appear in the July 5 2010 edition of The Times regarding Ghana being robbed; came from a Frank Edwards, from Croydon, Surrey

Pay the penalty
Sir, Ghana were robbed of victory in their quarter-final with Uruguay by cheating in the form of Suarez’s blatant handball on the goal line (report, the game, July 3). I suggest that when such a foul stops what would otherwise be a 100 per cent certain goal, the referee should be able to award an instant penalty goal, similar to the penalty try in rugby.

My unsuccessful submission was a tad longer. Well it had to be, didn’t it?

A Sad Day for Football
Sir, a lot has been said and written regarding the disallowed goal when the ball crossed the line during the England and Germany clash during the 2010 World Cup Finals in Africa. A bit less was said and written regarding the Argentinean player being in an offside position when Argentina scored against Mexico. Each decision to disallow one goal and to allow the other may have been made in error, but neither decision can be considered as a deliberate act that disadvantaged one of the teams. Players, Match Officials and even Supporters make mistakes. There is a vast difference between a mistake and a deliberate act. For that reason, the events that occurred at the end of the Quarter Final match between the Ghanaian ‘Black Stars’ and Uruguay represents a sad day for World Football. The Ghanaian players and everyone involved with the team can hold their heads up high. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Uruguayan player who handled the ball in the dying seconds of the second period of Extra Time, and thereby stopped Ghana from scoring a certain goal. Worse still, this player was not ushered down into the tunnel and remained near the pitch. Onlookers witnessed his shameful behaviour of celebrating the missed penalty. Heartbreaking yes, but many people would rather be on the losing side than win under these circumstances. The hand ball and the images that were repeatedly broadcast throughout the World showing the player as he celebrated the success of his act, should have led to the game being awarded to Ghana. Instead, Ghana went on to lose the penalty shoot out. If winning means so much that you have to cheat, then Ghana is better off by not reaching the FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals. Ghana has already achieved far more in its years of Independence that winning a Football World Cup. The Ghanaian contribution to Statecraft and Security dwarfs that of lesser actors. The sheer effort of Ghanaians to help to secure World peace is an embarrassment for those countries that make little or no effort to Peacekeeping Operations. Ghana is already a World Champion of International Politics, and Ghanaian athletes will go on to achieve accolades for Ghana in the sporting arena. We must ‘Keep Hope Alive’ and I hope that Uruguay win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Simply because a Uruguayan victory built on the defeat of Ghana, will be an embarrassment to Football. Uruguay may have the technique and the run of good fortune, but like others, they brought the wrong value set to Africa. It was a sad day for World Football and no one should lose sight of that fact.

FIFA Failed

By only upholding a single match ban for the Uruguayan Cheat, FIFA failed to restore the ideals of fair play to the 2010 World Cup Finals in Africa. Contrary to their grand claims; the Uruguayan Football Team is not amongst the best four football teams in the World.

Uruguay were beaten in normal play 2-1 by a Ghana team that finished the game stronger than their opponents. Well that would have been the score, if a cheat had not punched the ball away from a certain goal. If fair play is what FIFA believe in, then they should have asked Uruguay to go home. The cheat should have been banned from the tournament, either by joining his team on the flight home, or by being refused entry to the Stadium. This was no 'Hand of God', this was 'The Hand of a Cheat'.

This Uruguayan Football Team with the actions of the cheat and the subsequent celebration of the cheating; has probably done more damage to the good name of Uruguay than any athlete or politician preceding them. I am embarrassed that the good people of Uruguay have been shamed in this manner by their athletes.

I am glad that the Ghanaian Team Manager is proud of his players, as there are millions of people throughout the World who are also proud of them. People who cannot believe what happened and how that act was celebrated. I hope that Uruguay win the torunament as it will remind people that they won because of what they done and celebrated against Ghana. A Ghanaian Team that by right should have proceeded into the Semi Finals and taken their rightful place as one of the best four football teams in the World.

Like I mentioned in a previous Blog posting; if you have to cheat to win, then you are better off not winning.

Players and Teams that don't cheat

The three good thing about the Football World Cup Finals in Africa, were the other three Quarter Final Matches. After the sorry affair involving Uruguay and the deliberate hand ball and shameful celebrations; it was a pleasure to watch the skill and measured celebrations of the other six Quarter Finalists. Brazil went out 2-1 to the Netherlands. but were humble in defeat both on and off the field. The Brazilian players come and go yet again as true Ambassadors for their nation. Look on Uruguay, and learn. Germany crushed Argentina 4-0, but yet again the losing side had no complaints as they were beaten by athletes and not by a cheat. My favourite Quarter Final match in Africa, must be the game between Paraguay and Spain. I could write about the drama of Holland fighting back from being 1-0 down. I could write about the calm skill of Germany. An almost orchestrated skill, whereby each player understands their place on the pitch and the team moves in unison to fill the gaps and to make the play. Astonishingly fluent, and to me one of the best German Football Teams ever.

Indeed, if Carlsberg Managed Football Teams then this one would be theirs. But no, the Blog is about Africa, Ghana and all things Accra. I have artistic licence to write about the 2010 World Cup Finals as they are taking place in Africa. And for me, however fair, equitable, and humble the games were between the Netherlands and Brazil, and Germany and Argentina, the game that stands out was Paraguay and Spain. like the two other Quarter Finals that I refer to in this posting; there were no cheats. In many ways, there were also no great players. There certainly wasn't the Chess Mastery Fluency of Germany or the independent skill of players from Brazil and Argentina. No, this game was different because the 22 players were average. Well, if I am able to describe World Class athletes as average. But you know what I mean.

Both teams had chances and players from both teams unlike the Uruguayan Cheat refrained from cheating. One of the best examples of fair play emerging from this Quarter Final clash was the astonishing double penalty events of the second half. As a qualified Football Referee, it was nice to see a Spanish player penalised for a foul in the box during a corner kick. Paraguay will not complain about the subsequent spot kick and the inability of their player to score. It was fair, there was no certain goal before the foul and there was no goal afterwards. But what struck me most about that penalty; was the way in which the Spanish players rushed forward to gobble up the ball in the event of a save or deflection off the post or cross bar. They were lucky that I am not a World Class Referee as if I had been there, then the Paraguayan player would have taken the kick again.

Seconds later and the ball was at the other end of the pitch and Spain were quite rightly awarded a penalty. The Spanish play converted the spot kick and embarked on the customary celebrations when it dawned on him and others that the Referee was having none of it. The Spanish players had yet again encroached into the box in their mad rush to gobble up a deflected ball. The penalty was taken again and this time the 'heroic' (well you have to use that word once, don't you?) Paraguayan goal keeper made the save. 0-0 and that was fair. The point being that no one really complained, the athletes just got on with the game. Well done Paraguay and Spain, unlike the Uruguayan team you are a credit to your country and bring the correct values to Africa.

Oh the final score? 1-0 to Spain.

The aftermath

In the aftermath of defeat it was nice to hear from Michael. Especially as he always greets me with 'Commander'. A word associated with a long gone role that I once had in life. As Michael explains in his communique; "Hope must always be kept alive!" We both believe that the Ghanaian Football Team and Ghana, will go on to achieve greater things. Yesterday was a Sad Day for World Football. The cheating and the images broadcast throughout the World showing the cheat as he celebrated the success of his act, should have led to the game being awarded to Ghana.

Ghana has already achieved more than winning a Football World Cup. The Ghanaian contribution to Statecraft and Security dwarfs that of lesser contributors. The sheer effort of Ghanaians to help to secure World peace is an embarrassment for those countries that make no or little effort to Peacekeeping Operations. They are already World Champions in International Politics, and Ghanaian athletes will go on to achieve greater accolades for Ghana in the sporting arena. For me these things are written, there is no if, it is simply a case of when.

Google Analytics

A quick look at Google Analytics informs me that 212 different people have visited this Blog (Africa, Ghana and all things Accra) since I began writing the Blog back in 2008. Google Analytics also informs me (amongst an awful lot of statistical data regarding these Web pages) that these 212 different visitors come from 20 different countries. It even provides a World Map that you can drill down into for more detail regarding viewers and their behaviours online when visiting this site.

Leaderboard
Country with the highest number of different visitors first

United Kingdom
United States of America
Ghana
Brazil
Canada

Amongst the other 15 countries, I have managed to attract visitors from the Ukraine, and from Russia. I only found this out tonight, which is pretty cool as I am currently reading an academic book on Statecraft and Security and Russia features quite heavily throughout the text, and the Ukraine was a key country in the chapters that I read today.

Indeed, today has been a particularly grand day. I managed a very long walk along the promenade in the glorious sunshine. Spanish Breakfast in my favourite restaurant. Coffee and a Chapter of my current book on the decking at home. 40 lengths of the swimming pool. Unfortunately that is not at home! And coffee and another Chapter of the book in Costa later in the afternoon. Oh, plus a good nosh up for dinner and a great Ghanaian themed evening watching their Quarter Final clash.

A very sad day for Football

If winning means so much that you have to cheat, then Ghana is better off not reaching the FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals.

At least all of the Ghanaian players, Ghanaian officials, and Ghanaian supporters can hold their heads up high. Unfortunately for World Football, the same cannot be said of the Uruguayan player who handled the ball and thereby stopped Ghana from scoring a certain goal. Worse still, the same player was not ushered down into the players tunnel and we instead witnessed what I can only describe as the shame of him celebrating the missed penalty. Heartbreaking yes, but I would rather be on the loosing side than win under these circumstances.

The behaviour of the Ghanaian athletes this evening is a credit to everyone throughout Africa and on many levels; some of which may not be understood by opposition teams that do not behave in the same manner. Shame on the winning team and shame of FIFA for allowing him to display his delight on World television. His Red Card should not stop him playing in the next round, but should equate to an expulsion by the authorities, that sends him homeward bound, not tomorrow, but today.

With Ambassadors as good as the Ghanaian Black Stars, it is no wonder that all of Africa united in a show of pan-Africanism for the Ghanaian Quarter Final clash with Uruguay. The team spirit and fair play on the pitch was matched by the broadcast of the team disembarking from the Team Bus in traditional song. There was not an iPod or MP3 player in sight. It was truly inspirational to see Hope Kept Alive as the 7.30 pm UK time Kickoff at Soccer City approached.

ITV back in the UK done the Ghanaians proud, by setting up a video link direct into the heart of Accra. Viewers in England and Wales were given the rare treat of a 'live' feed into the city and a chance for yours truly to show my wife some of the things that I experienced when I visited Accra and the surrounding area.

The Match was dedicated towards the fight against Racism. This led to an announcement by Officials and one player selected from each team. It was wonderful to see and to hear, as those that spoke are footballers and not public speakers.

It was the Red and Yellow of Ghana against the Blue, Black and White of Uruguay. Kingson kept goal for Ghana in brown instead of his usual resplendent blue and Lilac strip. Ghana snatched the lead with a superb long distance strike in the 2nd minute of extra time at the end of the first half just as the whistle was about to be blown. Some ten minutes into the second half and the equaliser was scored from an extremely well executed Free Kick. The game stayed at 1-1 and would have been 2-1 to Ghana in the very last seconds of the second period of Extra Time, if the handball on the line to stop the ball had not occurred. Ghana were unable to convert the resulting penalty and thereby seize what would have been a well deserved place in the FIFA 2010 World Cup Semi Final. Instead, Ghana went on to lose on Penalties, but won on values.

But to me, the shame was in seeing the player that handled the ball, celebrating when he should have been in the dressing room. My academic hero Norbert Elias taught at the University of Ghana. Amongst many subjects, he wrote about shame. I am confident that tonight's display, that appeared to lack any shame on the part of the player, would have been mentioned in some way. Societies have evolved, and as we evolve, it is interesting to note, that things that were once regarded as shameful, no longer count as such. Sometimes the burden is shared or adopted by the onlooker rather than the person who is directly involved. Tonight, I took on some of that burden, as Africa deserved better than to be cheated out of their rightful place in the Semi Final.

Well done team Ghana, well done the team coach, well done the Supporters. Your day will come, but please never lose sight of the fact, that it is better to have played and to have lost, than to have won at all costs. Sometimes, (and this occasion is one of them) coming second is winning.

I salute you one and all

Before commentators begin hailing footballers as 'Heroes' of the FIFA 2010 World Cup, as the tournament reaches its final stages; it is important for Ghanaians to reflect upon the real heroes of Pan-Africanism and Ghana’s place on the World stage as a significant contributor to peace and stability.

The insurgency in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo has recently led to yet another Ghanaian national being killed while undertaking Peacekeeping Operations.

I commented in the notes to my Thesis, on Ghanaian contribution to Peacekeeping Operations. A significant number of Ghanaians have died during Peacekeeping Operations since this important work began in 1948. Ghana is a relatively small country, but in terms of World Security and Statecraft it punches well above its weight. People, especially those in the West, often talk about charity. But true charity is not just about money. There is no greater sacrifice than laying down your life to try and preserve the security and well being of others. The ultimate sacrifice has occurred in many major conflicts and throughout the numerous peacekeeping operations involving the United Nations and the African Union. Given the number of Ghanaian fatalities, it is to the credit of Ghana and their Politicians that the country still actively participates in the security and peacekeeping element of International Politics.

The first United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission was established in 1948, when the Security Council authorised the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Since then, there have been in excess of 60 UN Peacekeeping Operations throughout the world.

Ghana is recognised as the fifth largest contributor to UN Peacekeeping. Ghanaians have been deployed on UN Missions in the Sinai, Egypt, and South Lebanon (where Ghana is the longest serving of the nations that make up the Peacekeeping force). Ghanaian Peacekeepers have ventured as far afield as Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Darfur, East Timor, Haiti, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Rwanda, Serbia, Sierra Leone, and the Sudan.

Records held by the UN that are dated 4 June 2010 indicate that since 1948 a total of 2805 Peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their life in the search for Peace. Of these 2805 deaths, thirty percent of the fatalities in the first 55 years of UN peacekeeping occurred between 1993 and 1995. UN Records dated the 30 May 2010 indicate that of the 2805 total deaths; 126 Ghanaians have died during 17 peacekeeping operations.

By reviewing the statistical data and researching to find out the full title of each operation I am able to produce the following table that is accurate to the end of May 2010. Please note that some of the Peacekeeping Operations are still active.

Mission abbreviation / Full title of the Mission / Number of Ghanaians Killed

UNAMID
African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) Current operation 1

UNAMA
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Believe this to be Current 1

ONUC
United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) 49

MONUC
United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) 5

MINUSTAH
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) Current Operation 1

UNTAET
United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) 1

UNTAC
United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) 2

UNOCI
United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) Current Operation 6

UNMIS
United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) Current Operation 2

UNMIL
United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Current Operation 5

UNMIK
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Current Operation 1

UNMIBH
United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) 1

UNIFIL
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Current Operation 31

UNEF
United Nations Emergency Force I-II (UNEF I-II) 6

UNAVEM
United Nations Angola Verification Mission I-III (UNAVEM I-III) 1

UNAMSIL
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) 9

UNAMIR
United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) 4

Source:
http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com
http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/fatalities/documents

Footnote
I believe that it is important to remember the fallen and to bring all of their names into one location for ease of future reference. I intend to publish a full list of the 126 names if I can track down the details. Please email me if you hold details of any of the names or can direct me to an Internet or Library source containing the Ghanaian names.

Great Jeffers Pic

What a great picture drawn or obtained by Jeffers! I love Ghana too, Go Ghana Go

Honour

Whatever importance is placed on the outcome of a football match, or the numerous heroes that emerge from each Round of a major tournament; it is not quite the same as the heroics of those who have contributed to the many UN Peacekeeping Operations involving Ghanaians. I have been researching quite long hours to try and find a Roll of Honour containing the names of those Ghanaians that have been killed during Peacekeeping Operations and then replicate or publish that list on this Blog. I know that the number killed is quite substantial, and that the sacrifice should not go unrecognised.

To truly put the efforts of the Ghanaian football team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals into perspective, we need to glance at a table containing the names of the other Quarter Finalists;

Holland v Brazil Kick off on the 2nd July at 3pm UK time
Uruguay v Ghana Kick off on the 2nd July at 7.30pm UK time
Argentina v Germany Kick off on the 3rd July at 3pm UK time
Paraguay v Spain Kick off on the 3rd July at 7.30pm UK time


It is amazing to see Ghana still in contention with the likes of Brazil, Holland, Uruguay, Argentina, Germany, and European Champions Spain. One of these 8 teams are only 3 victories away from being declared World Football Champions. For the remaining 7 nations, there is the glory of reaching the Quarter Finals, Semi Final, or being the runner up at the Final. 32 teams started at the Finals and 24 of those teams along with many more in the qualifiers have been brushed aside. Whatever the results on the 2nd and 3rd June 2010, these 8 teams can be justifiably proud of their achievements and the pride that their countrymen now display as each of the Quarter Finalists fly the national flag of their respective nation.

Ghana play better than their former Colonial masters

Ghanaians could not be criticised for having a wry smile at the demise of their formal Colonial masters at the 2010 Fifa World Cup Finals. With just over 50 years having elapsed since Ghanaian Independence, it is nice to note that Ghana were able to hold Germany to a single goal deficit while England succumbed 4-1. Forget that the ball bounced over the line, as England were beaten by the far better team and not robbed. The significance of the score line will not be lost on those who understand that past Colonial activity led to the introduction of football into Africa. Former tutor turned current master, as Ghana yet again rightfully takes its place on the World stage. From membership of the United Nations Peacekeeping force to the last 8 of the World Cup Quarter Finals, Ghana is there when it matters and when others are not. Go Ghana, Go

Go Ghana

The Star Spangled Banner of the United States of America came up against the Black Stars of Ghana in Rustenburg South Africa on the evening of 26th June 2010 in the last 16 of the FIFA 2010 World Cup Finals. Ghana were the only African nation left in this stage of the World Cup and after a thrilling match that included extra time, the Black Stars fought valiantly to become only the 3rd African nation to book a Quarter Final place in a FIFA World Cup Tournament. Players from the United States of America took to the field in an all-white strip that sported a black horizontal band on their socks. The American strip was low key compared to the flamboyant Red and Yellow of the Black Stars. A superb break and left foot shot by Boateng after 4 minutes and 57 seconds saw Ghana take a well deserved lead, and they dominated the First 45 minutes. 6 minutes into the match and Number 13 Clark, from the United States could have been handed a straight red, but the lenient Referee instead showed a Yellow Card. The crowd were in high spirits and the American supporters matched and sometimes outperformed their Ghanaian ‘Cheer Leading’ opponents. Onlookers must have felt sympathy for ex-American President Bill Clinton who had changed his itinerary to watch the game. The Americans pressed hard in the second half, and I wondered back in Wales if someone had given the Black Stars the wrong pep talk during half time. Donovan scored a fair penalty in the 62nd Penalty, but Ghanaian Number 3 Gyan took the Black Stars to a telling lead in the 4th minute of the first period of Extra Time. 2-1 to Ghana and a place in the Quarter Finals was booked, albeit we had to endure another 26 minutes of play and Extra, Extra Time before the result was finally declared. But throughout that period the Ghanaian's played extremely well and made maximum effort as they held onto their lead. Go Ghana, you all deserve the place in the last 8 and your place in African football history. I applaud you all, and look forward to your Quarter Final tie with Uruguay who beat South Korea 2-1 in their match.

Your fair play and sportsmanship are a credit to all, so please don't lose sight of that, as you set your hearts on the giddy heights of a Semi-Final place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals. Continue to represent your Country and your Continent as you have nothing to fear other than fear itself. Keep Hope Alive Ghana; Go Ghana, Go

The Black Stars

Having beaten Serbia 1-0, drawn with Australia 1-1, and only losing to Germany 0-1, the Great Ghanaian Black Stars made it through to the last 16 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And in doing so, become the only African nation to make the last 16 in a competition that sees the lowest number of European teams to make it to the last 16 since the competition format changed many years ago. Well done Ghana, you deserve your last 16 match against the USA and I only wish that I was there to watch it in person! Instead, I shall have to suffer the current UK heatwave and stay indoors to watch Ghana v USA in glorious High Definition on my 50 inch Panasonic plasma screen in my 'boys' room that has two chairs. To make it even better, Ed is travelling back from South Wales with one of our daughters tomorrow so the match will be a family affair. It's a pity that the England football team were so poor that they could only manage second in an extremely weak group. Otherwise England would have earned the right to play Ghana and that would have been my all time favourite match. Instead, both Ghana and England now have to make it to the 2010 World Cup Final in order for that fixture to take place. And if the physic Octopus has his/her way then Germany are going to win the Germany v England match scheduled for this Sunday. Still, I don't mind Germany winning that game, providing the Black Stars lift the trophy or at least make it to the Final. I recently asked two friends from The Sudan; why the African football teams played a fair game unlike their European counterparts. I suggested that it was to do with Religion and Values, as I suggested in a previous Blog Post. But the Sudanese had a different view, no it was not about Religion, to them it was simply that the game was Big Business in Europe and players had forgotten fair play and the values that should be associated with a game. For me, the North Koreans handled themselves really well in this competition and like the Americans put their country in good light. The Japanese and the Chileans both showed that they are a force to be reckoned with and the Ivory Coast played like England until their last game when they at last turned on the skill and movement that I have previously admired them for. Ghana need to show their skill tomorrow, and then celebrate like Cameroon's past star, Roger Milla. I shall be in Wales cheering on the Black Stars, and all I ask is that they play fair and they play with commitment. Come on the Black Stars, and continue to make all of Africa and one Welshman proud. It's times like this, that I am glad to be a Friend of Ghana.

Ghanaian World Cup Squad 2010

The FIFA 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa - Ghana (The Black Stars) Squad
Daniel AGYEI Shirt Number 1 (G) G = Goalkeeper
Hans SARPEI 2 (D) D = Defender
Asamoah GYAN 3 (F) F = Forward
John PANTSIL 4 (D)
John MENSAH 5 (D)
Anthony ANNAN 6 (M) M = Midfield player
Samuel INKOOM 7 (D)
Jonathan MENSAH 8 (D)
Derek BOATENG 9 (M)
Stephen APPIAH 10 (M)
Sulley MUNTARI 11 (M)
Prince TAGOE 12 (F)
Andre AYEW 13 (M)
Matthew AMOAH 14 (F)
Isaac VORSAH 15 (D)
Stephen AHORLU 16 (G)
Ibrahim AYEW 17 (D)
Dominic ADIYIAH 18 (F)
Lee ADDY 19 (D)
Quincy OWUSU-ABEYIE 20 (F)
Kwadwo ASAMOAH 21 (M)
Richard KINGSON 22 (G)
Kevin Prince BOATENG 23 (F)

Coach Milovan RAJEVAC

Good teams, and Bad teams

I mentioned 'emerging African nations' in my last Blog as I am old enough to have watched and remember Zaire's 9-0 defeat at the hands of Yugoslavia in the 1974 FIFA World Cup held in West Germany and won by the hosts. Zaire were the first black African team to reach the World Cup Finals. The country is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo and has a recent FIFA ranking of 121st in the World. The 9-0 victory by Yugoslavia over Zaire remains a record score for a World Cup Final. Given the limited number of goals scored so far in the 2010 World Cup, that record is likely to remain intact for at least another four years. But we have to put defeats like this into context; however great the margin in a single game in the Finals, each participating team is one of the best in their region and has slogged it out against other opponents for a worthy place in the World Cup Finals as one of thirty two teams. It's not really a case of 'Good' or 'Bad' teams, but teams who are there on equal merit but which may not be able to perform as well as others, for a variety of reasons. These reasons can range from climate, injury to key players, team morale, political circumstance, internal strive, and sheer bad luck on the day. Unless of course you are Brazil, then these circumstances don't seem to occur all too often. In the current World Cup Finals Group Stage; Ghana are up against Serbia, Australia, and Germany. The Germans always seem to be able to field a strong and determined team. Given their current performance against Australia (where they are 2-0 up in the 55th minute), this tournament seems to be the same as the others. With a red card just issued to the Australian number 4 Tim Cahill, it is likely that the Germans will romp home in this game and probably the Group. This is the 4th red card for this tournament already and as a qualified Class B referee I can honestly say that the tackle didn't look like a 'straight red' to me. He clipped his opponent, but little more. Whereas the Germans are good at diving. And to be fair to this referee he gave one of the German players a yellow card in the first half for a deliberate dive. There's too much cheating in Club and World football, and even though Zaire lost 9-0 no one could accuse them of cheating during that tournament. Maybe, African ethics and values are higher than those of European and South American footballers. Is it the serious Church going, poor nations underpinned by strong religion? maybe African players don't see the value in being a cheat. Better to play and loose than to be a dirty cheat who cheats time and time again. Be it holding an opponent in the box, feigning a tackle and taking a dive, or encouraging the referee to give a card by gesture or word. No the African game may not yet be the 'beautiful game', but it certainly is the clean game and a credit to FIFA.

The FIFA World Cup 2010

The FIFA World Cup 2010 Round 1 Group Match between Ghana and Serbia kicked off at 1500 GMT in Pretoria, South Africa on Sunday 13th June 2010. Red and blue football strip against white. The all white Ghanaian football strip carried the Puma logo with black lettering detailing the player name and player number. The smart kit also carried the player number on the left leg of the white shorts. The Red, Yellow, Green stripes, and black Star colours of the Ghana National flag were shown on a wrist band of at least one of the payers and emanating from a football logo on the top left hand-side of the football shirt. This was a fitting bit of football kit; for an African team that played their opening game with skill and vigour. No longer slaves, but equals on the football world stage. By the 18th and the yellow card to the Serbian player Zigic, it was quite clear that England would be no match for Ghana if they can manage to overcome their poor performance against the United States and progress to the Knock Out rounds, and then meet the Ghanaian Nationals. The Ghanaian’s pressed the Serbs and in the 20th minute came close, almost “within a whisker” of opening their account. The Ghanaian football flare was matched by the yellow football boots of their left winger and others. But kit and flare to one side, everyone in ‘Team Ghana’ worked hard to carry the flag for their country. How Algeria and England could have learnt so much from their example and work-rate. By the 25th Minute it was still 0-0 but unfortunately Vorsah picked up a Yellow Card. The colour clashing with the puce coloured kit of the Ghanaian keeper, number 22 Kingson (albeit it has a blue tint shown in the photograph above). It was nice to see that the Ghanaian roving band complete with flag carrier was allowed to walk around at the base of the terrace. The Serbs demonstrated that they could take a clever free kick, but football is not just about set pieces. This is something that the England team also needs to learn. The pitch was immaculate although there is some negativity regarding the football being used in this World Cup and the way in which the ball is flying high. Maybe, just maybe the quality of the ball is the reason for the appalling Goal Keeper mistakes for England and Algeria in their opening games? Apparently, the balls are too round, but isn’t this exactly the shape that a football should be? The Ghanaian’s pressed on and in the 34th minute the scored remained 0-0. The changing advertising hording had more work to do than the almost redundant referee. Looking splendid in his Black strip, he failed to award Zigic a second yellow card in the 36th minute that would have reduced Serbia to ten men. A good save by Kingson in the 39th minute kept the Serbs at bay. There is no doubt that as the players walked to the tunnel at the end of the first half; Ghana had the better first 45 minutes. Maybe this is why they gathered in a circle and held each other’s arms before finding their way into the cool, for a well earned rest. I salute the Ghanaian football team, because whatever the outcome they had shown the World in their first 45 minutes at the 2010 World Cup finals, how to behave, how to work, and how to represent their Country. Look on England, and maybe you can use the Ghanaian example as a training video. Ghana is not constrained by the past glory of 1966, or the false expectations of those who believe that a team is better than it is. The Ghanaian striker, number 13 came close with a flying header in the 53rd minute. And Ghana broke again only one minute later, and followed that with a corner. By the 55th minute Ghana had attacked yet again. The Ghanaian team were let off in the 57th minute when a few of their players seemed to misunderstand that you cannot be offside from a throw in. The experience rattled them and Serbia came close to opening the score in the 58th minute. By the 59th minute Ghana had also come close to scoring at the other end. Zigic left the field in the 69th minute and was replaced by Lazovic. In the 72nd minute, number 10 Stephen Appiah came on for Ghana with Lukovic picking up a second yellow card in the 73rd minute, thus reducing Serbia to 10 players. The problem being that a reduction in team numbers is not always a bad thing. Teams can be spurred on by what they sometimes consider to be wrong, almost finding a second breath. Ghana would need to dig deep for the last quarter of an hour of they were to win their opening game and start their campaign to move beyond the Group Stage. A spectacular save by Kingson in the 78th minute kept Ghana in the game. No wonder the Serbian player who struck the ball held his head in despair. A deliberate hand ball by a Serbian player in the 83rd minute led to a fair penalty which was put away by the Ghanaian number 3. The stadium came to life as the Ghanaian’s danced away. The Serbian number 22 was distraught, but he could not complain about the Referee decision to award the penalty. If the ball had not been handled, then it would have probably fallen to the Ghanain striker that was moving in fast and to his right. In many ways, the Serbian team were fortunate not to have been reduced to nine players. What mattered now, was could Ghana do what South Africa could not? Could Ghana hold onto their 1-0 lead? Lee Addy came on for Ghana in the 90th minute as 3 extra minutes were added to the game by the FIFA fourth official. A Ghanaian attack in the 91st minute led to the Serbian keeper being beaten but the ball bouncing off the post. The last time, Ghana qualified strongly from the Group Stage they were only stopped by Brazil. It is so clear that the emerging African nations will come to dominate World football, but meanwhile this football team is happy to have a good time representing their country and Continent with pride. Ghana were the better side, and not just in terms of football ability. Well done FIFA for awarding the 2010 World Cup Finals to Africa. Oh, by the way, the final Score of the Ghana v Serbia game was 1-0 . The supporters placards were held high and one said “Feel it, Ghana is here!”. Feeling it, I am.

So much more

There is so much more that I could write about arbitration as our lives enter a new phase that can only be explained in detail to close friends and family. Alas, I cannot write about these matters in the public domain as the Blog could upset the fine balance of legal arguments. Putting that point to one side, the glorious weather is worthy of note. 21 degrees today and 23 degrees expected tomorrow, I am off hunting for my swimming kit and then onto enjoying my first dip in over two weeks. I have been busy looking after a family member and writing up case notes etc., So, whether you are in sunny West Wales, sunny and hot Africa or North America enjoy the weather as summer takes its grip!

Robinson Crusoe

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Well folks, those that know me, also know that I believe in fate. And that I like to try and link each post in some way to the preceding one. So there I was just finishing my 23 May 2010 post about the boat and messing about on water, and what do I find? Well you never; I have my third Blog follower. Not any old follower mind you, but, Raquel Crusoé from MC in Brazil. Great timing Ms Crusoé, I doff my cap to you. For the un-initiated, MC stands for Montes Claros. And Ms Crusoé is a native of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. And to trump the fate thing; I sold a pen on Ebay tonight to someone who was enquiring if I would post the pen to Brazil. It's a small World isn't it? Even without a boat.

Sports

As the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Africa nears, it is worth remembering that football is not the only sport. Many people enjoy messing about on the water, and for our family today was one of those days. Pauline and her best friend Mandy were invited out for the afternoon on our friends yacht AVOCET skippered by Richard Denyer. Not me, as I'm more of a cafe and coffee bloke, than water and boats. A real landlubber who prefers to watch than participate. Aberystwyth beach was packed, almost as packed as those new and upgraded stadiums in South Africa shall be in only a few weeks. I can truly say that this was the most number of people that I have seen on South Beach in our 20+ years of living on the coast. I managed Orange Juice in Costa, a snooze in the car, a walk along the beach and coffee at the hut. The sun was beating down relentlessly and I can imagine that it was quite warm out on the boat. I managed to watch them with the binoculars and take a few photo's with the Sony Xperia X10 and its 8.1 digital camera. The best photographic result is included with the Blog. Needless to mention that the gang had a great time. An excellent skipper, a great host and an opportunity for friends to chat and partake in the waters. But come June, I suspect that they all wish that they have a television on the boat so they don't miss that all important game. Mmmmm. who shall I support? England or Ghana. Well that's a no brainer isn't it?

X10

Arbitration involves communicating the outcome and the rationale behind the decision. My latest communication tool is stunning! An all white Sony Ericsson X10 which I have kitted out with a white hand lanyard from mandy61199 on Ebay along with some Sennheiser speakers and when it arrives from Hong Kong, a white windscreen holder for those long journeys. Facebook and email viewing are a doddle, and the phone comes with photo recognition and a load of other easy to use Apps. A brilliant predictive text system adds the the usability of the X10. It's a joy to mess with the phone, and easy to send an email to Jeffers over in Ghana without paying to send an International text message. All in all, well done to the people at Sony Ericsson, especially the R&D Team!

Fish

I popped into a local cafe/restaurant. This restaurant is not my usual haunt, but still a nice place with good coffee and friendly service. The thing was, I accidentally hit the evening meal time and was promptly brought the menu. A bit of a dilemma really in that I only wanted a coffee and a read of another chapter of my current book 'Soldier Five'. Still, I have never been one to pass on the opportunity of a good meal, so I opted for the Sea Bass as a main course. The least said about the starters the better, but the fish was really good. In many ways it reminded me of the fish that I had while in Accra. A large portion, eaten in a restaurant, early evening and by the sea. The main difference being the use of a knife and fork to eat the fish, and not having to suffer the crushing heat of Ghana. I chomped away, while thinking of my African friends, and a trip that is now fading into a distant memory. Time stands still for no man, and the last few months have moved forward at breakneck speed, let alone the time since my trip way back in 2008. I exchanged emails with Jeffers this week, and checked out his online family photographs. I also exchanged emails with Michael regarding the UK General Election. Michael is now living in North America, but we still discuss politics. This is probably a natural outcome of our time studying at The Department of International Politics in Aberystwyth. I followed the Ghanaian election last year and Michael has found the news coverage of our election to be just as exciting. But probably not as exciting as the fish!

Arbitration is always good

My days as an International Arbiter are long gone, but arbitration is an important part of my life. Choices are important too, and in making these choices we often have to negotiate with others and seek their counsel when things goes wrong. Those that we speak too, often tell us what we should or should not do and what we did correctly or got wrong. Although this ad-hoc arbitration is not binding, it is nevertheless a form of arbitration. My recent negotiation system is determining where to go on holiday this summer and again at Christmas, as I build up towards a once in a lifetime holiday. The decision for that holiday will rest with my boss. No not back in the Fire Service as I retired a while back, no my real boss AKA Mrs. B. There was a Mrs. G back in Ghana, but at home Mrs. B is the boss and undertakes all of the arbitration!

International Arbiter

As well as being a serious Chess Player a decade or so back, I was also a qualified International Chess Arbiter. As well as running a successful Chess Club and undertaking the duties of Arbiter in Ceredigion Schools Competitions, the Aberystwyth Festival of Chess and a Women's event in the North of England. I also organised the Newport Chess Congress on one occasion. Albeit I always enjoyed playing more than organising and controlling.

The one thing that did interest me was Chess Grading. I started in the days of the English Grade, and in my first ever Match Play standard game for grading I drew with a player with an English Grade of 175. In many ways that is equivalent to an ELO Grade of 2000, but the similarities cease with the number assignment as I truly believe that English players are far better than their suppressed grades. I'm Welsh and our grades are in ELO.

Chess Grading is all about statistics and probability. We often get hung up on our Grade and sometimes search for that elusive annual increase that often evades us. Chess players tend to think of themselves as being a better player than their grade suggests. I don't know why that is, maybe we all strive for perfection, but in the cut and thrust of a real game with an approved time control the pressures and constraints placed upon us prevent us reaching our true inner potential.

Mathematically, Jeffers is statistically certain of beating me in 1 game in 100, but alas statistics and mathematical probability never determine in which of the 100 games Jeffers will win, or if there will be a variance that allows him to win 2 or more games. I have an = score against a Welsh Olympian over three games, + = -

That should not have been the case according to the tables and the mathematics. But hey ho, I smashed him up with a piece sacrifice in Round 1 of a Weekend Tournament and bluffed my way out of trouble in the second game a few months later when I deliberately left a piece en-prise. He declined the piece believing that I had seen another piece sacrifice and instead opted for a draw by repetition. A few months later he beat me. Mathematically the + = - results should not have happened as they were contrary to the scheme of things.

This is how Chess Grades are worked out. Well it's a tad more complicated than that but the sequence involves attributing a KNOWN CHESS GRADE from the previous season, or an assigned TEMPORARY CHESS GRADE for new players. Checking a probability table against the KNOWN or TEMPORARY GRADE of one player against the KNOWN GRADE of the other player and thereby making the grading adjustment depending on the result. The adjustment is by way of a mathematical calculation. To obtain a full CHESS GRADE a player has to complete 16 games in one season when using a match play chess set and board and clocks set against approved rates of play. The grading adjustment for all players moves as the season's game results are considered. But this work is completed in hindsight as Chess Grades are calculated in arrears, i.e. the season finishes before the Grading Officer considers the grades. The Chess Grading list is then issued before or just after that start of the next season (depending on how busy the Grading Officer has been over the Summer).

The higher up you go the more complicated things become in that top players have to achieve a CHESS NORM, i.e. it's not just about the grade. The player has to hold a recognised grade in ELO points (a FIDE International Grade) at the appropirate level and also demonstrate an average standard of playing results at the grading level that they are aiming for. And demonstrate this standard on more than one occasion so that the demonstrated standard is not a fluke. As I have explained tables and probabilities are open to variances so the top player has to show that the achieved result on one occasion is not a variance. The top player with the appropriate FIDE grade would achieve a result that is equivalent to an International Master (IM) or Grandmaster (GM) and this result would be assigned as an IM or GM Norm as appropriate. When they have enough 'Norms' and have maintained their FIDE Grade at the appropriate level then they would become an International Master or Grandmaster. Alas, this is something that will not happen for me.

Mr. Tister

I asked Mr. Tister AKA 'Loverboy' AKA our Grandson for some Chess playing advice in my game against Jeffers. Well, I had to ask Justin as I was struggling against Jeffers. The only thing is, could Jeffers see the same complexities in the game as it developed, or were the Demons mine alone? He's only 19 months, Justin Bennett that is and not Jeffers. So I had to interpret his explanation as the spoken language is a tad garbled. My intrepation of the analysis undertaken by Mr. Tister is somewhat strange. "Hide your King amongst the pawns, get his King and squeeze it in your hand and Pawns taste yummy". Thanks, Mr. Tister very useful indeed. I shall endeavour to get Jeffers King and consider the pawn advice the next time I am knocking up lunch for the family.

The Library

One of the good points regarding retirement; is that I can chose to write what I want and when I want.

I have written about choices previously in the Blog. Having to make a choice is in many ways about overcoming the road signs that shape our direction of travel through life. Sometimes we need help in making these decisions. That help can be through the ever present social network that exists in the workplace. Alternatively or probably simultaneously, it is partly a reliance on those who we regard as friends. Friend and family networks often listen and dispense meaningful advice, and although such advice in often invaluable, our choices are also supported by what we have learnt.

This life long learning is gained either through exposure to events that lead to solutions being gained the hard way, or by studying material or behaviours that inform us about a particular topic, or area of interested.

I have a significant chess library which was invaluable for club and tournament play during my informative years as a teenager and on into adulthood. I have several books on the Marshall Attack, a copy of BCO and BCO2 which must be the definitive the linchpin of all chess players learning. That is, weak chess players who rely on set moves to take them from the opening into the middle game. I also have an array of Endgame books and was proud of the manner in which I could conduct an endgame. The problem was reaching that stage of the game, as all too often than not, my open play led to a piece sacrifice here or there. Although amongst all of these books there is only one publication that deserves a place in my bookcase. The book in question is a well read, old ragged copy of Nimzowitsch ‘My System’. Nimzowitsch is as informative to the chess world as Sun Tzu is to Strategic thoughts and thinkers. Unlike ‘My system’ of which I have only one copy, I have four copies of Sun Tzu’s, Art of War. Each of these copies is different, and they do not include Mao’s Treatise; whereby Sun Tzu’s words and phases were remoulded, but actually said the same thing. So in reality I have five copies of the great book in its various forms. I feel like Mel Gibson in ‘Conspiracy Theory’, you know, where he has an urge to keep buying 'The Catcher in the Rye'. Although my earnings pale into insignificance compared to those of the great Mr. Gibson. My understanding of Chess and Strategy also pale into insignificance compared to Sun Tzu and Nimzowitsch.

The down side for the ‘Art of War’ is that it is often misquoted by those who have attended a short managerial course and skimmed a few pages. They quote the book, they quote a few choice phrases but they don’t actually understand the content. The same applies to ‘My System’, like all good books it is in many ways difficult to get to grips with. It is easier to put down, than to read in depth, especially if there is a BCO on the table. But if you persevere then the awards are truly great. Possibly there is a correlation between Nimzowitsch and Sun Tzu. Maybe reading to understand both books, could pay dividends in both the boardroom and on the chess board. They would certainly help you to make the choices that we are often faced with, and maybe, just maybe, get a few of them right.