The end is nigh but what is to come in Syria?

It seems that even in Damascus, the entrenched regime can be targeted. How much longer can the ruling clique (for four decades now) survive an ever increasing pressure to resign? If they don’t then they will probably perish at the hands of a diverse opposition.

That the end is nigh is obvious but what is not so clear is who will take possession of the baubles of power? There is no guarantee that this war-torn nation will be delivered into the hands of democratic governance. Waiting in the wings are a variety of groups, manoeuvring themselves into positions of influence.

No doubt the ‘West’ would like to see a democracy modelled on their perceptions, but the situation in Syria is far more complex. Don’t be surprised if the influence of Iran, Iraq and other less reputable groups (based on previous experiences) force their way into power. What will have been gained for the Syrian people then? I fear deeply for the ordinary citizen of this country. Get rid of the present regime---but the troubles are not over.

A marriage of (in)convenience--National and The Maori Party

I suppose you could say that it ‘was a way of getting a foot in the door,’ or an ‘an arranged marriage.’ However you see it, you must be struggling to determine whether you should laugh or cry--- maybe both at once. I for one always found it strange that The Maori Party could ever come to an arrangement with National. Certainly many of its supporters were perplexed to say the least.

No doubt Peter and Tariana feel they have made some gains for Maori, but for those looking into the tent, they must be wondering what will come next after the debacle around the ‘water ownership rights’ rages on. It seems that John Keys, indelicate’ remarks of late have done little to extinguish the fires of love between the two parties.

All is forgiven after the two co-leaders accepted Johnny’s explanation. They will stumble through to the next ‘fall-out’ and carry on because there is a certainty that being ‘in’ is much better than being ‘out.’

Such a pathway carries with it a range of difficulties; the most obvious being keeping ones integrity as a party. Out the window go the lofty ideals as expressed in the past. In stays the desire to stay at the ‘trough.’

Hone Harawira seems to be a lone voice, along with a few labour MPs who are promulgating the real stance of Maori. He has been brash (forgive the word--- I’m sure Mr Brash still ‘admires’ Hone) in the past in his interactions with our leaders but of late he has been almost sounding parliamentarian in his approach. Yes, he says it as he sees it, but that is becoming more and more ‘mainstream.’ Is it his age or a growing belief that you have to take people along with you if you wish to achieve anything?

We shall all watch as The Maori Party try to maintain their position within Government without choking on their machinations in order to stay with Johnny.