Ripe Conflict in 2011

Entering 2011, we all look forward to a year of progress and change.  Yet not all countries are so hopeful and, in fact, many face harder times and more turmoil ahead.  The International Crisis Group and Foreign Policy produced a list of Next Year’s Wars, summarizing ripe conflicts on the verge of calamity.  These countries can also be found on the Global Peace Index and many are home to the work of Search for Common Ground.  Be sure to follow the links of those countries associated with our organization’s work and learn more about what we do.  The sixteen troubled countries include the following:

1.       In Côte d’Ivoire two opposing political parties battle for presidency.  Search for Common Ground began working in Côte d’Ivoire in 2005, to reduce tensions and facilitate reconciliation through dialogue.

2.       Colombia has seen a rise in the organization of new illegal armed groups.

3.       In Zimbabwe, corruption runs rampant and elections grow nearer.

4.       A weak government infrastructure leaves Iraq vulnerable to exploitation.

5.       Violence is rapidly increasing as Venezuela’s President Chávez battles political opposition.

6.       The future is uncertain, but in all probability dim, as Sudan awaits election results for the cessation of its southern part.

7.       In Mexico, drug cartels continue to dominate the violent four-year war, which has cost 30,000 lives.

8.       Latin American drug wars have expanded into Guatemala where drug cartels exploit the vulnerable nation.

9.       Disaster, followed by epidemic, followed by political turmoil.  Very little progress has been made in Haiti which continues to endure challenges.

10.    Tajikistan presents itself as a potential breeding ground for Islamist insurgent groups.

11.    Struggling for many years with government instability, facing more recent hardship from severe flooding and the home to terrorist organizations, Pakistan is a particularly fragile state. Search for Common Ground began operating in Pakistan in 2007 with an Urdu News Service covering current topics and conflict resolution. This successful program led to the development of TV and radio show. Recent projects include self-reflective writing workshops.

12.    The failing national government in Somalia continues to endure attacks from Islamist insurgents.

13.    Facing potential turmoil over international tribunal indictments, Lebanon is also on the brink of war with Israel.  Working both nationally and locally, Search for Common Ground has implemented education programs in Lebanese schools, a children’s TV series and the One Lebanon Youth Movement.

14.    In addition to blatantly corrupt politics and an upcoming election, Nigeria also faces increasing violence over oil resources.  Working in Nigeria since 2004, Search for Common Ground has completed a Media Mapping research project and produced a TV drama series, based on the research findings.

15.    Formerly ruled by a military president who massacred peaceful protesters, Guinea is now run by the national military, which has thoroughly exploited their power and gained control of the countries resources.  Since 2001, Search for Common Ground has been working in Guinea to build the capacity for peace through radio and informed dialogue.

16.    The Democratic Republic of the Congo, coined as the rape capitol of the world, is a perfectly unfortunate example of the consequences of the resource curse.  Search for Common Ground has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2001, supporting accountability and good governance through the use of weekly radio programs. Search for Common Ground also works to support voluntary refugee repatriation and reintegration.