From Deseret News archives:
Summit likely U.S. bash fest
Iranian, Chavez expected to lead verbal assault in Cuba
Expect plenty of verbal fireworks when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez join more than 50 world leaders in Havana for the 14th Non-Aligned Movement summit beginning Monday.
"Inevitably at non-aligned meetings there is a lot of rhetoric launched at the bogeyman, which is the United States," said Larry Birns, director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, a Washington-based policy group.
Analysts expect Chavez to hurl the most caustic attacks given his ambition of replacing ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro as the global spokesman for the left. The United States also makes an easy target given its sinking international prestige.
But at least one Havana-based diplomat whose nation is participating in the summit hopes the event does not turn into an anti-American slugfest.
"I don't see a specific country being singled out," said the diplomat, who asked not to be identified. "It's an opportunity for all Third World and developing countries to increase their cooperation."
But the movement faded in recent decades, and the Sept. 11-16 meeting is expected to yield few results, analysts say.
A draft of the summit's final declaration posted on the official Web site supports sustainable development, respect for human rights and other principles while condemning "the attempts at hegemonic domination" and "the unjust international economic order."
The gathering also is likely to condemn Israel's bombing of Lebanon and U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba.
Analysts say member nations have difficulty reaching a consensus on many issues because they are divided among anti-American firebrands like Chavez, a plethora of small nations with little clout, and emerging powers like India who seek good relations with the United States.
The non-aligned movement also has no ability to enforce its resolutions.
"It's a diplomatic mechanism," said William LeoGrande, dean of American University's School of Public Affairs. "These are for the most part small countries and poor countries. In terms of traditional international powers, they don't have much influence."
Comments
- EPA: Greenhouse gases harmful 9:08 a.m.
- 'Openness' workshop closed to public 9:00 a.m.
- Thousands protest in Iran 8:47 a.m.
- Stocks push higher as dollar rises 8:41 a.m.
- Messy Monday morning commute 8:22 a.m.
- U.N. climate conference opens 7:55 a.m.
- Blast outside Iraqi school kills 8 7:53 a.m.
- Today on TV 12:49 a.m.
- Wanted: Bank robber with bad breath 12:40 a.m.
- Philippine police clash with clan 12:28 a.m.
- BYU and Utah's bowl games
- BYU professor remembered
- Cougars going back to Vegas
- Y., U. to learn bowl destinations
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
- The forgotten ship: USS Utah
- Utes excited to go to San Diego
- Bring the true spirit of Christmas
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
- Letters: Liberal because LDS
258 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
220 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
189 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
138 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
131 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
114 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
98 - Harpring's NBA career is over
95 - Cougars going back to Vegas
91
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
Health Care Reform? Yes, but not this lousy ill conceived bill. I hope...
No way was the BCS going to allow another 'Utah beatdown of Bama'. Putting 2...
Don't assume that, because I'm not an Obama partisan that I support any...
The problem with the Pickens Plan is that it relies heavily on government...
Gazelle, I may miss the game tonight unfortunately not by choice but I will...
Notice they don't use "Global Warming" much more, they say "climate...
Hang in there, Republicans, unless/until "Brother" Reid can explain how he's...
I hate the utes. Always have, always will. Their streak ends this year....
Evidently the AP writer doesn't pay attention to the news. A cache of emails...
I have a Christmas plate that has been sitting ON TOP of our cupboards for...



You can be the first to comment on this story.