Hi everyone: I have re-subscribed to the mailing list after a brief hiatus from being actively involved in Gambia-L issues. Be prepared for some divergent views on issues from what apparently has become the status quo. Let's put it this way, I am still staunchly anti-APRC because, like many, I do not believe that a military regime can be successfully transformed into a non-military one. Once the ties to the military have been established (as in the case of the APRC), it becomes impossible to break them. Thus, a military turned democratic regime is nothing more than a military regime under the guise of a legitimate government in an attempt to gain a legitimate look in the eyes of the outside World. Nevertheless, I have had time to examine the opposition parties in The Gambia and my the sad conclusion is that they simply are not up to par. How does one account for upper members of the UDP making antiquated and ill informed statements like the ones Wu Jawara uttered the other day when asked about the possibility of a more fair representation of women in the UDP? A breakdown in communication at the highest echelons, or simply because of political inexperience? Anyway, it's good to be back and I do hope that this time we can dissent without resulting to insults when the going gets tough. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------