Copenhagen was a disaster. That much is agreed. But the truth about what actually happened is in danger of being lost amid the spin and inevitable mutual recriminations. The truth is this: China wrecked the talks, intentionally humiliated Barack Obama, and insisted on an awful "deal" so western leaders would walk away carrying the blame. How do I know this? Because I was in the room and saw it happen.
China's strategy was simple: block the open negotiations for two weeks, and then ensure that the closed-door deal made it look as if the west had failed the world's poor once again. And sure enough, the aid agencies, civil society movements and environmental groups all took the bait. The failure was "the inevitable result of rich countries refusing adequately and fairly to shoulder their overwhelming responsibility", said Christian Aid. "Rich countries have bullied developing nations," fumed Friends of the Earth International......
I must be on China's side. What could be better no deal and Obama looking like a spent force. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYes ... China gave us an unexpected Christmas gift! Commies do that you know, without realizing it.
ReplyDeleteI was quite disturbed when I first heard Obama announcing a "landmark deal". It was not until I saw Jack Layton on television complaining about the treaty that I knew it was good. Thanks to Jack's "canary in the coal mine" purpose, I relaxed and knew that everything was right in the world.
ReplyDelete"In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double"
-Bob Marley