Our World

Bolivian miners conflict

Bolivia once considered itself blessed to have such a wonderful stockhold of natuarl resources, namely tin. However, looking at the ongoing, fatal clash over tin miners, I think the opinion may be different. Over 12 citizens have been killed in the conflict, and over 57 injured. The conflict is between state-employed and independent miners. On Thursday, hundreds of independent miners overtook the tin mine from the state. The army was sent to the mine, and the miners attempted to fight back, resulting in losses for both sides.

Today is a day in which the independent, state-employed, and the government can reflect on what has happened. Both sides have agreed to a cease-fire so that they can bury their dead. They should think about what they doing, fighting puerilely over the mine. Lives would not be lost, and much more would be gained if the independent workers, state-employed workers, and the government decided to talk peacefully in order to accomplish things.

Two things can be realized from this situation. One, an abundance of natural resources is not always a blessing. Extra conflicts and governance is needed in order to keep the mining and organization of these resources. Two, I think that the United States' government should use this situation as an example. Violent confrontation seems to only result in losses for both sides. In order to gain anything, peaceful talks are the best way to accomplish this.

posted by Anonymous @ 10/06/2006 11:33:00 PM