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Power, former foreign affairs columnist for the International Herald Tribune and editor of the official history of the UN, A Vision of Hope, purposefully charts the organisation's success stories and cautionary tales. The first chapter, which focuses on former Amnesty adopted prisoner and now Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who gives the book its title, is the most personal in the book, as Obasanjo is an old acquaintance of Power's. What follows are more precise histories of campaigns waged, often alone, by Amnesty, in countries such as Guatemala, where there are no political prisoners, only political killings, and the Central African Republic. The Pinochet affair is usefully sketched, drawing heavily on Geoffrey Robertson's Crimes Against Humanity, and there are lively chapters on British human rights abuses in Northern Ireland, and the interesting dynamics of the organisation's involvement in the Baader-Meinhof campaign of the 1970s, when it perhaps became involved beyond its mandate. The future, Power believes, lies in international law and courting the business community, not glamorous, but fundamental to maintaining momentum. The other massive hurdle remains the USA, which 225 years on from the Declaration of Independence, continues to embrace double standards that render its human rights record grim reading. Conclusion? Good work, but it's not yet time to put down your pen.--David Vincent
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 15050662-75