scattered thoughts since north kivu destabilized yet again (23 Oct 2008)

it's been all rumors, and there's a weird, perverse sort of excitement in it, too. perhaps because i don't really believe things will actually blow up again - the cycle of conflict is far more profitable for nkunda than a full-scale war.

it's been a strange juxtaposition: rumours flying about goma falling and texts from home about the phillies winning the world series. i woke up early this morning and, drinking my coffee on the terrace, thought to myself how everything changes so quickly: overnight everything was different. there was a cease-fire, the rain let up, the phillies won - "it's going to be a great day" i mused. now all i need is obama to win and the world will be right again.

just had a security update meeting with the whole staff - talking about food prices already rising.