Comparison

[KARL]

Here is another survey report as food for thought (and perhaps discussion)
https://www.mbl.is/media/04/11404.pdf

[Zacs-Master]

And 82 references to 'Pandemic' one of which reads 'In addition to presenting the findings from the 2020
GPI, this year’s report includes an analysis of the effect
of the COVID-19 pandemic on peace, including Positive
Peace'

[KARL]

Hmmm, I bow to your thorough word count. I misunderstood your initial comment to suggest that the report was addressing Covid 19 as a pandemic, including the usual topics of discussion (hospitals, deaths, PPE and all the rest - which of course it is not) and for that I apologise.

A report on transportation turnover might mention that a shortage of fuel has affected things and (likely conversely) a collapse in prices also even though either/both of those are ongoing. A report on high street retail activity would mention adverse weather, etc., including "lockdown" as factors. Similarly, the authors of this report seem to try and within reason bring in all factors significantly (or perhaps not so much as some might think) affecting their subject.

This report, like so many, covers a specific period and all reports tend to have a cut-off - the content will be collected and presented as "correct/complete from-to" in some way or other (perhaps with caveats/limitations), or just "up to...". To insist that an interim or annual update is prevented from being presented while the long term, not to mention ultimate, effects of something are yet to emerge is of course missing the point, as I feel certain you realise. This report is a summary covering a 12 month period since the last one, another will follow in 12 months time. For example, it would be unrealistic/unreasonable to insist that because it dominates any evaluation of them, forming an annual assessment of Afghanistan, Syria or Yemen for the past years or in the future cannot be done until the conflicts in these countries are over.

[ToraToraTora]

ok Karl: so you are quite happy to believe the distortion of the results based primarily, on us, not giving travellers enough free stuff? Right oh! Do you truly think that there are 159 countries in the world that are better places to raise children?

[Zacs-Master]

Completely accept the fact that there was a cut off. What I'm saying is, because it cut off in the middle of a pandemic, it's a bit meaningless.

BTW, I just searched for those words which gives you a word count/ Im not that much of an anorak!

[KARL]

TTT, you really shouldn't think I have compiled this or any others of the various reports, you overestimate my importance. The report is prepared by far better informed and more capable people than I am, they present their knowledge, analysis and observations. It matters not whether you or I don't like some of the facts, items, conclusions, etc., they are there and the various assessments are made for the purposes of and to the criteria framing the report(s). If any of us wants our image to improve then we should demand that whatever sullies that image is improved - shooting the messenger is futile and foolish. Of course sitting back and going into a huff is also an option, but that is the do-nothing option (why then foam at the mouth ?).

[KARL]

...and it is possible we disagree with the report authors and insist that some particular fact actually does not sully our image - we are happy with the fact but unhappy with it being seen as a negative. This is a case of cultural preference. That Roma and Traveller children are disadvantaged may not be seen as a negative by some (UK), summarily killing alleged drug dealing suspects not seen as a negative in some quarters (Philippines), and jailing and executing people for alleged blasphemy may not be seen as a negative yet elsewhere (Pakistan). The report works on principles which those compiling it decide are appropriate, predictably there are objections to the conclusions and not just because of one of these principles.