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There’s nothing wrong about loving the country. In fact, military personnel swear to give their life serving their country and, regrettably, that does occur quite often. However, is that Patriotism or Nationalism? One may think it´s only semantic; but it is not! Although the separation line may be very slim, the two concepts are different.Continuar lendo “Patriotism and Nationalism; there’s a difference!”

Once, during one of my overseas missions, an old soldier, veteran of many wars, enlightened me by sharing his stories. Knowledge made of experience gathered in many theaters of operations. Expressing my gratitude for that information sharing, I said: – “Thank you for sharing your experience, maybe one day one of your your stories willContinuar lendo “Learn with otherpeople mistakes; you may not survive your own mistakes.”

A few days ago, I participated in an online workshop about writing memories, organized by the City Hall of my home town – Seixal. At a certain step, I was challenged to write in a few minutes a short story under the theme “memory of a special laugh”. I confessed the surprise on the subject,Continuar lendo “Memories of a special laugh”

Há uns dias, participei num ateliê online de escrita e memória organizado pela Camara Municipal do Seixal. A dado passo, fui desafiado a escrever em escassos minutos uma curta história sob o tema “memória de uma gargalhada especial”. Confesso a surpresa no mote do desafio, mas consegui rebobinar rapidamente as recordações até parar numa grandeContinuar lendo “Memórias de uma gargalhada especial”

Hymn of the United Nations (with lyrics) Eagerly, musician.Sweep your string,So we may sing.Elated, optative,Our several voicesInterblending,Playfully contending,Not interferingBut co-inhering,For all withinThe cinctureof the sound,Is holy groundWhere all are brothers,None faceless Others, Let mortals bewareOf words, forWith words we lie,Can say peaceWhen we mean war,Foul thought speak- fairAnd promise falsely,But song is true:Let music forContinuar lendo “United Nations in songs”

The Portuguese legislative structure has a new entity “The military Veteran statute”. A long waited National recognition to all those that have engaged in overseas military operations in the service of Portugal. This Statute will embrace all those military that have fought in the years sixties/seventies (of the 20th Century) in Angola, Guiné Bissau, Mozambique,Continuar lendo “Portuguese Military Veterans’ official statute”

The violent cessation of Yugoslavia brought to the discussion forums concerned with “crisis resolution” some lessons that, apparently, we insist on not learning. Economic difficulties generate social dissatisfaction, which leads to the emergence of rowdy leaders, with fiery speeches, which open space for the confrontation between the institutional power and popular masses. This is trueContinuar lendo “Lessons Identified (but little learned) from field operations”

A dissolução violenta da ex-Jugoslávia trouxe para os fóruns de discussão preocupados com a “resolução de crises” algumas lições que, aparentemente, teimamos em não aprender. As dificuldades económicas geram insatisfação social, a qual potência o aparecimento de líderes conflituosos, com discursos inflamados, que abrem espaço para o confronto entre o poder instituído e as massasContinuar lendo “Lições do teatro de operações.”

Today, 27DEC2020, it’s elections day in the Central African Republic (CAR). Unfortunately, yesterday, armed terrorist groups launched attacks targeting the Central African defense and security forces and United Nations peacekeepers in Dékoa (Kémo prefecture ), and in Bakouma (Mbomou prefecture). As a result, three (3) Burundi peacekeepers lost their lives on the line of duty.Continuar lendo “Dark election day in Central African Republic”

O International Peace Institute – organismo independente de avaliação e lições aprendidas em ambientes de resolução de crise e manutenção da paz – liberou um estudo sobre as missões de Apoio à Paz de países europeus em África, onde Portugal é apontado como uma excepção positiva na forma como a Europa se tem vindo aContinuar lendo “Forças Portuguesas são um exemplo na ONU”