Letter to the Editor
The Times
Published November 17, 2005

Roger Boyes' otherwise forward-looking and informative September 3 article, "Next stop is the Belarus BlackBerry revolution," contains significant inaccuracies which require correction. He writes, "...a computer video game, called A Force More Powerful that will be used to train budding Lech Walesas. A Belarussion version of the game should be ready in the next few months. It will show Minsk street scenes, and pose questions and dilemmas useful to anyone trying to mobilise peaceful protest against Mr. Lukashenko." While this simulation game is being developed, it won't be ready until mid-2006, and there is absolutely no Belarussion version nor any reference to Mr. Lukashenko or other dictators. The game is not tailored to particular countries, situations or struggles. It will contain a dozen generic scenarios, inspired by recent history, that include conflicts against authoritarians, occupiers, colonizers, and corrupt regimes; and struggles to secure the political and human rights of ethnic and racial minorities and women. It is designed as a resource - for activists, educators, media and the general public - to learn the strategy of nonviolent methods to end oppression.

Shaazka Beyerle

Vice President
International Center on Nonviolent Conflict