Years ago while doing my doctoral studies, my Ghanaian professor gave the class an article from West Africa magazine about a 91-page report titled, "Enough is Enough." The report was a scathing attack on the International Monetary Fund  (IMF) and its policies in developing nations. It was written by Grenada's Davidson Budhoo, an IMF senior consultant. These same words headline a scathing attack on another international organization: FIDE.

In a recent article at ChessBase.com, the world's highest-rated player, Garry Kasparov stated that he is withdrawing from the process of unification. "It is time to reclaim my life," stated the former world champion.  His letter stands as a harsh critique of FIDE's inability to secure a unification preliminary match with FIDE knockout champion, Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan.

Needless to say, this latest development will have serious repercussions in the unification process, but perhaps there will be further consideration of some of the proposals laid out by various players. It may be the only recourse at this point since the Prague Agreement, already on fragile ground, is officially dead. Chess is suffering as a result of a lack of vision. However, it is not certain what role the Association of Chess Professionals will play in this issue, or whether FIDE can finally deliver the goods. I believe we've all had enough.

Dr. Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum

Posted by The Chess Drum: 19 January 2005