On a Second Note…

A study released few years ago concluded South Africa is the world’s most xenophobic, most anti-foreign country. Who knew? Maybe that will put a damper on that glorious 2010 World Cup. 

The Shame of South Africa

Of all the places in the world, I don’t know how South Africa has become a country rife with violent xenophobia. During its fight against apartheid, South Africans were welcomed and helped by its neighbors, especially in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia, where the political and military wing of the ANC largely operated from. Now to see immigrants running [...]

Famine in Sight in Somalia

Woke up this morning, had a toasted sandwich and a coffee. I logged in online to read the day’s news. The catastrophes of Burma and China are still on the headlines but there is also Safia Ali’s story on the front page of the NYT’s website. The resident of Dagaari, central Somalia and mother of five is [...]

The Show Has Started & Ended

Another Somalia peace conference has begun in Djibouti over the weekend in which the U.N. is trying to bring both the TFG and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia for negotiation, but already the conference has been declared dead on arrival, as all the important players stayed home. Complicating matters, the United Nation envoy is meeting [...]

Listen up Ladies!

I can’t stop laughing at this BBC headline. 

Fig: A headline picture from the BBC website that turns out to be funny.

Talking to an Anarchist, Vegan

Walking around on a thirty thousand plus campus will more than likely result in some strange encounters with few idealist, outcasts, and rebels. The other day I had a conversation with an Anarchist promoter and a Vegan activist- on the same day. Both were interesting and idealists.
The Anarchist
They say first impression is crucial and if [...]

Cliff Hanger, Again!

The U.S. strike in Somalia on Thursday killing Aadan Ayro will leave us another cliff hanger for the “peace” process initiated by the U.N. and is supposed to take place ten days from now. Indeed, the TFG and Meles Zenawi are celebrating but does that make them the winner? Al-Shabaab is going to replace Ayro [...]