Monday, February 28th
Death of a democracy
Death of a democracyGangs of killers roam freely, rape is systematic and the poor eat mud to survive. In Port-au-Prince, Andrew Buncombe finds a people crushed by the dark hand of US foreign policy S.Africa leads on GMO, other African states warySouth Africa is striding ahead with genetically modified maize and cotton but many other African countries shun GMO crops, fearful of environmental damage and reduced exports to Europe. Thousands in Central Africa welcome former rulerThousands of people turned out blowing whistles and honking horns to welcome a former military ruler of Central African Republic, who returned from exile on Sunday to contest presidential elections next month. Since independence from France in 1960, the diamond-rich landlocked country which is slightly larger than the Iberian peninsula, has endured long periods of brutal dictatorship and was rocked by a series of army mutinies in the 1990s. Unfair Trade Practices Causes Economic Loss - Vice PrezVice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has indicated that unfair trade practices, such as highly restrictive quotes and high-priced tariffs against African products on the international markets are the major causes of low economic gains in the African Sub-region. Deadly Stampede Mars African Film Festival A deadly stampede has marred the start of the African Fespaco biennial film festival in Burkina Faso. Two young girls died in the melee, and 17 people were injured, several seriously. Thousands died in Africa yesterdayWhen a once-in-a-century natural disaster swept away the lives of more than 100,000 poor Asians last December, the developed world opened its hearts and its checkbooks. Yet when it comes to Africa, where hundreds of thousands of poor men, women and children die needlessly each year from preventable diseases, or unnatural disasters like civil wars, much of the developed world seems to have a heart of stone. Uganda to hold vote on party ban The Ugandan government has announced the new political roadmap ahead of elections early next year. Congo ambush kills nine UN troopsNine United Nations peacekeepers from Bangladesh have been killed in an ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN says. The attack happened on Friday morning in the north-eastern Ituri region, where 4,800 peacekeepers are deployed.
Africa on 02.28.05 @ 09:07 AM CST [ link]
Sunday, February 27th
Britain's dirty war against Mau Mau
Russia and Korea send dollar plummetingThe reign of the US dollar is obviously coming to its endThe rate of the American currency is sliding on the world markets again. The USD has dropped against the euro, the English pound, the Swiss frank, the Japanese yen and the Russian ruble. Yet another reduction of the US dollar rate occurred because of the decision of the South Korean Central Bank to convert a part of its dollar reserves into euros. Scholars unearth Britain's dirty war against Mau Mau Studies by two Western historians show colonial Britain used mass detention without trial, sadistic violence and bent justice far more than previously believed to suppress the revolt. "Things got a little out of hand. "By the time I cut his balls off he had no ears and his eyeball, the right one, I think, was hanging out of its socket. Too bad, he died before we got much out of him." Britain 'shamed' on Mau Mau BRITAIN used mass detention without trial and sadistic violence far more than previously thought to quell the Mau Mau revolt in 1950s Kenya, according to the latest research. With Study of Mau Mau, Prof Creates MasterpieceOver the past decade, Assistant Professor of History Caroline M. Elkins has carefully crafted her maiden work, a 500-page indictment of British authorities’ repression of the Mau Mau uprising in post-World War II Kenya. Imperial Reckoning is a composite of oral interviews and painstaking documentary research that already seems destined to become the authoritative work on an important but under-discussed episode in African history. The Scalping of Cherokee IndianA band of White men and Jews have just scalped a Professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The victim is the scholar and eminent Cherokee Indian intellectual Ward Churchill. The "scalping party" is the university's Board of Regents, Colorado Governor Bill Owens and the media Jewish mogul Rupert Murdock through his lackey, the accused lecher Bill O'Reilly. Professor Churchill has been forced to resign from the chairmanship of his department and Governor Owens presently wants more of his scalp. Second Thoughts on the Hotel Rwanda With war still raging in the Eastern Congo for the fourth time since 1996, serious questions must be asked about the UN's inability to respond effectively. Former UN Secretary General Boutros-Ghali has been raising such questions ever since Washington vetoed his second mandate at the UN in November 1996. For the English version of my book Rwanda 1994, Colonialism Dies Hard, I interviewed Boutros-Ghali about the wars that have wreaked havoc on Central Africa and especially Rwanda and the former Zaire. His observations about the UN and the possible role of the CIA in the April 6, 1994 assassination of two African heads of state are stunning. Black History Month's lessons lost on some whites I'm glad Black History Month is just about over. Soon, we can all go back to believing that race only matters to race mongers, and that the average person doesn't care whether someone is black or white or Asian or Hispanic -- except maybe when they are choosing a neighborhood to live in, a school for their children, or a church service to attend. Africa's leaders united to direct Togo's future When Togo's military leaders installed the son of the country's longtime strongman as president this month, ignoring Togo's constitution, their actions seemed a throwback to an era in African history when coups and tyrannical governments were the rule and African leaders were reluctant to criticize one another, lest their own foibles come to light. Dozens taking a bus to '23 massacre siteTysha Wiggins learned of the thriving black town of Rosewood -- and the horrific massacre in the Central Florida settlement -- from her grandmother. Since then, she has wanted to discover for herself the mysterious grave site believed to hold remains of victims of the 1923 bloodshed in which a white mob destroyed the town. New book documents first statewide civil rights movement in FloridaDecades before the Montgomery bus boycott, African Americans in Jacksonville, Florida, organized streetcar boycotts that forced the city to abandon efforts to segregate the system. BOOK: Emancipation Betrayed : The Hidden History of Black Organizing and White Violence in Florida from Reconstruction to the Bloody Election of 1920 (American Crossroads) by Paul Ortiz Symposium celebrates 45 years of African historyTop scholars in the field of African history will help celebrate 45 years of African history on campus. UW-Madison's African history program is one of this nation's oldest, founded in the 1960s under the leadership of faculty Jan Vansina and Philip Curtin.
Africa on 02.27.05 @ 02:47 PM CST [ link]
Saturday, February 26th
Mugabe aims to bury Blair
Nigeria welcomes Gnassingbe's resignationThe chairperson of the African Union, Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday hailed the decision of Togo's army-installed leader Faure Gnassignbe to step down ahead of elections as a "victory for democracy". African Union demands Togo guarantee
fair elections after president resigns West African leaders lifted sanctions against Togo after its military-installed president stepped down, but the African Union warned the government Saturday it must ensure that upcoming presidential elections are fair and transparent. UN-led mass immunization drive across Africa A mass immunization campaign against polio spearheaded by United Nations agencies and their partners started today for 100 million children in 22 countries in the first drive this year to stop the resurgence of the disease, as reports came in of a new case in Ethiopia. U.N. council tallies W. Africa problems U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says reforming security and reintegrating former fighters into their West Africa communities takes funds not yet forthcoming. South Africa backs campaign to attract exiles South Africa has stepped up a campaign to lure back millions of skilled workers who had left the country, with a conference in London to persuade them they have a bright future back home. Huge Medical Personnel Loss to West Hurting AfricaThe International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a global body that tracks labour migrations and coordinates refugee evacuation, relocation and repatriation logistics reported in Ethiopia recently that the developing world (Sub Saharan African, parts of Asia and Latin America) is losing a staggering $552 billion in medical personnel streaming into Europe and North America. US Official: Darfur genocide trials should be in AfricaWith no letup in Sudan's Darfur crisis, a top Bush administration official squared off with critics Friday about the proper venue for putting on trial those responsible for grave abuses committed in that region. The final stroke will come this year when Venezuela's
President Hugo Chavez Frias switches to the Petro-EuroVenezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias has stressed the importance of a South American union. He said a union is the only answer to stop the USA from "eating us up one by one." He said higher levels of freedom could only be attained via South American integration. That would be achieved through common projects together. The integration between Brazil and Venezuela should be seen as an example of what can be achieved. The Hypocrisy TabooIf one accepts George W. Bush's lecture to the Russians that democracy requires a free press unafraid to criticize national leaders, then what kind of political system exists in the United States where the news media seems so scared of Bush that it shies away from mentioning the president's autocratic tendencies? Bush in Europe: The Visiting EmperorDespite the generally cheery press reports of Bush's reunification trip to Europe, the President is sticking hard and fast to a foreign policy that aims to expel evildoers from our midst, i.e., Iran, unless it changes its ways. Is This Your Ownership Society?Would you invest in a company that cut your wages, laid off your cousin, polluted your neighborhood, cut your health insurance and raided your retirement fund? If so, you'll love President Bush's "ownership society." Mugabe aims to bury BlairHe also accused British Prime Minister Tony Blair of seeking to recolonise the country. Mr Mugabe said the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was a front for Mr Blair. "Only 33 days are left for us to demonstrate that we are united," Mr Mugabe told about 30,000 people gathered at a stadium in Marondera town, 74km east of Harare.
Africa on 02.26.05 @ 05:04 PM CST [ link]
Friday, February 25th
Western Markets Will Not Wipe Africa's Poverty
Iran is way different than IraqThe Bush administration is making the same mistakes with Iran that it made with Iraq. It makes allegations unsupported by facts, refuses to negotiate and threatens sanctions or military action, neither of which is feasible. Africa: Uganda to hold vote on party banUganda's government says it will hold a referendum asking voters if they want a fully-fledged multiparty system. President Yoweri Museveni banned political parties shortly after coming to power in 1986, saying they encourage ethnic and religious divisions. Bush Administration AIDS Policies Continue to Fall ShortIn the president's State of the Union address this year, he pledged again to fight the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. Mr. Bush asked Congress to reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act "to encourage prevention and provide care and treatment" for those infected with the disease. He also stated that "we must focus our efforts on fellow citizens with the highest rates of new cases: African-American men and women." But when his 2006 budget proposal was released two weeks later, a very different picture emerged. Western Markets Will Not Wipe Africa's PovertyMOSES Byaruhanga in The New Vision of February 11, argues that what Africa needs to spur her development is not aid, but trade, and that "the problem in Africa is that we produce what we do not consume and consume what we do not produce". He further argues that Africa sells raw materials without value addition and buys finished products from the developed countries manufactured from those same materials she sold in raw form, thereby donating jobs to the western countries that manufacture those products. Africa gets its MTV
but will the continent's musicians benefit?JOHANNESBURG For as long as anyone can remember, it has taken a rare stroke of luck for an African recording artist to be heard outside Africa. Mbeki urges Greek businessmen to invest in South AfricaVisiting South African President Thabo Mbeki urged Greek businessmen on Friday to invest in his country and praised the high level of relations between the two countries as a base of a closer economic cooperation. Africa At UN: How to Make It Work for the PeopleTHERE is probably no chance of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council resisting the expansion of that powerful organ. The pressure from the rest of the membership is so enormous it is now a matter of "when" rather than "if" the council will be expanded. Processing, Marketing Will End Africa's PovertyIFAD was, apparently, set up in 1978 as a partnership between the developing and developed nations with the specific mission to help "eradicate rural poverty and hunger". Polio virus spreads in EthiopiaA two-year-old girl has contracted polio in Ethiopia in another sign that the epidemic is spreading across Africa, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday. UN-led mass immunization drive across Africa A mass immunization campaign against polio spearheaded by United Nations agencies and their partners started today for 100 million children in 22 countries in the first drive this year to stop the resurgence of the disease, as reports came in of a new case in Ethiopia. UN Security Council Evaluates West Africa Border ProblemsUnited Nations, Feb 25 (Prensa Latina) The United Nations Security Council will weigh up Friday the limited progress made to fight the sub regional and border problems in West Africa. S. Africa maize price falls on good national crop South African maize prices fell on Friday as traders digested news earlier in the week that the crop would be larger than expected, with little seen in the future to boost prices. Congo River Hydropower Plan Gains MomentumPlans to use the Congo River to generate enough electricity to power Africa's industrialization are being drawn up by one of Africa's biggest energy companies, a high level meeting of business and international officials was told Thursday at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council meeting. The plan was announced by Reuel Khoza, chairman of the South African power company Eskom Holdings.
Africa on 02.25.05 @ 06:41 PM CST [ link]
Thursday, February 24th
ANC on A-list of Zim poll guests
Togo leader in Gabon for talksTogo's embattled leader arrived in Gabon on Thursday for talks with the central African country's president as African leaders delayed by one day a meeting to decide whether to impose more sanctions on Togo. Unfair Trade Practice, Africa's Bane - MinisterUnfair and unbalanced trade practices have been identified to be contributory factors to the balance of payment difficulties experienced by Ghana and most African countries. The restrictive quotas and prohibitive tariffs against African products have also led to poverty being endemic. Ghana hosts West African Green Purchasing ConferenceGhana will host the first-ever West African Green Purchasing Conference in June to educate consumers on the need to buy products and services that would not endanger their health, safety and the environment. ANC on A-list of Zim poll guestsGetting an invitation to attend the Zimbabwean parliamentary elections seems to be more difficult than cracking the nod for a Nelson Mandela birthday party. And when Zimbabwe finally put up the "A-list" to attend the latest showcase for democracy on Tuesday, it was clear that everyone had to have their struggle credentials up to date. With parliamentary elections on March 31, Zimbabwe has handpicked countries to be allowed to attend the proceedings. Invited are parties who fought for liberation in their countries, with President Robert Mugabe inviting former Namibian president Sam Nujoma's Swapo party to attend. Zimbabwe announces 45 organizations to observe electionZimbabwean Foreign Affairs Minister Stan Mudenge has announced a list of 45 regional and international organizations invited to observe the parliamentary election on March 31, the official news agency the New Ziana reported on Sunday. Those invited include the Southern Africa Development Community, the African Union, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Non-Aligned Movement, the United Nations and Caribbean Community. The list also included seven liberation movements mostly from Southern Africa. South Africa wants retrial for 'Dr Death'The South African government has asked the Constitutional Court to re-try an apartheid-era germ warfare specialist, nicknamed Dr Death, who has been accused of murdering political opponents under white rule. Out of Africa Tinariwen are in Poole as part of a 10-date regional tour of Britain, alongside Senegalese rappers Daara J (pronounced Daara G) and French-Algerian rock star Rachid Taha. Travelling under the banner of African Soul Rebels, the three acts are a jarringly eclectic mix - and deliberately so. Ian Ashbridge of Wrasse Records designed the package to attract newcomers who are curious, but not yet knowledgeable, about African music. "We really want to break the mould," he says. "World music is useful for retailers but it's quite a poison chalice. US, South Africa have same goals in ZimbabweThe United States today sought to play down South African President Thabo Mbeki's objection to US characterisation of Zimbabwe as an "outpost of tyranny", saying both the nations have same goals in Zimbabwe. These shameless American misleaders abused, and are still abusing, thousands of Iraqis to the extent of killing over 100,000 of them.
Africa on 02.24.05 @ 01:35 PM CST [ link]
Wednesday, February 23rd
UN advisor warns Africa against implementing SAPs
Africa comes of age by passing the Togo testReaction to a coup has shown the continent can keep its own house in order, writes Jonathan Clayton in Johannesburg Tiny Togo tests Africa's commitment to democracyDespite sanctions, the new West African leader, installed by the military Feb. 6, has defied calls to step down. British arms sales fuel Africa's warsBritish ministers' claims that they are leading the global fight against poverty will ring hollow unless the government changes policies which harm rather than help developing countries. What they are not saying is that most of Africa's brutal dictators were armed and propped-up by the West. Now these hypocrites want to sit in judgement of Africa and its governance.S. Africa to spend $3.9 bln on defenseSouth Africa will spend 22.4 billion rand (3.86 billion US dollars) in defense in 2005/6, increasing from 19.4 billion rand in the previous fiscal year. West Africa launches anti-polio driveThree West African countries at the center of a polio epidemic launched an immunization drive on Sunday to help stop the spread of the crippling disease by the end of this year. MTV launches channel for AfricaMTV base Africa is available to some 1.3 million homes across the continent via satellite, but also plans to broadcast on free-to-air networks. Transport problem keeps Somali leader awaySomali Prime Minister Mohamed Ali Gedi has delayed a planned meet-the-people tour due to leave from Kenya on Wednesday because of transport problems but it will go ahead within the next few days, officials said. US Downplays Rift With Mbeki Over Zimbabwe ElectionsThe Bush administration Tuesday down-played differences with South African President Thabo Mbeki over how to promote free elections in Zimbabwe. The South African leader has criticized Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for listing Zimbabwe among the world's outposts of tyranny. South Africa's President Rebukes US on Zimbabwe South African President Thabo Mbeki says Washington's labeling of Zimbabwe as an "outpost of tyranny" has discredited the Bush administration's stated policy of promoting democracy. Bush Lauds South Africa's Success in 10 Years of DemocracyPresident Bush has congratulated South Africans for their accomplishments during their country's first 10 years of democracy, the White House press secretary announced February 22. Dirty needles not spreading HIV in Africa Researchers said injections with dirty needles are not contributing to the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus in sub-Saharan Africa. UN advisor warns Africa against implementing SAPs African countries were yesterday warned against blindly implementing Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs). Professor Geoffrey Sachs, the special advisor to the UN Secretary General and Director of the Millennium Development Projects (MDGs) described the SAPs as a disaster, saying they had contributed to the spread of poverty in the developing world. Company Traces Families Back To AfricaThis Black History Month, many families are trying to learn more about their roots, family origins and history. And now, there's a local company can help trace African-American ancestry beyond America to exact locations in Africa and Europe. Ceasefire expires in north UgandaUgandan government ministers are meeting in the town of Gulu to assess the impact of a ceasefire on the country's fragile peace process. Lagos: the Blair Commission for Africa Was HereA member of the Commission for Africa, Fola Adeola, has lamented that the continent is the only single regional block in the world that is not participating in the rapidly expanding global economy and that the grave trade deficit it is experiencing is happening at a time there has never been greater wealth in the history of the mankind. S.Africa to get new banks to serve poor - TreasurySouth Africa plans to introduce two new types of banks to make financial services more accessible to rural and low-income people who are traditionally not served by commercial banks, the Treasury said on Wednesday.
Africa on 02.23.05 @ 12:44 PM CST [ link]
Tuesday, February 22nd
Mbeki attacks US over Zimbabwe stance
A bitter harvest Europe's bureaucrats have caved in to American pressure over GM, but the decision can be overturned argue Sue Mayer and Robin Grove-White Mbeki attacks US over Zimbabwe stanceSouth Africa's president has launched an outspoken attack on US efforts to exert pressure on Zimbabwe and asserted that his country can assist its neighbour to hold free elections next month. In an interview with the Financial Times, Thabo Mbeki said Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, had discredited Washington's proclaimed policy to promote freedom by placing Zimbabwe on a list of six "outposts of tyranny" last month, alongside Myanmar, Cuba, Belarus, North Korea and Iran. Africa wants seats on UN bodyForeign ministers from 15 African countries have agreed to press demands for Africa to be granted two veto-wielding permanent seats at the UN security council, ambassadors said on Tuesday. Can Kofi Annan & UN survive?When Annan was elected on January 1, 1997 as the seventh secretary-general of the UN, his agenda was all-encompassing: to infuse fresh strength and vitality to the organisation through a series of reforms; to effectively continue the organisation's work in the areas of development and to maintain international peace and security; to advocate human rights, equality, tolerance and human dignity and to restore public confidence in the organisation by reaching out to the people. But somewhere along the way, things took an ugly turn: his lofty aims backfired and his popularity waned. Worse, he fell out with America over Iraq. Mbeki criticises US over Zimbabwe South African President Thabo Mbeki has said the US was wrong to describe Zimbabwe as an "outpost of tyranny". South Africa completes negotiations antiretroviral procurement On February 18, South African Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang announced that her department has completed negotiations with drug companies to supply antiretroviral drugs to state hospitals. The tenders are to be awarded "shortly." Religious leaders baulk at promoting condoms Religious leaders on Monday told Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang they could not promote the use of condoms. Thatcher quizzed about coup plotSir Mark Thatcher has appeared in court in South Africa to answer questions over his role in an alleged coup plot in Equatorial Guinea in West Africa. The son of the UK's ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has admitted breaking South African anti-mercenary laws by agreeing to finance a helicopter. Can Mark Thatcher get a US visa? Having escaped jail and possible extradition to Equatorial Guinea on charges relating to the recent coup attempt, Sir Mark Thatcher faces a new challenge - entering the US. Whoever assesses his visa application will have to consider the four-year suspended prison sentence imposed on Sir Mark under South African anti-mercenary laws.
Africa on 02.22.05 @ 11:05 AM CST [ link]
Mbeki attacks US over Zimbabwe stance
By Andrew Gowers, John Reed and David White in Pretoria
Published: February 21 2005, The Financial TimesSouth Africa's president has launched an outspoken attack on US efforts to exert pressure on Zimbabwe and asserted that his country can assist its neighbour to hold free elections next month. In an interview with the Financial Times, Thabo Mbeki said Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, had discredited Washington's proclaimed policy to promote freedom by placing Zimbabwe on a list of six "outposts of tyranny" last month, alongside Myanmar, Cuba, Belarus, North Korea and Iran. "It's an exaggeration and whatever [the US] government wants to do with that list of six countries, or however many, it's really somewhat discredited," Mr Mbeki said.
Africa on 02.22.05 @ 06:57 AM CST [ more..]
Monday, February 21st
500 escape custody in Haiti prison
500 escape custody in Haiti prisonPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: Scores of prisoners were believed to be at large yesterday, among nearly 500 freed in an armed attack on Haiti’s national penitentiary that left one guard dead. Allies of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aris-tide rushed to a secure location were returned to the prison yesterday. Police told UN officials that 481 of about 1,150 inmates had escaped in Saturday’s jailbreak and it was unclear how many had been recaptured, Damian Onses-Cardona, a spokesman for the UN peacekeeping mission, told The Associated Press. Chinese the New Economic Imperialists in AfricaANYONE travelling around Africa cannot have failed to notice the growing presence of Chinese business and companies. This invasion from the east represents something of a double-edged sword for Africans. South Africa backtracks on initial reaction to Togolese electionsSouth Africa has backtracked from remarks by President Thabo Mbeki's spokesman welcoming elections in Togo, saying the west African country's new leader lacked legitimacy and could not announce snap polls. ANC hails Mhlaba as leaderRaymond Mahlaba was an outstanding revolutionary and a dedicated and selfless leader, the African National Congress (ANC) said early on Monday. South Africa retrial of 'Dr. Death' soughtThe South African state on Monday applied to the Constitutional Court for the retrial of Wouter Basson, the alleged apartheid-era head of germ warfare and mastermind of schemes to poison and sterilize black opponents. Kenya arrests three terror suspectsKenyan authorities have arrested three men with alleged links to Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda on suspicion of plotting terrorist attacks in the east African nation, a senior police official said Monday. Mugabe 'No 5' in AfricaThe octogenarian is the fifth longest-serving African leader after Omar Bongo of Gabon, in power since 1967, Moammar Gaddafi of Libya, who has ruled since 1969, and Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema and Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, in office since 1979. More Africans Enter U.S. Than in Days of SlaveryFor the first time, more blacks are coming to the United States from Africa than during the slave trade. New luxury car for Swazi kingMbabane - Swazi King Mswati III has bought a new Mercedes limousine, the latest in a string of luxury car purchases for himself and his 10 wives in the southern African kingdom, according to a royal source. Curse of King Tut haunts mourning womanA South African woman, owner of a piece of jewellery believed stolen from the tomb of King Tutankhamen, has asked the government in Cairo for help in breaking King Tut's curse after two members of her family suffered untimely deaths. US-funded TV ads seek tips to find bin LadenBush tells Europe 'no power on earth will ever divide us'U.S. President George W. Bush sought to repair rocky relations with Europe, saying "no power on earth will ever divide us." Egypt delays Mideast reform conference indefinitely A meeting of Arab and other countries and the Group of Eight industrialized powers has been postponed indefinitely amid U.S. criticizm charging lack of democracy in Egypt. Chavez Threatens to Stop Oil Exports Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez said Sunday that he would stop oil exports to the United States if the U.S. government tries to assassinate him. John Pilger finds our children learning liesIn our schools, children learn that the US fought the Vietnam war against a "communist threat" to "us". Is it any wonder that so many don't understand the truth about Iraq? Unembedded, IndependentAn exclusive, in-depth interview with journalist Dahr Jamail on what is really going on in Iraq Images From The War in Iraq
Africa on 02.21.05 @ 01:29 PM CST [ link]
Sunday, February 20th
Gunmen Take Haiti Ex-Prime Minister from Prison
Gunmen Take Haiti Ex-Prime Minister from PrisonPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) - Gunmen stormed Haiti's main prison on Saturday and drove away with jailed former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune and other inmates linked to ousted ex-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, witnesses said. Neptune and former Interior Minister Jocelerme Privert appeared to have been taken out at gunpoint by the attackers, who sent poorly armed prison guards fleeing the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince, they said. US-funded TV ads seek tips to find bin LadenA television and radio campaign offering a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Osama bin Laden hit the airwaves in Pakistan this week in a US-government funded drive to get fresh leads about the Al Qaeda leader. British say foods tainted
by cancer-linked additive exported to Canada, U.S.Britain's Food Standards Agency triggered an international alert Friday involving hundreds of products contaminated with a dye linked to cancer that were shipped to Canada and the United States, as well as most of Europe and the Caribbean. Castro Blasts U.S.-Led War in Iraq President Fidel Castro called the U.S.-led war in Iraq a "brutal bombing spectacle," and criticized the Bush administration for its spending on the war. U.S. Watches As China Woos Caribbean China is waging an aggressive campaign of seduction in the Caribbean, wooing countries away from relationships with rival Taiwan, opening markets for its expanding economy, promising to send tourists, and shipping police to Haiti in the first communist deployment in the Western Hemisphere. Iraqi marshes reviveWetlands that once sheltered communities and a host of wildlife in southern Iraq are being partly restored and could offer a haven once again, experts have said. Mysterious under-ice Antarctic lake
to unveil prehistoric ocean worldRussian scientists promise to make a sensational discovery in the evolution of the natural world. Having drilled a superdeep well in Antarctica, they will uncover a lake, which was formed not less than 500 million years ago. When the goal is accomplished, humans will be able to see ancient inhabitants of Antarctic waters. House arrest in one month The government intends to get the home secretary's controversial new powers to order the house arrest of terror suspects on the statute book within the next four weeks, the Guardian has learned. Cervantes: FreemasonryTHERE is a growing number of people around us getting a little more flamboyant about their being members of Freemasonry. I have seen not a few of them driving cars with specialized plates marked either "masonry" or "mason" and it is not surprising to meet someone who'd admit he's a member of the movement and glow with delight with such disclosure. Fears for children in Afghan cold The number of Afghans, particularly children, killed in severe winter weather could be much higher than official estimates, an aid agency says Passenger detained, suitcase blown up after bomb commentSAN DIEGO - A woman was detained in Arizona -- and her suitcase blown up at Lindbergh Field -- after she made a testy comment about a bomb while boarding an American West flight Thursday.
Africa on 02.20.05 @ 10:07 AM CST [ link]
Saturday, February 19th
Changes are in process throughout Venezuela
Serbians Suffer Long-term Effects of NATO Depleted Uranium BombsThe manufacture of depleted uranium (DU) ammunition is a prototypical Cold War arms race story. The Pentagon reported in the 1970s that the Soviet military had developed armor plating for Warsaw Pact tanks that NATO ammunition couldn't penetrate, and began searching for material to make harder bullets, bombs, and shells. Castro Blasts U.S.-Led War in Iraq President Fidel Castro called the U.S.-led war in Iraq a "brutal bombing spectacle," and criticized the Bush administration for its spending on the war. British say foods tainted by
cancer-linked additive exported to Canada, U.S.Britain's Food Standards Agency triggered an international alert Friday involving hundreds of products contaminated with a dye linked to cancer that were shipped to Canada and the United States, as well as most of Europe and the Caribbean. US-funded TV ads seek tips to find bin LadenA television and radio campaign offering a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Osama bin Laden hit the airwaves in Pakistan this week in a US-government funded drive to get fresh leads about the Al Qaeda leader. The United States' Hypocritical Nuclear PolicyWith all of the recent talk about North Korea's not-so-surprising admission that it possesses nuclear weapons, as well as Iran's refusal to cease its pursuit of nuclear technology, it is worth considering the United States' own policy. That policy, such as it is, basically boils down to this: the U.S. and its proxies (e.g., Israel) may possess nuclear weapons. Everybody else is a global threat. Mexican officials criticize CIA commentsCIA Director Porter Goss's brief, vague reference to potential instability in Mexico led to banner headlines in newspapers here and a harsh response from Mexico's government on Thursday. US officer indicted for beating Chinese womanA US Homeland Security officer accused of throwing a Chinese tourist against a wall and spraying her with pepper spray was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury. 'Rogue states' join forces to confront AmericaIRAN and Syria announced a common front against the United States yesterday as Washington ratcheted up its pressure on two of the countries highest on its list of rogue states. Ecstasy trials for combat stress American soldiers traumatised by fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are to be offered the drug ecstasy to help free them of flashbacks and recurring nightmares. The Phony (Mossad) Al Qaeda Cell in PalestineOf the MOSSAD, the Israeli intelligence service, the SAMS officers say: "Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target U.S. forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act." Changes are in process throughout Venezuela
... and growing by the minuteThe last several days have been magical as always here in lovely Venezuela. We, several poets and journalists compartimos (shared) together for two days, day and night, till the wee hours. Do Americans Even Care?
Russia, Israel and Media OmissionsAs is often the case with AP's coverage of news having to do with Israel, there's a serious omission in its reporting on the Russia-Israel connection even when it involves oil and the United States. The day after the State of the Union Address, two Interpol fugitives attended the "National Prayer Breakfast" held in Washington DC. The day before that, these fugitives from the law were the guests of honor at an hour-long meeting of the International Relations Committee on Capitol Hill, invited by ranking Democrat Tom Lantos (Calif.)
Africa on 02.19.05 @ 12:33 AM CST [ link]
Friday, February 18th
False Pride of the 'super outlaw state'
By Raymond Ponziny, thepeoplesvoice.org "Much of the world regards the United States as a rogue state and the greatest threat to their existence." - Samuel Huntington, Harvard Professor, Foreign Affairs "Bush has -- his administration has succeeded in a few years in making the United States the most feared and often hated country in the world." - MIT Professor Noam Chomsky America is a country built on genocide, slavery, exploitation and war. In America's short and bloody history there have been millions murdered by extremist politicians and profiteers, usually in the name of freedom and democracy.
Africa on 02.18.05 @ 04:49 PM CST [ more..]
Africa vies for agreement on stronger UN role
IMF gives Zimbabwe reprieve Out of the 184 member-countries, four - representing 31,33 percent of the votes - voted for Zimbabwe's expulsion while 19 directors - representing 179 countries - voted in favour of Zimbabwe. Africa vies for agreement on stronger UN roleThe diplomatic jostling for an African voice at the UN Security Council heads into overdrive when 15 African foreign ministers try to come to agreement next week on Africa's place at the top echelon of the United Nations. Thatcher answers to Equatorial Guinea prosecutorsMark Thatcher appeared in court in South Africa on Friday to answer questions from prosecutors in Equatorial Guinea over an alleged foiled coup there early last year. Cosatu Pushes Ahead With Zim Border BlockadeThe Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is to blockade Zimbabwe's borders early next month as part of an intensive protest campaign to press for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe on 31 March, an official told IRIN. Non-racialism the priority - Mbeki President Thabo Mbeki pledged on Thursday to continue leading South Africa on the path of non-racialism, cohesion and reconciliation. Replying in the National Assembly to points raised during debate on his state-of-the-nation address, Mbeki said the goal of transformation away from South Africa's racist past, while simultaneously pursuing the objectives of national reconciliation and cohesion, had to be realised. SA will not appeal nuclear plant suspension South Africa's department of environmental affairs said today it will not appeal a court decision suspending a government plan to develop a highly advanced nuclear power reactor near Cape Town. Instead, it said it will address the court's concerns, which include allowing environmental groups more time to make their views heard. US to boost military co-operation with SAThe United States plans to step up military co-operation with South Africa in 2005, the current edition of the Africa Armed Forces Journal reports. False Pride of the 'super outlaw state'Of all the war crimes committed by America, the mass murder of millions of Native American Indians stands out as one of the most poignant examples of genocide in human history. In 1838 Government troops enforcing the "Indian Removal Act", captured or killed every Cherokee American in North Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. What do the imperial mafia really want?After what was humorously designated an "election" in Iraq, there was a marked increase in calls for the United States to announce a timetable for withdrawal from that unhappy land. Senator Kennedy, The Brookings Institution, and a British government official were amongst numerous of the influential class to propose such action. The rationale behind the timing of these requests, one would assume, is that now that Iraq has displayed a measure of what the White House calls "democracy", the United States can and should declare, once again, "mission accomplished" and leave, without loss of face. Sword Play"You had to attack civilians, the people, women, children, innocent people, unknown people far removed from any political game. The reason was quite simple: to force ... the public to turn to the state to ask for greater security." Bush to Sign Bill Curbing LawsuitsPresident Bush is wasting no time signing a bill that he says will curtail multimillion-dollar class action lawsuits against companies. The first legislative triumph of Bush's second term is a historic step toward "breaking one of the main shackles holding back our economy and America's work force — lawsuit abuse," said House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. The House approved the bill by a 279-149 vote Thursday as businesses finally saw success after a decade of efforts to reduce their legal liability from cases where a single person or a small group can represent the interests in court of many thousands of people. While businesses failed to get the measure to apply to suits already in the courts, Bush planned to offer immediate help by signing the bill Friday.
Africa on 02.18.05 @ 10:35 AM CST [ link]
Thursday, February 17th
Africa leaders say no to non-African force in Darfur
U.S.A, Inc."Like any corporation, the United States chooses profit over humanity. But the United States is unique in that it operates less like Unocal or Halliburton and more like the mafia, complete with "hits" upon any competitors which might threaten the existing order ("nothing personal, just business"). But even the most violently diabolical members of organized crime can only drool with envy at the military might the U.S.A., Inc. has at its disposal to enforce its will upon the world." Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda win science fundsThe Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has been chosen to receive funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The science academies of Nigeria and Uganda have also received funding. Unions have key Africa role The problems facing Africa will only be solved by involving the country's workers, the TUC said in a new report. Africa, Uganda struggles with child soldiers in army ranksThe Ugandan military said Wednesday it was struggling to deal with the presence of child soldiers in its ranks, attempting to balance the demobilization of ex-rebel fighters with its international obligations. SA 'scraps' Zim poll monitorsJohannesburg - South Africa feels that an official fact-finding mission by a team of legal experts to Zimbabwe before the parliamentary election there is "unnecessary" and should be scrapped. Claim: Banned corn shipped to GuatemalaEnvironmental groups said Wednesday they have discovered that genetically modified corn never approved for human consumption is being handed out as U.N. food aid to Guatemala. Iraq Invasion the 'Biggest Cultural Disaster Since 1258' One million books, 10 million documents, and 14,000 archaeological artifacts have been lost in the U.S.-led invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq – the biggest cultural disaster since the descendants of Genghis Khan destroyed Baghdad in 1258, Venezuelan writer Fernando Báez told IPS. CCR and Pro-Bono Counsel File Suit
on Behalf of More Than 500 John Does at GuantanamoAttorneys filed a petition for habeas corpus late yesterday in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on behalf of the hundreds of unrepresented people who remain detained by the United States Government at Guantánamo Bay. These nameless detainees join more than 70 whose cases challenging their continued imprisonment are already being addressed in federal court. Regional states to boost unity The Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa are currently the most volatile parts of the continent. Although Somalia's delegates to the peace process hosted in Kenya last November elected a transitional government, the recent happenings in their capital, Mogadishu, are discouraging. Annan urges action to end 'hell on earth' in DarfurKofi Annan, the UN secretary-general, called for immediate action yesterday to end what he termed a near hell on earth in Sudan's western Darfur region. Africa leaders say no to non-African force in DarfurAfrican leaders, including the head of Sudan, on Wednesday urged the international community not to send troops to Darfur or to impose sanctions because of violence that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Iran and Syria confront US with defence pactIran and Syria heightened tension across the Middle East and directly confronted the Bush administration yesterday by declaring they had formed a mutual self-defence pact to confront the "threats" now facing them. Fallujah: the truth at lastA wave of hate had wiped out two-thirds of the town, destroying houses and mosques, schools and clinics. This was the terrible and frightening power of the US military assault. The accounts I heard over the next few days will live with me forever. You may think you know what happened in Fallujah. But the truth is worse than you could possibly have imagined. Jamail: Media Held Guilty of Deception A peoples tribunal has held much of Western media guilty of inciting violence and deceiving people in its reporting of Iraq.* The World Tribunal on Iraq (WTI), an international peoples initiative seeking the truth about the war and occupation in Iraq made its pronouncement Sunday after a three- day meeting. Russians lobby for African mine concessionsRenova, the venture capital unit of Russian oligarch Victor Vekselberg, is about to branch out in two new metal mining directions -- manganese in South Africa, and titanium in Russia.
Africa on 02.17.05 @ 07:38 AM CST [ link]
Wednesday, February 16th
Zimbabwe Moves Please S. Africa Official
Iranian Opposition Should Not Trust the Bush AdministrationIn the last couple of years, I have written three or four articles regarding the Iranian opposition groups, People's Mujahedin (PMOI) or MEK and the National Council of Resistance in Iran (NCRI). In general, I have attempted to present the views of these organizations as they were represented to me by their supporters. Both of these groups consider their prime objective to be the continuation of the democratic revolutionary impulses of 1979-impulses that they believe were hijacked and destroyed by the Islamic fundamentalist elements among the anti-Shah forces. With this as their fundamental guidepost, these groups conduct outreach to official and unofficial political organizations around the world, especially in the West. Although the groups' supporters consider themselves progressives, they have had difficulty garnering support from the progressive elements in US politics. In Europe, however, it is among progressives that they find their greatest support. US to boost military co-operation with SAThe United States plans to step up military co-operation with South Africa in 2005, the current edition of the Africa Armed Forces Journal reports. Meeting the Schindler of RwandaIn an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, Paul Rusesabagina -- the subject of the Oscar-nominated film "Hotel Rwanda" -- talks about how he survived the Rwandan genocide and emerged as one of the bloody war's only heroes. Today, he has rebuilt his life in Europe. Blighted but unbowed, Africa looms over film festHorror stories from Africa of genocide and child killers have stunned Berlin Film Festival audiences this year as actors and directors seek to put the "forgotten continent" on the cinema map. Zimbabwe Moves Please S. Africa Official South Africa's foreign minister said Tuesday she is satisfied that Zimbabwe is taking steps to ensure free and fair parliamentary elections - even as the country's opposition leaders protest sweeping security measures, arrests and intimidation. S. Africa to offer easier access for Africans to travelSouth Africa encourages Africans to travel in the country by making access easier, Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said here on Tuesday. Africa, Thousands flee DR Congo violenceTens of thousands of people have been displaced by recent violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo's north-east region of Ituri. A return 'Into the heart of Africa'I recently attended an "ethnocultural" presentation at the Royal Ontario Museum. The visit, after a two-decade absence, triggered memories of my raconteur grandmother Augusta Wilhelmina DuBuque, and of familiar events which, like some overture to a larger work, succinctly sum up the African-Diasporic symphony of my life here and elsewhere. Remembered, too, was another period - 1876 to 1900 - when European control of Africa escalated from 10 per cent to 90 per cent; and also the specific linkages between that ROM exhibit and British incursions into Zulu territory during the Anglo-Boer war. Tribal Casino Revenues Surpass Nevada'sIndian gambling pulled in $18.5 billion in 2004, nearly double the take for Nevada's gambling industry, as tribal casinos boomed ahead. London mayor refuses to budge over 'offensive' commentsLondon's controversial Mayor Ken Livingstone refused again Tuesday to apologise for allegedly comparing a Jewish reporter to a concentration camp guard, despite warnings the row could hit the city's bid for the 2012 Olympics. Hopes fade for missing Chinese minersHopes are fading for six coal miners missing after 209 of their colleagues were killed by a gas explosion which ripped through a pit in northeast China minutes after an earthquake. U.S. contractors in Iraq allege abuses There are new allegations that heavily armed private security contractors in Iraq are brutalizing Iraqi civilians. In an exclusive interview, four former security contractors told NBC News that they watched as innocent Iraqi civilians were fired upon, and one crushed by a truck. The contractors worked for an American company paid by U.S. taxpayers. The Army is looking into the allegations. Arab world reacts to killing of al-HaririLebanese and Syrian politicians have denounced the bomb blast in central Beirut that killed former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri. MPA: "321 children are still imprisoned"Ministry of Prisoners Affairs (MPA) reported that since the outbreak of the Intifada in September 2000, at least 3,000 Palestinian children were arrested, 321 are still in jail including 11 girls. The Role of Lebanon
in the Bush Administration's Crusade for EmpireIn September 2000, the Project for the New American Century, proudly published their blueprint for the direct imposition of US forward bases throughout Central Asia and the Middle East. The reasons for this program were stated quite openly: to ensure US political and economic domination of the world, while strangling any potential rival or any viable alternative to America's vision of a free market economy. Why Is The Bush Administration Quickly Fingering Syria Why has seeing the Bush Administration jump to such a conclusion look a little bit premature and all too convenient? We are seemingly quick to infer that the Syrians were involved in this killing, and that plays nicely into the PNAC view that eliminating Israel’s enemies is our foreign policy. Yet the Bush Administration has not told us yet what evidence they have that Syria was involved, and why they would immediately recall our ambassador. I mean, how often has the Bush Administration recalled its ambassadors at all in any attack like this in the last four years? And yet, we are ready to pin this conveniently on the Syrians? Secret US nuclear weapons: targets on bases in EuropeThe French news agency 'Agence France Presse' yesterday published an underreported study by the Natural Resources Defense Council.* Based mainly on declassified official documents, the study proofs that nuclear warheads already have been and will further be transferred to US non-nuclear allies. Contrary again to international conventions.
Africa on 02.16.05 @ 02:31 PM CST [ link]
Tuesday, February 15th
Political Crisis in Togo
CNN's Nuke Plant Photos Identical for Both Iran and N. Korea!Two stories posted in the last week on the CNN website, one on nukes in Iran last Wednesday, and another on nukes in North Korea on Saturday, both use the same aerial photograph of the same purported nuclear power plant! Montserrat volcano victims get the heave-ho from the U.S. The nearly 300 volcano victims who fled the microscopic Caribbean island of Montserrat for safety in the U.S. nearly a decade ago now have two weeks to get out, says the Department of Homeland Security. After living here under Temporary Protected Status, most of them have built entire new lives here-with careers, marriages, and American-born children. They don't want to uproot again. Political Crisis in Togo Leads to Confrontation with AfricaThe political crisis in Togo got more complicated Monday with the withdrawal of Nigerian Ambassador from this capital, and the summons to a meeting of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to apply sanctions. Togo ignores West African demand West African leaders have not yet had a response to their demand that Togo's new military-installed leader should give up power and reverse what they have branded a coup d'etat, a regional official said on Tuesday. S. Africa to label health warning on alcohol productsTHE health department has published draft regulations that will make the producers of alcoholic drinks label their beverages with public-health warnings, and force them to pay stiff penalties if they do not comply. Russia, China expected to oppose US over DarfurThe United States and its allies are expected to face opposition from Russia and China in the U.N. Security Council for targeted sanctions to pressure government, militia and rebel forces to end the bloodshed in Sudan's Darfur region. Zimbabwe declares land distribution programme a successFive years ago, the Zimbabwean government ordered white farms to be given to war veterans. This apparently to appease war veterans who were turning against the government. To date, almost 1 500 farms have been taken. The government believes it was the right decision. "We will support the new farmer ...we give them input ... and emphasis will be on quality production," said John Nkomo, the chairperson of the ruling Zanu(PF). ZIMBABWE: Concern over election observers delayThe government of Zimbabwe says it will reduce the number of local election monitors and bar teams from the European Union (EU) from observing the parliamentary poll scheduled for 31 March. Israel to carry out assassinations in other countriesUPI - Israel is embarking upon a more aggressive approach to the war on terror that will include staging targeted killings in the United States and other friendly countries, former Israeli intelligence officials told United Press International. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has forbidden the practice until now, these sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Lebanon - Mossad 'hit-team' strikes againA car bomb took the life of Lebanon 's former prime minister Rafik Al-Hariri today. It would not be the first time that Israel has, directly or indirectly, has targeted Arab leaders to keep its neighbouring countries in turmoil. During its invasion of Lebanon in the 1980s, the Zionists used their Christian proxy, Phalangists, to assassinate several Lebanese leaders, both Muslims and Christians.
Africa on 02.15.05 @ 07:36 AM CST [ link]
Israel and/or America Implicated in Killing of Rafik Harriri
This is the work of an intelligence service, not a small group," said Rime Allaf, Middle East analyst at London's Royal Institute of International Affairs. By Sam Hamod, Ph.D.
informationclearinghouse.info We must do as they do in other criminal cases, look at who had the most to gain from the assassination of Prime Minister Harriri. The Lebanese had a lot to lose, as did the Syrians (he was close to Bashir Al Assad, the leader of Syria), as did the other Arab countries in the region who saw him as a strong leader and a stabilizing force in Lebanese politics. On the other hand, Israel has wanted chaos in Lebanon, as has America, and both countries have been agitating to get Hezbollah outlawed and both America and Israel have wanted the Lebanese to oust Syria. In both cases, the Lebanese government has said, "NO," that Hezbollah is a respected part of Lebanese life and that Syria is there to protect Lebanon from Israeli aggression.
Middle East on 02.15.05 @ 05:49 AM CST [ more..]
Monday, February 14th
An appetite for destruction
Lebanon's ex-PM Hariri killed in huge Beirut bomb blastLebanon's former prime minister Rafiq Hariri, a political veteran who resigned four months ago after falling out with Syria, was killed in a massive bomb blast in central Beirut. Bomb strains Syria-Lebanon tiesA former leader who quietly pressed for Syria to quit Lebanon was killed Monday. French Hone Hypocrisy In AfricaWhy is it that a democratic Western country that prides itself on being a model of civilization and a champion of liberty can support dictators and oppression in what we used to call backward countries? No, I am not talking about the foreign policy of the United States. I am speaking of France, which has long used a double standard in dealing with its former African colonies. T Mbeki: State of the Nation Address, South AfricaAddress of the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, at the Second Joint sitting of the third Democratic Parliament, Cape Town. An appetite for destructionSeemingly, each musician addict had their own drug of choice. Here are just some of the musicians who made drugs famous: Charlie Parker (heroin and alcohol), Elvis Presley (pain killers/downers), the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards (heroin), Marianne Faithful (morphine), Jimi Hendrix (a bit of everything), James Brown (PCP aka angel dust), Sting (cocaine), Kurt Cobain (heroin), Whitney Houston (crack cocaine) and Courtney Love (pain killers/downers). Gambling firms place their bets on China Visitors to the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas this past week were greeted by a prophetic sight: a massive banner with Chinese characters wrapped around the faux bell tower of the structure, which is built to look like the Doges Palace in Venice. State, slowing economy give Russian business the chillsMikhail Sagirov struggled to start up his business, a suburban Moscow health club, and thanks to five years of relative prosperity and order under President Vladimir Putin, he's finally got it going. If it weren't for the suffocating "hidden taxes" that have to be paid to local officials and police in the form of favours and bribes, he says, it might even be profitable one day. Kissinger, Putin meet at KremlinFormer U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday during a private visit at the Kremlin Kissinger said was aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations, whose presidents are to meet for a summit this month. List of Names Has Poland in Turmoil The Slazaks always thought they had safely avoided the politics of the Polish communist era - until their son came out of his room the other day and said: "Mom, you're on the list, and dad is on the list, and so is grandpa." The US is DecliningElections were a pretext to extend U.S. control. I don't believe the U.S. will withdraw. They can't give a sense they may abandon Iraq without giving the impression of having suffered a big defeat. I don't think elections solve political problems in Iraq. The U.S. occupation remains an issue. Suspicion surrounds missing Bay Area man His fellow military contract worker pointed to kickback schemes -- and then was killedIn the midafternoon of Oct. 9, 2003, Kirk von Ackermann, an American contract worker from the Bay Area, used a satellite phone to call a colleague from a lonely desert road between Tikrit and Kirkuk in northern Iraq. He told his colleague he had a flat tire and needed a jack. About 45 minutes later, the colleague found von Ackermann's car, abandoned. There was no sign of von Ackermann, who had been alone when he called. No hint of struggle, not even a footprint. All that remained was his satellite phone, his laptop computer, and, on the car's backseat a briefcase holding $40,000 in $100 bills. The BBC: premier propagandist for the imperium I have written about the mythological Abu Musab al-Zarqawi several times before as have other writers. The question we need to ask is why does the state and hence its servant, the corporate media have need of such a ‘person’? Walker’s article opened with the quote above, a very revealing statement but one that I made here some time last year but for very different reasons. Walker goes on This poisonous Jordanian terrorist has done the world a service. Almost at a stroke he has eased away the accumulated grievances between Washington and Paris, between America and Europe, by couching the struggle in Iraq in terms that force even the French onto the side of President Bush.
Africa on 02.14.05 @ 03:23 PM CST [ link]
Sunday, February 13th
Hugo Chavez is right
Africa Union Mission to Fly to Somalia on MondayThe African Union will go ahead with a fact-finding mission to Somalia on Monday to size up security before a bigger African peace mission, officials said on Sunday. Africa stands firm on Togo, for now Both the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States have branded the army's appointment of Faure Gnassingbe as president after his father's death a coup and have told Togo to return to constitutional rule, or face sanctions. British American Tobacco faces fine in S AfricaBritish American Tobacco SA (BAT), South Africa's dominating tobacco manufacturer, could be fined 1.4 billion rand ($230 million) for running a dirty tricks campaign against a competitor. The country's Competition Commission has found BAT using anti-competitive practices to fend off competitors and entrench its market dominance, which is 92 percent currently, Xinhua quotes South African daily Sunday Times. Black South Africa gets the cricket bugThe point is that most South African blacks, like the golf club workers, seem to have other concerns than cricket. Black Africans (as distinct from "Coloureds" or "Asians") make up three-quarters of the population, but few of them have been spotted in the stands during the series that ends tomorrow. Black newspapers have mostly ignored the matches. Cricket still appears far from the "new South Africa". Ukrainian Post Modern Coup TemplateThe U.S. government and allied forces' year-end installation of Victor Yushchenko as President of Ukraine have completed the field-testing of the "Post Modern Coup". Employing and fine-tuning the same sophisticated techniques used in Serbia in 2000 and Georgia in 2003 (and unsuccessfully in Belarus in 2001), it is widely expected that the United States will attempt to apply the same methods throughout the former Soviet Union. Elio Cequea: Total air time 6.75 minutes ...
5 lies a minute! Not bad at all!Steve Harrigan of Fox News must have been a racecar driver ... he had only six minutes and forty-five seconds to come up with convincing arguments about why Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is not being "constructive." Hugo Chavez is right ...
The US will knock off those who disagree with GeorgeThe final stroke will come this year when President Chavez switches to the Petro-Euro, or creates a Latin American currency. In as much as the US is preparing Colombia to invade Venezuela, the faster Mr. Chavez acts the better. Valentine's Day Sweatshops Before you buy your sweetie those roses for Valentine's Day, pause for a moment to consider where they come from, and at what cost -- and what can be done to give a bit more joy not just to the flowers' recipients, but their producers. Cut flowers are a highly globalized industry. The majority of cut flowers sold in the United States are imported, especially from Colombia and Ecuador. Kenya and Tanzania are the key overseas supplier for Europe. The Truth about Social Security The first important fact about the Social Security "crisis" is that there is no crisis. The second important fact is that the Bush administration’s proposals for fixing the "crisis," especially its "privatization" scheme, are perversely designed to make the system’s finances much more precarious than they are now and to impose deep benefit cuts. In fact, it would be hard to conceive of a more destructive set of policy initiatives than those the president is advocating. And it’s all completely unnecessary. Here’s why. German Prosecutor Won't Pursue Rumsfeld CaseGermany's federal prosecutor says the allegations that United States Defense Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and other top Washington brass were responsible for Abu Ghraib must be investigated in the US, not under German war crimes laws. The decision deals a blow to the American group that brought the case, but it could ease German-American tensions. The Jew Who Fled RioThe Jewish diplomat who ran a child prostitution ring out of the Israeli Embassy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil hopes to leave safe-haven Israel for a new diplomatic post in Australia. Israelis arrested for trying to sell Palestinian land Police investigators arrested three suspects last week - including a member of the Likud's Central Committee - on suspicion of planning to use forged documents to sell land belonging to absentee Palestinian owners to an American millionaire. 10 million iPods, previewing the CD's end"The new format is no format," predicted Petersen, a 24-year industry veteran who also owns a record label, a recording studio and a music-publishing company. "What the consumer would buy is a data file, and you could create whatever you need. If you want to make an MP3, you make an MP3. If you want a DVD-Audio surround disc, you make that."
Africa on 02.13.05 @ 06:03 PM CST [ link]
Saturday, February 12th
The Pirates' Brand of 'Democracy'
ANALYSIS - All Africa Against TogoKofi Akosah-Sarpong looks at how African newspapers feel about the Togolese coup detat following the country's military brass installing the late President Gnassingbe Eyadema's son, Faure, as president, and argues that democracy and rule of law is finally getting roots in Africa as reflected in the African mass media Protesters dispersed; Africa tensions mountSecurity forces used tear gas and batons to scatter hundreds of opposition demonstrators yesterday, and tension heightened between Togo and its neighbors over what West African and other leaders call a Togolese military coup. Five West African leaders summoned Togo's authorities to talks in Niger today, calling for sanctions if the new leader, Faure Gnassingbe, did not comply. South Africa to review mercenary law, targets IraqSouth Africa will review tough mercenary laws to try to dissuade citizens from becoming embroiled in war zones like Iraq, President Thabo Mbeki said on Friday. Thatcher house-hunting in Cape TownMark Thatcher's luxury nine-bedroom Constantia mansion has been sold and Thatcher, who arrived back in Cape Town this week, is looking for another house in the city. Mark Thatcher house goes for hefty splodge of wongaMark Thatcher's luxury nine-bedroomed home in Cape Town's Constantia Valley has been sold for a price which, says agent Mike Greeff, is the highest ever reached in the suburb. Morocco's financial system, among Africa's best?President of the African Development Bank, Omar Kabbaj, lauded the "considerable progress" achieved by the Moroccan financial system, which made of it one of Africa's best. Ghana to host growth and poverty reduction seminarGhana is to host an international experts' conference on growth and poverty reduction in Africa with particular focus on how to promote economic growth vis-à-vis strong democratic governance. The conference scheduled for February 16 is on the theme: "Fighting Poverty in Africa: NEPAD and the Commission for Africa". Mbeki wags finger at 'lazy civil servants'President Thabo Mbeki promised on Friday to "deal with" lazy civil servants who deny citizens the service they deserve, but also issued a stern warning that violent protests by communities impatient with service delivery "will be met with the full force of the law". S.Africa's Mbeki Vows AIDS Action, Critics PersistSouth African President Thabo Mbeki vowed Friday to step up the battle against HIV/AIDS, saying his government's program was among the world's best. Africa's Problems Will Not Be Solved By Western AidLAST Saturday I read an article "Make poverty history" in which former South African president, Nelson Mandela addressed a rally at Trafalgar Square in London. Mandela was quoted to have said that poverty was another form of imprisonment as the world's poor are trapped in the prison of poverty. The developed countries, while talking about fighting poverty in the developing world always emphasise aid as a way of fighting poverty. This school of thought misses the point. 1990: Freedom for Nelson MandelaLeading anti-apartheid campaigner Nelson Mandela has been freed from prison in South Africa after 27 years. How will Pyongyang's brinkmanship work?With Pyongyang again resorting to its trademark brinkmanship before crucial negotiations, attention is now focused on how the communist country's tactics will affect the six-party nuclear talks and whether Washington will budge. From Haiti to Iraq and Beyond
The Pirates' Brand of 'Democracy' The U.S. is determined to "make the pursuit of freedom the organizing principle of the 21st century," said Condoleezza Rice on the Paris leg of her worldwide debut as Secretary of State. The real nature of this pirate-imposed brand of "democracy," designed to bestow absolute freedom of action to U.S. corporations, is evident in Iraq and Haiti. Tsunamis reveals ancient sculptures on southern Indian shoresThe deadly tsunamis that crashed into southern India have unearthed priceless relics, including two granite lions, buried under sand for centuries, archaeologists say. Tsunami throws up India relics The deadly tsunami could have uncovered the remains of an ancient port city off the coast in southern India. China: Horrific New YearAmnesty International has monitored a significant rise in executions as China celebrates the lunar new year. According to incomplete statistics, there were 200 executions reported in the two weeks leading up to the start of the lunar new year, 9 February. World, Rafsanjani warns U.S. against 'adventures' in IranTEHRAN - An influential Iranian cleric, in a new blast against Tehran's arch-enemy, told Washington on Friday it cannot stop Iran pursuing nuclear technology and should not attempt a military "adventure" in the country. UK returns looted Iranian artifactsA number of 87 looted artifacts from the Jiroft civilizations in southwest Iran over 3,000 years ago were returned to the Iranian embassy in London Wednesday. No More Illegal Excavations in JiroftThree years after the first looters put their feet on the treasure land of Jiroft, Iranian officials talk of finally knocking them down. A hunger for truth Carolina Maria de Jesus lived in a shanty town when she began keeping the diary that famously exposed the wretchedness of Brazil's poor. 50 years on, her story is still relevant, says Filipa Fortuna Peru Probes Cash Payouts to Help PoorPeru's government is considering subsidizing some of this Andean nation's poorest people with direct monthly cash payments, President Alejandro Toledo said Thursday. Argentine prisoners 'end riots' Rioting inmates at a top security jail in Argentina have freed their hostages and apparently ended a revolt which left eight people dead, police say. Education President vs. War PresidentDuring the last two weeks, Cuban President Fidel Castro, the real "Education President" has dedicated long hours at public events to back up his stated belief that only a well-educated and cultured population can save a world marked by greed, injustice and plain indifference.
Africa on 02.12.05 @ 09:10 PM CST [ link]
Friday, February 11th
Mbeki 'to work with' Zim
Iran takes on west's control of oil trading Iran is to launch an oil trading market for Middle East and Opec producers that could threaten the supremacy of London's International Petroleum Exchange. A contract to design and establish a new platform for crude, natural gas and petrochemical trades is expected to be signed with an international consortium within days. South Africa to challenge India over call centresAn initiative supported by the national and provincial governments in South Africa to lure call centres of multinationals to this coastal city could impact on India's huge role in this field. Mbeki 'to work with' ZimPresident Thabo Mbeki in his annual state of the nation address Friday pledged to "work with" Zimbabwe to ensure that March parliamentary elections would be free and fair. Africa's reformers discover it is hard to stamp out corruptionKenya's government, which was elected on a pledge to fight corruption, has been hit by the resignation of its chief anti-corruption official John Githongo this week. National Assembly Urges AU to Intervene in TogoThe House of Representatives, yesterday resolved to charge the African Union (AU), to give Mr Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema, the son of the late president of the Republic of Togo, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, time within which to step down from power or be forcefully removed should he fail to comply. South Africa told to admit size of Aids crisis The South African government is still in denial over the scale of the Aids crisis, it is alleged today following revelations that the true death toll is three times the official figures. Nigeria's Obasanjo cancels trip to Togo, threatens sanctionsNigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo cancelled a crisis visit to Togo and warned of sanctions against its controversial new regime on Friday after Togolese authorities refused to allow a plane carrying his advance party to land, the Nigerian leader's spokeswoman said. Congo's Ninja rebels told to disarm, get a haircutThe leader of Congo Republic's self-styled "Ninja" rebels has told his loyalists to take guns from the unruly members of his movement and make themselves more presentable by trimming their ragged locks. The Secret Service at Booker ElementaryWe've all seen the video. It figures prominently in Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11". It is the video of George Bush at Booker Elementary School being informed by Andy Card of the second impact of a passenger jetliner into the World Trade Center, then sitting there for several minutes reading about goats. What damns the Bush administration is not what is in this video, but what SHOULD be in the video and is not. Ostensibly, Bush and Card are reacting to a surprise attack, but Bush does not act surprised, and Andrew Card does not act like a man delivering an unexpected piece of news but instead is merely delivering a progress report to which he already knows Bush will not have an immediate response. Analysis: Hamas history tied to Israel Israel and Hamas may currently be locked in deadly combat, but, according to several current and former U.S. intelligence officials, beginning in the late 1970s, Tel Aviv gave direct and indirect financial aid to Hamas over a period of years. Israel "aided Hamas directly -- the Israelis wanted to use it as a counterbalance to the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization)," said Tony Cordesman, Middle East analyst for the Center for Strategic Studies. Rights group says US killed detaineesA US human rights group has alleged that at least 37 detainees died of torture in US detention centres at Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. Putin cronies exposed in new list of Russia's richRussia's political class has amassed as much wealth as power under President Vladimir Putin, according to a new "rich list" published yesterday. Saudis go to polls but women still excludedVoters go to the polls in Saudi Arabia today in the kingdom's first nationwide election - but no women will be among them, and no female candidates will be on the ballot.
Africa on 02.11.05 @ 12:36 PM CST [ link]
Thursday, February 10th
Togo "coup leader" sworn in
Mbeki moment: SA holds breathHow South Africa will boost its economic growth and reduce its unemployment rate are just two of the issues opposition parties are hoping President Thabo Mbeki will speak on in his State of the Nation address on Friday. Signing of SA-Zimbabwe agreement postponed The signing of a bilateral investment protection agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe was postponed on Wednesday, the department of trade and industry (DTI) said. DTI chief director for African Trade, George Monemongane, said the signing was postponed because the Zimbabwean minister was not available. It was not known when it would be signed now. SA Farm Owners Start to Feel Bite of Zim Land GrabLawrence Nicholson, 81, a South African citizen, is about to lose his home, a small dry ranch about 150km north of Beit Bridge. His land was not invaded by President Robert Mugabe's supporters during the five years of chaos in the commercial farming sector. Africa's Crippling Debt Must Be RelievedTHERE is no question about the fact that there is everything immoral about Africa's debt, given the immense problems that the continent has to grapple with on a daily basis. Togo "coup leader" sworn inFaure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the son of Togo's late President, has been sworn in as the new head of state in Togo. Mr Faure was put to power by Togo's armed forces after his father died on Saturday, despite the constitutional order. The African Union has called the take-over a "military coup" and says it will not recognise the current administration. The Genocide in Chechnya is worse than the tsunami203 million people were killed around the world in the 20th century: 10 million died in WWI, 50 million in WWII. Lenin killed 13 million, Stalin - 30 million, Hitler - 12 million, Mao - 65 million, and B. Yeltsin and V. Putin 250 thousand Chechens. Pentagon to broadcast to millions of U.S. homes The U.S. military is to beam its own news coverage to millions of Americans. US official says NKorea developing weapons as talks suspendedThe United States believes North Korea is continuing its weapons program amid the delay in resuming talks on its nuclear ambitions, a US official said, as Pyongyang announced an indefinite suspension of the dialogue. North Korea claims nuclear weaponsCiting what it calls U.S. threats to topple its political system, North Korea said Thursday it is dropping out of six-party nuclear talks and will "bolster its nuclear weapons arsenal," North Korea's official news agency KCNA reported. N Korea's statement in fullThe following text is the full statement released on Thursday by North Korea's KCNA news agency. North Korea refers to itself as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). 9-11 panel: FAA got 52 warnings in 6 mos.Federal Aviation Administration officials received 52 warnings prior to Sept. 11, 2001, from their own security experts about potential al-Qaida attacks, including some that mentioned airline hijackings or suicide attacks, The New York Times reported. El Salvador says it will send more humanitarian troops to Iraq El Salvador has agreed to a U.S. request to send a fourth army contingent to Iraq, President Tony Saca said Wednesday. Shrewd kingmaker is given policy post
Political ace Rove's portfolio unusual for high-level staffPresident Bush promoted his senior political strategist Karl Rove, regarded as a masterful tactician and a ruthless operative, on Tuesday to a top White House policy position overseeing domestic and foreign affairs. Domestic gibberishBush's incoherence on home affairs reminds us that pre-9/11 he was the most unpopular president Bush Seeks $400 Million to Reward AlliesPresident Bush is asking Congress to set up a $400 million fund to reward nations that have taken political and economic risks to join U.S.-led coalitions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Karl's in charge, can-do Condi, Medicare madness
and since when is working three jobs 'uniquely American'?The Evil Genius strikes again! Karl Rove the president's chief political strategist, credited with engineering Bush's rise from bungling baseball executive to commander in chief, will now have his hand in sweeping aspects of policy in his new role as deputy White House chief of staff. Moving Ahead With Courage and What?On the State of the Union: Once again, Bush lies, integrity dies The United State of EgoismIn a recent Los Angeles Times commentary, Benjamin R. Barber argues that the Bush administration's push to overhaul Social Security reflects a conflict current in America between the "Me" vs "We". US to revoke Purple Heart medalsThe US military has said it will revoke 11 Purple Heart medals after they were awarded erroneously. Pakistan Army Pays More Than
Half Million Dollars to Al Qaeda in Bizarre DealPakistan Army has publicly admitted paying Al Qaeda over half a million dollars in the most bizarre deal it has ever made with militant Waziristan fighters, battling the Army and the US forces in the rugged terrain bordering Afghanistan for months. The government to close borders amid more attacksIraq said today it would seal its borders next week in a bid to boost security and thwart insurgent violence, in a move seen as preventing Shiite pilgrims from entering the country. Iran Vows 'Burning Hell' for Any Aggressor Iran, facing mounting U.S. pressure over its nuclear program, promised Thursday a "burning hell" for any aggressor as tens of thousands marched to mark the 26th anniversary of its Islamic revolution.
Africa on 02.10.05 @ 08:38 AM CST [ link]
Wednesday, February 9th
A Lion Has Fallen
Culture-Niger: Archaeological Treasures
May Soon Become a Thing of the PastThere's no doubting that authorities in Niger have a host of problems to grapple with. United Nations estimates put the number of people living beneath the poverty line in this country in the region of 60 percent - while life expectancy stands at about 46 years. Which Way Farming - 15 Years On?EVEN though the issue of land reform has of late created uncertainty among mostly commercial farmers, farming during the past 15 years has been characterised by the removal of the red line, opening up of new markets and the establishment of local slaughter facilities. Congo plans to clamp down on "blood" mineralCongo, which has logged success in stemming the flow of "blood" diamonds fuelling conflict, said on Wednesday it plans to extend the campaign to high-tech mineral coltan, mined by rebels in the east of the country. Will Muhoozi replace Museveni as in Togo?Togo's dictator of 38 years Gnassingbe Eyadema pulled off one last act of political chicanery on the weekend. He waited when the Speaker of Parliament Fambare Natchaba Ouattara was travelling abroad, then died. Islam will remain main source for legislation in SudanSudanese President Omar al-Beshir said Wednesday that Islam will continue to be the main source of legislation in Sudan even after the peace deal with the mainly animist and Christian southern rebels. He made the comments while addressing a crowd in al-Suqi in central Sudan, the official Sudan News Agency reported. Navy releases tsunami imagesUK scientists have released images of the ocean floor near the epicentre of December's giant Asian earthquake. ( image) Clarity Marks Cuban Electoral ProcessThe update of Primary Electoral Registers, which will be published in all constituencies from February 15th to March 17, will guarantee maximum transparency in current Cuban elections. Over 78,550 Cubans freely worked on the registers that will be placed in drug stores, shops, supermarkets, doctors offices and public areas, to allow people to verify if their names are included, and in case of error, to request a change, says Granma daily latest edition. Three More Bugs Found In Firefox And MozillaFixes have been implemented, but they haven't been rolled into a patch or a new version that can be downloaded and used without recompiling the code. Ann Coulter Sticks Her Entire Leg in Her Mouth Ann Coulter is a loudmouth ignoramus who spouts her outrageous nationalist inaccuracies on American television with little challenge from the empty talking heads who interview her. But she finally found someone to stand up to her, in Canada--and she was exposed for the arrogant fool she is. Interviewed by the Canadian Broadcasting Company's Bob McKeown for the investigative TV broadcast "The Fifth Estate," which devoted an hour-long January 26 special to how U.S. media have been highjacked by conservative bullies, Coulter was berating Canada for not sending troops to Iraq when she displayed her empty-headedness in the following exchange: Bush: Holding Three Jobs 'Uniquely American'Last Friday when promoting social security reform with 'regular' citizens in Omaha, Nebraska, President Bush walked into an awkward unscripted moment in which he stated that carrying three jobs at a time is 'uniquely American.' Typical Israeli timeline:Peace summit arranged in Egypt between Sharon and Abbas. On the morning of February 7, a day before the summit is to start, Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told Israel Army Radio that he had received intelligence warnings that some militants, including Hezbollah, may try to disrupt the summit ... US nuclear upgrade may violate test banAs it accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, America is preparing to upgrade and renew parts of its own ageing nuclear arsenal. Critics believe the upgrades could lead the US to breach the treaty banning the testing of nuclear weapons. Copyright Issues Block Broadcast of Award-Winning
Civil Rights Documentary "Eyes on the Prize""This is analogous to stopping the circulation of all the books about Martin Luther King, stopping the circulation of all the books about Malcolm X," said Lawrence Guyot, a prominent civil rights leader with the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. "I would call upon everyone who has access to 'Eyes on the Prize' to openly violate any and all laws regarding its showing." We talk to Guyot about a national grassroots effort to screen "Eyes on the Prize" today. Mumia Abu Jamal Remembers Ossie Davis: "A Lion Has Fallen"Ossie Davis, our own black shining star. A lion has fallen. Ossie Davis, the deep voiced, proud and majestic man who has performed on stage, film, television and community centers, has passed from this life at the age of 87 years, leaving behind him the radiant and talented Ruby Dee, his co-star on life's broad stage, and millions of mourners the world over. Ossie Davis Protesting the Iraq War:
"I Choose to Live for Brotherhood and Not For Folly"D.C. Planning for Bio-terrorism Lab Within City The D.C. government is partnering with the Federal government to build a level-3 bio-terrorism lab within the city, WTOP Radio has learned. The Censorship of Ward Churchill and Dancehall Reggae MusicDancehall Reggae and many of its most prolific and articulate artists have as of late been treated the same as Ward Churchill, and have been censored and attacked for their "insensitive" comments. The reason for the censorship of the Reggae artists was ostensibly the anti-gay content in some of their work but since when have the powers that be cared so much about gays. The reason for the censorship of Dancehall Reggae artists is actually the outspoken radical antiwar content of their music which is spreading a popular radical message to the youth in Europe and the US through a popular musical medium that is "insensitive" to say the least toward US aggression and propaganda.
Africa on 02.09.05 @ 03:45 AM CST [ link]
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