Have you been sitting around lately feeling a certain emptiness inside, a void that you just can't fill, a persisting and pervasive hole? If so it's probably because you don't have a good fortnightly news source!
(Now go back and re-read my first two sentences with a British accent; I guarantee you won't be able to do it without smiling! There's something about the word 'fortnightly' that makes me want to speak with a British accent.)
Nonetheless, CAI fills that void. I enjoy perusing their articles every two weeks. They usually include a good variety of subjects about which I wouldn't otherwise read. I have cut and pasted their latest email below:
(Now go back and re-read my first two sentences with a British accent; I guarantee you won't be able to do it without smiling! There's something about the word 'fortnightly' that makes me want to speak with a British accent.)
Nonetheless, CAI fills that void. I enjoy perusing their articles every two weeks. They usually include a good variety of subjects about which I wouldn't otherwise read. I have cut and pasted their latest email below:
CAI Fortnightly Newsletter
5 April 2011
Africa Watch
By Anton M. Pillay
This paper examines the February 2011 Ugandan Presidential elections, where like the previous elections in 2006, vote rigging, bribing of electoral officials and intimidation of political opponents were rife. The paper assesses why the world community has remained silent on this issue, especially in a time where authoritarian regimes throughout North Africa and the Middle East are being toppled.
By David Rosenblum
This paper briefly examines the concept of conflict as an industry throughout Africa, using the present example of Libya and exploring the reports of/use of mercenaries. It begins by examining Gadaffi’s historical ties and involvement with mercenaries, and then explores how Gadaffi is able to fund and arm mercenaries. Finally, it seeks to explain why regional societal and economic conditions make it easy for Gadaffi to attract foreign fighters to Libya.
Asia Dimension
Sarah M. Brooks
This paper explores how the Chinese Government has reacted to the fall of authoritarian Governments in Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya, and questions whether there is any possibility for a “Jasmine Revolution” to take root in China. Optimists may see intellectuals’ calls for protests as the expression of popular demand for political reforms, encouraged by Premier Wen Jiabao’s comments during his August 2010 “southern tour.”
By Edoardo Collevecchio
This paper analyses whether the arms embargo and targeted sanctions imposed on Eritrea by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in December 2009 succeeded in inducing the cooperation of a notoriously intransigent regime. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, recent events suggest that targeted sanctions have shifted the incentives of Eritrea’s leadership, and have created an unexpected opportunity for constructive dialogue.
Election Reflection
By Madie Schutte
This paper discusses the Beninese 2011 presidential election which took place on 13 March, and where incumbent President Yayi Boni received a 53.13% of the votes. Benin is often considered one of the more political stable states in West Africa, yet the delay to the election and the problems with voter registration have lead opposition leaders to contest the results. There are also fears that the situation and associated complaints may lead to violence.
By Louise de Bruin
This paper aims to highlight two key areas of concern in Somalia; namely conflict and drought. It aims to show what the prolonged implications of these problems has had, and will continue to have on the country. Continuous conflict and persistent droughts in Somalia have led to the degradation of living standards for its people, forcing many to flee their country. With the increased migration of Somalis across their borders, Kenya is suffering as well.
Gender Issues
By Hanlie Myburgh
This paper examines the effect that the growing phenomenon of medical tourism has on women, and illustrates the evolving conceptions and positions of women in the global economy. Wealthy developed countries ‘shop around’ in poorer developing countries for organs, oocytes, and wombs for rent. Although these transactions (between buyer and seller) often seem to be a win-win situation, women who sell or rent out parts of their bodies have little if any freedom of choice in the matter.
By Katherine Austin-Evelyn
This paper provides a brief overview of key changes in the PEPFAR programme that have occurred under the Obama administration. The paper also explores some of the alleged effects the programme is having on HIV & AIDS programming in Africa; specifically, the shift from US-driven to bilateral country relationships as well as the move to multilateral cooperation. In addition, the implications of these reallocations are discussed.
Optimistic Africa
By Casper Hendrik Claassen
This paper highlights the positive role public broadcasters might play in spreading social awareness and raising public interest insub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by exploring the contributions of two South Korean public broadcasters. It argues that there are alternative ways of supporting SSA, beyond the orthodox ‘Western’ way or the direct Chinese way. Specifically, the philosophy of the Moonhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and the work of Arirang TV are discussed.
By Carrie Byrne
This paper explores the democratic potential and constraints of social media. The role of social media as a facilitator of protest, with a specific focus on recent events in North Africa and the Middle East, are discussed. Social media may have become the most powerful tool for the realisation of democracy and it has been suggested that the social networking site Twitter be nominated for the next Nobel Peace Prize.
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