Blow to the Internet: Aaron Swartz Dies

Internet activist and computer prodigy Aaron Swartz, who helped create an early version of the Web feed system RSS and was facing federal criminal charges in a controversial fraud case, has committed suicide at age 26, authorities said on Saturday. Read More

Tutu's Children: Building a New Africa

Africa could, through the activities of Desmond Tutu witness a renaissance. It took Martin Luther King Jnr all the efforts to speak out boldly against what was wrong with the American system. Although many had done that before him but he came somehow as the last prophet of equality. Aljazeera's Tutu Children is a programme meant to charge the African youths to become better leaders and not corrupt monsters as we have today.

The four special documentaries will follow the exploits of participants in the leadership programme 'Desmond Tutu leads,' which attempts to build a new network of African leaders who are together committed to tackling their countries’ most stubborn problems.

The legendary archbishop will pass the baton of moral leadership to these emerging leaders who are drawn from across Africa. Once they pledge themselves to Tutu’s mission, the participants are put through group tasks designed to bring out their true colours – from conducting a choir to cooking under pressure.

They are charged to re-examine their opinions in debates on the most controversial ‘African’ issues – racial hierarchy, corruption, privilege, and Western democracy. This experiment also pushes them out of their comfort zones emotionally, culturally and intellectually. Africa hopes to see better days if truly the participants and viewers who are youths will see the best in being charismatic leaders with visions and innovations.

Here comes the KGB 'guy'

Russia under Putin has always brought a good rememberance of the Cold War to the fore. Whoever does not witness the 'Hot Peace' can have a glimpse with the Presidency of Vladimir Putin. He is a staunch Soviet guy. Never is he going to take anything easy with the West. One singular mistake he is making just as it was during the 'Hot Peace' is the neglect of the economy. The US monitored her economy during the Cold War and synchronised it with the weapons manufactured but USSR was just producing the weapons at the expense of the economy. Russia today is to build two new nuclear Borei submarines. I ask: at what cost? Where is the diversified economy first? Read More about the Subs

Egypt and her Arab Voice

The actions of Morsi as regards his Arab neighbours is reminiscent of the actions of Egypt's Arab-voice founding father, Gamal Abdel Nasser. Nasser defied all Western advertures and rolled more with the East with the hope and aim of making Egypt a formidable Arab voice. This somewhat is exactly what Morsi  is trying to do. Though today, there are  many Arab 'powers' but Egypt will have a significant impact if she chooses  to be a formidable voice.

The invitation of Ahmadinejad to Egypt will definately not augur well with Tel Aviv and Washington but Morsi, since his Gaza visit, continues to show he can and will never jettison Arab solidarity for Israel or the United States. Egyptian foreign minister, Mohamed Kamel Amr said the invitation was extended during the President's meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi.

Benghazi: Attacks Galore for the West

An Italian diplomat was again attacked in the city of Benghazi, Libya's second largest city. The diplomat escaped unhurt narrowly. Guido De Sanctis, the Italian consul in the city, was travelling in his bullet-proof car when unidentified gunmen opened fire. Benghazi in the post-Gaddafi era has seen numerous spate of attacks aimed Western diplomats and Libyan security forces. The most central was the killing of an American diplomat, Christopher Stevens on September 11, 2012 as well as the shooting of an important police chief weeks ago.

Kenya and WildLife Poaching

Countries  in East Africa unlike their West African counterparts are waking up to the protection of wildlife. Kenya has installed an alarm system that could prevent poaching by alerting the authorities (rangers) of any of such attempt. This is in wake of the killing of eleven elephants previously. Read More

Zambia and WildLife: The ban on Lions

Some weeks ago, news and reports came out on the disappearance and extinction of lions in Nigeria and West Africa. More. Such was gradually going on in East Africa but now the officials have woken up from their slumber. Zambia has banned the hunting of lions and other endangered wild cats such as leopards because it sees more value in tourism than blood sport, the country's tourism minister said. More.

Cyberattacks: Iran and the US

Experts in the United States have confirmed that Iran may not really be behind the wave of cyberattacks on US' banks. Much of the evidences available do not point to Tehran as a culprit. Iran for long has continued to deny any allegation she is involved in any cyberattack on the United States. The defence seems to be genuine.   Read More

New National Park in the US

The United States is having her newest National Park in California. The Pinnacles National Monument known has the Pinnacles National Park is the 59th National Park in the US. It has scenic features with splendid and spectacular rock formations, condors and beautiful spring wildflowers. Know More

Fear of Islamists: Key to Security Wisdom

French President has issued a red alert to security agents within France due to her ongoing  activities in Mali and the failed mission in Somalia. The stepping up of domestic security is in realisation of the fact that the Islamists in both countries might plan surprises package for France. To forestall any of such, Francois Hollande charged all security networks to be on high alert.

Somalia: Nightmare of the Horn of Africa

The botch rescue attempt of the French Commandos is a reminder of how Somalia has turned into a major nightmare for Africa. The failure is a reminder of the failed mission of the US Marines in the 1990s. France lost a soldier and one was missing while the Commandos killed 17 al Shaba militants. Some reports have it that the French Commandos 'mistakenly' killed some villagers, hence putting al Shabab on the alert of an impending danger.

Reliable sources in and around BuloMarer town in South Somalia where French commandos raided late last night, say that the French commandos first landed at a village called Daaydoog which is located at the seaside and three kilometers away from BulMarur where the French intelligence officer was held by Al Shabab militants. The Commandos left without the hostage. A complete facsimile of the US' mission. An incomplete mission.

India and Saudi: The Growing Contrast on Women

Saudi King Abdullah broke a great record on his appointment of women into his cabinet while India continues to retard in the protection of women. Read More on Saudi. From various rape cases to female infanticide, India has become notoriously unsafe for women and young girls. Read more on India.

France and Africa: The Flying Power

Nicholas Sarkozy was the French President in the 21st century to commit France militarily more to Africa. From Ivory Coast to Libya, France played a crucial role in deposing the leaders though that of Libya is to cover a shady deal. Read. It seems that tradition will continue under Francois Hollande who before now has tried to maintain an isolationist policy or a more international role under the United Nations like Barack Obama when he came newly into office. The attack in Somalia by French Commandos proves Hollande will continue with the Sarkozy tradition as it is been witnessed in Mali now. Read More