http://www.citizensugar.com/ Breaking News, Together. en http://www.citizensugar.com/2523737 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/9451de90958874af_sb10065000p-001.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="266"></span>If you wish you could see into the future, US intelligence officials are here to hand you a crystal ball. The National Intelligence Council just released <a href="http://www.dni.gov/nic/NIC_2025_project.html" target="_blank">Global Trends 2025</a>, an unclassified intelligence report put out every four years, and assesses the opportunities and problems that lie ahead in the next 15 years. One tip: Americans might need to start practicing being humble, because by 2025 the US could lose its position of global supremacy. </p> <p>Other <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/20/intelligence-report-say-f_n_145376.html" target="_blank">findings include</a>:</p> <ul> <li>Global warming will have a positive economic impact in Russian and Canada because it will make seasons longer, as well as increase their access to oil fields.</li> <li>Russia's rise could be hindered by a lack of investment in the energy sector, crime, and corruption.</li> <li>Governments in Africa and South Asia could collapse due to security problems or water and food shortages caused by a population boom of 1.5 billion and global warming.</li> <li>There will be a greater potential for war in 2025, thanks to increased global competition for food, water, and energy.</li> <li>The transfer of wealth from West to East will continue for the foreseeable future.</li> <li>Thanks to economic growth in the Middle East, and growing unpopularity of al Qaeda, the terrorist network will collapse sooner than people think.</li> </ul> <p>To see some other predictions regarding Iran, nuclear weapons, and US dominance, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2523737">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2523737#comment Africa Asia Global Trends 2025 Global Warming Headline Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:30:57 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2523737 http://www.citizensugar.com/2486416 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/552b715317e9c3c8_Condoms-Africa.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="287"></span>Barack Obama has plans to put US global AIDS policy on a different path, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&amp;sid=aKrIK33ovrk8&amp;refer=politics" target="_blank">leaving abstinence-only requirements for funding in the dust</a>. The co-chair of his advisory committee for women's health said that the president-elect is committed to "changing the policies so that family-planning services — both in the US and the developing world — reflect what works, what helps prevent unintended pregnancy, reduce maternal and infant mortality, prevent the spread of disease."</p> <p>Conversely, on the first day of his presidency, George W. Bush reinstated the "Mexico City Policy," which denies US funding to international groups that perform abortions, provide counseling or referral for abortions, or lobby to make abortion available. The gag order applies to those who use non-US funding to support abortions, too. As a result, many organizations in Africa lost funding, thus, losing means to provide contraception to prevent pregnancy and the transfer of HIV. </p> <p>Barack Obama's step away from abstinence-only programs and toward a more inclusive approach still keeps US policy a <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1969818" >far cry away from teaching sex-ed to kindergartners</a>. Do you think lifting the gag order is the best way to stop the global spread of HIV/AIDS?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2486416#comment Africa AIDS Barack Obama Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:01:59 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2486416 http://www.citizensugar.com/2440383 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/44_2008/68ae6a24680280e6_Somalia.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="233" width="320"></span>An exaggerated fear of "Islamofascism" ignores a complex reality, causing the US to overreact and damage its own interests. So <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/opinion/26kristof.html?_r=1&amp;em&amp;oref=" target="_blank">says columnist Nicholas D. Krsitof</a>, who argues that the situation in Somalia is one of the least-known Bush administration failures. Kristof explains that in 2006, a movement made up of moderate and extremist Islamic groups was close to uniting the country. Fearful of an uncooperative government in Somalia, the US supported Ethiopia's invasion of its rival, crushing the best hope for peace.</p> <p>Events this week bolster the argument that paranoia of Islamic extremists has led to disaster. Today in Somalia, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/world/africa/30somalia.html?_r=1&amp;hp&amp;oref=" target="_blank">five suicide bombs</a> hit government security posts, UN offices, and an Ethiopian consular unit, killing dozens. </p> <p>On Monday, the human rights chaos came to a head as well. A rape victim <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/world/africa/29briefs-RAPEVICTIMEX_BRF.html?ref=africa" target="_blank">was stoned to death for adultery</a> in an Islamist-controlled region. Buried up to her neck, thousands gathered at a soccer field to help execute her. </p> <p>Perhaps extremists win when international powers stubbornly refuse to reach out to moderates. Would you rather see the US abandon a strictly ideological viewpoint, instead opening its eyes to nuanced reality, or does security require zero tolerance? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2440383#comment Africa George W Bush Headline Human Rights Islam Somalia Terrorsim Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2440383 http://www.citizensugar.com/2426701 <p>An ex-slave in Niger, who was sold at the age of 12, made to worked for 10 years, and forced to bear the children of her master, has <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7692396.stm" target="_blank">won a case against her country</a>, which now must pay her $19,750 in damages. A West African Court found the Niger government guilty of failing to protect Hadijatou Mani from slavery, sending a message loud and clear that Niger must do more than nominally outlaw slavery. Activists hope the case will improve the lives of thousands kept in slavery throughout the region.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/44_2008/9cade1a188d77810_82010635.xxlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center xxlarge" height="334" width="500"></span><br /> According to <b>BBC</b>, after her master freed her in 2005, Hadijatou tried to marry. To find out how that got her in jail, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2426701">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2426701#comment Africa Human Rights Law Niger Slavery Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:50 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2426701 http://www.citizensugar.com/2378593 <p>Warships from 10 countries are <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g4gtQaz0lW8sez1OirAHvPwJfo2gD93RS1V80" target="_blank">joining together</a> to take on some of the world's most dangerous, and successful, pirates. (Can you say "arrrrrrrr" in 10 languages?) Not even the presence of US military vessels is enough to prevent these <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/pirates" >hijackers from seizing commerce ships</a>, grabbing booting, and demanding ransoms.<br /> <span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2378588" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/42_2008/736266af1d42a245_82878777.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="364" width="550"></a></span><br /> Since 250 international ships use the pirate-infested waters to move goods each day, the world's trading powers worry that it could be too expensive to conduct business. The pirates also pose a threat of increased terrorism, as they use their proceeds, as much as $30 million this year, to fund more crime and extremist groups.<br /> <p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-82212 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#34b3d1'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2378580?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/42_2008/82878773.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-82705 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#34b3d1'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2378580?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/42_2008/82878777.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-83782 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#34b3d1'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2378580?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/42_2008/82879383.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-4384 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#34b3d1'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2378580?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/42_2008/83205119.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p>But officials in Somalia, which has a weak central government, have little faith in the flotilla. To see who they might hire to fight the pirates, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2378593">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2378593#comment Africa Blackwater Headline Pirates Somalia War Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:00:23 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2378593 http://www.citizensugar.com/2369023 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/42_2008/83269685.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="260"></span>Glee. This pictures of Colin Powell getting down with his soberly respectable self fill me with utter glee. The former secretary of state <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7670788.stm" target="_blank">hip-hopped on stage</a> with the Nigerian group Olu Maintain at the Africa Rising Festival at the Royal Albert Hall last night. After proving a suit and tie is no match for the funkiness of his moves, he turned more serious. He said that his own black identity matters now more than ever, and told the audience that with work and foreign investment, Africa could start to succeed like Asia and Eastern Europe. </p> <p>Powell said:<br /> <blockquote>I stand before you tonight as an African-American. Many people have said to me you became secretary of state of the USA, is it still necessary to say that you are an African-American or that you are black, and I say, yes, so that we can remind our children. It took a lot of people struggling to bring me to this point in history. I didn't just drop out of the sky, people came from my continent in chains. . . .Asia is expanding, it created jobs for people, and Eastern Europeans are doing the same . . . it's now Africa's turn.</p></blockquote> <p>Christina and Seal <a href="http://popsugar.com/2366996" >were at the festival</a> too, but Powell? Clearly the showstopper. Could he be ready for an encore? There are rumblings that he <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lawrence-odonnell/colin-powell-is-ready-to_b_134777.html" target="_blank">could be ready to endorse</a> a candidate, and perhaps not the one from the party he served. Possible?</p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-25769 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2369012?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/42_2008/83269531.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-59970 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2369012?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/42_2008/83270181.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-13874 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2369012?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/42_2008/83270183.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-5429 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2369012?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/42_2008/83274930.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-66783 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2369012?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/42_2008/83275230.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2369023#comment Africa Africa Rising Festival Colin Powell Endorsement Headline Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:00:57 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2369023 http://www.citizensugar.com/2302828 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/41_2008/80167586.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="266"></span>Amid worsening economic news flying at us almost constantly, there is <a href="http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1847585,00.html" target="_blank">some good news</a> and it’s coming from a surprising corner of the globe: Africa. The continent that has been the metaphor for human misery because of continual wars, poverty, and famine in some respects is recording healthier economic growth than in the industrialized world according to the International Monetary Fund.</p> <p>The IMF estimates that Africa’s economy may expand by 5 percent this year and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reports that a bigger portion of money entering Africa since 2006 has been investment rather than aid. Even more optimistic is that the Mo Ibrahim Foundation found that 31 out of 48 sub-Saharan African countries, governance is improving. Most improved over the past year was Liberia which saw more than a quarter of a million of its own citizens perish in two civil wars between 1989 and 2003, but has now risen six places to 38th.</p> <p>To see why some conditions are improving and the 10 best governed African countries, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2302828">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2302828#comment Africa Headline Lists Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:00:57 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2302828 http://www.citizensugar.com/2252251 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/40_2008/83123690.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="270"></span>Before September 11th, 2001, American military strategy in Africa was little more than a cursory investment to buffer its interests against those of the Soviet Union, then Russia, China, and the Middle East governments. Now the Pentagon is taking a new approach to the African continent, one that may be especially welcome.</p> <p>Part of the new strategy is to create a new regional headquarters called “Africa Command” <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/world/africa/05command.html?ref=world" target="_blank">responsible for coordinating American military projects</a> on that continent. The idea is that the Pentagon will forge a “civilian-military partnership” in which the Defense Department will work with the State Department and Agency for International Development and the host nation’s security and development agencies as well. They hope to assign military personnel to train local anti-terrorism forces, dig wells, build sewers, and assist with inoculations of the local citizenry.</p> <p>Not everyone is excited about the development. To see why, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2252251">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2252251#comment Africa Headline Military Pentagon Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:40 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2252251 http://www.citizensugar.com/2119770 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/40_2008/Traces-of-Hope.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="368" width="250"></span>The British Red Cross has created a video game to raise awareness for child victims of the conflict in Uganda. Last week, the UN <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2071528" >called for the release</a> of 90 children abducted from school by LRA army. Crimes against children have been a constant during the 20 year battle; but the Red Cross believes that its <a href="http://www.tracesofhope.com/" target="_blank">Internet game "Traces of Hope"</a> will help shine the spotlight on the vulnerable.</p> <p>Players aim to help Joseph, a boy whose home and family has been torn apart by rebels, find his missing mother. The game site says: "He has a satellite phone, you have the web – together you’ll make a great team. Time is running out; guide Joseph through sickness, fire and violence as together you follow his traces of hope." </p> <p>By placing clues for the game around the Internet, the game creators hope to <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7638581.stm" target="_blank"> blur the boundary between the game and the real world</a> conflict. Since atrocities in the region often go unnoticed, perhaps this educational entertainment will help some wake up. </p> <p><a href="http://www.tracesofhope.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2119770#comment Africa Headline Red Cross Technology Uganda Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:26 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2119770 http://www.citizensugar.com/2095713 <p>A Zimbabwe school is telling parents that if they can't scrape up enough money, they <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7632118.stm" target="_blank">should pay tuition with livestock</a> or fuel coupons. Thanks to insane inflation, parents are short on cash. School fees are about 100,000 Zimbabwe dollars, but banks only let people withdraw 1,000 Zimbabwe dollars a day. In addition, the official inflation rate this year is 11,000,000 percent.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/39_2008/81065433.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="393" width="550"></span><br /> Even though school officials say the in-kind tuition deal idea came from the parents, residents are asking the government to step in a stop the program. Many worry that the teachers or headmasters are getting a windfall from the practice.</p> <p>Since the money crisis has been <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1592356" >turning people into vegetarians</a>, it makes some sense they are giving up their livestock. Maybe President Bush should tell Congress that they better pass the bailout soon, or the US will soon be using cows as its currency. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2095713#comment Africa Animals cows Headline Zimbabwe Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:30:59 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2095713 http://www.citizensugar.com/2071528 <p>Ninety <a href="http://www.unicef.org/media/media_45702.html" target="_blank">children are being help hostage by Ugandan</a> rebels in the north-east region of the Democratic Republican of Congo. In simultaneous attacks carried out by the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) last week, 40 children were abducted from a primary school and 50 from a secondary school. Three people died, and the village chief and three Italian missionaries were also taken.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/39_2008/80593281.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span><br /> The UN is demanding unconditional release of the children it believes the LRA will force into combat. The LRA has been <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7631038.stm" target="_blank">fighting the Ugandan government for 20 years</a>. The rebels won't agree to disarmament unless the ICC (International Criminal Court) drops war crime charges against its leader. </p> <p>Imagine if a mass school abduction like this happened in Europe or America. I'm sure we would be hearing a lot more about it! I hope the kids make it out safe, and don't meet the fate of forced fighting that has burdened thousands of other children.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2071528#comment Africa children Congo Headline Hostages LRA Uganda Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:00:12 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2071528 http://www.citizensugar.com/1993454 <p>Those living in an especially poor section of Freetown, Sierra Leone are proud to pay taxes because they want to improve their troubled country. Even the unemployed happily dish out the local council tax of 5,000 leones ($1.50). BBC reports that the youth <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7610267.stm" target="_blank">have traded dog tags for plastic holders</a> showing tax receipts. The same spirit comes out in other parts of capital, where people wait in lines to pay taxes and loudspeakers remind the others of their tax obligation.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/37_2008/76547994.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="330" width="550"></span><br /> The country needs all the help it can get to rebuild after a 10-year civil war that ended in 2002, and left 50,000 dead. The UN ranks the country as the world's least-developed country. For a British colony that once had education levels higher than some European countries, the now independent county has a 31 percent adult literacy rate. Two-thirds of young people do not have a steady job.</p> <p>In six months the local council has collected a record 3 billion leones ($888,000). Officials are using the money to build <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1640180" >public toilets</a>, supply water, fix roads, and employ laborers. And the mayor of Freetown promises to resign if things don't get better.</p> <p>When things need fixing, are you happy to pay taxes? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1993454#comment Africa Freetown Headline Sierra Leone taxes Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1993454 http://www.citizensugar.com/1910613 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/36_2008/gadaffi.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="425" width="300"></span>US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7595066.stm" target="_blank">will visit Libya this Friday</a>, the first time a US secretary of state has visited the African country since 1953.</p> <p>The visit shows that non-military action can be used to confront terrorism — Libya was on the sponsor-of-terrorism list put out by Rice's state department, until 2006. That year, Libya gave up its WMDs and committed to fighting terrorism. And just this week, Libya agreed to address the 1988 Pam Am bombing over Scotland, which killed 270 people, by providing compensation to victims' families. </p> <p>In a twist of fate, Muammar Gadhafi, the man President Reagan once called "mad dog," will show Rice around his country. Gadhafi hopes after the reconciliation Libya will be left alone, while human rights activists <a href="http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnN02406593.html" target="_blank">want Rice to shine a light on abuses</a> in the country. Maybe this visit will open the eyes of leaders in Iran and North Korea to the benefits of going the American way. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1910613#comment Africa Headline Libya Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:07 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1910613 http://www.citizensugar.com/1875639 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/34_2008/_44839390_joel2226_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="225" width="150"></span>Joel, a 10-year-old extra in the Oscar-winning movie <b>The Last King of Scotland</b>, <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7510966.stm" target="_blank">had a large tumor removed</a> from his face, thanks to the kindness of the film crew. The tumor made it look as if his eye were outside his skull.</p> <p>Doctors in Joel's home country of Uganda did not have the facilities or specialized skills to perform the surgery Joel needed, so the film's producer arranged for him to fly to the UK for the 10-hour operation. The benign tumor, which distorted his nose and eye would have continued to grow if not removed. During the procedure doctors removed the tumor and then put Joel's facial features into place. </p> <p>Joel wants to help others get access to the medical care he fortunately received. He told <b>BBC</b>:<br /> <blockquote>"I am so happy to be alive and that everything went so well. I'm looking forward to going home and will work hard and study to become a doctor so that I can help people also."</p></blockquote> <p>It's hard to imagine the hardships Joel would have faced if he didn't receive this expensive and specialized treatment — I'm glad this story has a happy ending!</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1875639#comment Africa Headline The Last King Uganda Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1875639 http://www.citizensugar.com/1864834 <p>In the story about <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1857453" >children mining gold</a> in Africa, lots of you were interested in making sure your baubles and bling had no part of the sad practice of exploiting children to extract the precious metal. I am not afraid to be servicey so I found this brand that answers that accessory predicament. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/33_2008/gold.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="170" width="472"></span></p> <p>It's called Love, Earth and it's <a href="http://www.loveearthinfo.com/home.html" target="_blank">a pilot project</a> that's a collaboration of companies in the jewelry supply chain. Not just committed to protecting kids, the brand produces pieces that can be traced back to the ecologically-sustainable mine it cam from. Since every single gold ring made produces 20 tons of mining waste, and the processing makes thousands of gallons of cyanide, they've gone ultraresponsible and transparent, allowing you to track the entire history of the piece. </p> <p>Want to know where to find the line? You may be surprised. . . To find out, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1864834">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1864834#comment Africa Child Abuse children Gold Wal-Mart Where I'm Clicking Now Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:30:59 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1864834 http://www.citizensugar.com/1857453 <p>Africa: a continent of untold riches in gold and diamonds, contrasted with shocking poverty of citizens living on the surface just above the treasure trove. Veins of gold run through the earth demanding to be mined — a job dangerous enough for adults, but savagely brutal when you're four years old.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/32_2008/80360262.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span><br /> The <b>AP</b> conducted <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iiGYXu97hSZjgaq26AGOknlnIuegD92FGDT81" target="_blank">a yearlong study</a> of six African gold mines and found more than 150 child miners to interview, tracking the gold from kid to ring. The United Nation's labor agency estimates that there are 100,000 to 250,000 child miners in West Africa alone. One of these, a 12-year-old miner (who is less than four feet tall) was lured to the trade after his village's only teacher left, and the global price of gold spiked. He and two friends hiked with their recruiter for 100 miles, to the mine where the boys live, sleeping on mattresses crammed between adults. It's not just boys lured into the trade; girls also start as young as four and can be working full-time by the age of 10. </p> <p>To see how the children mine, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1857453">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1857453#comment Africa Child Abuse children Gold Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:00:59 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1857453 http://www.citizensugar.com/1801846 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/30_2008/74949655.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="345" width="350"></span>Despite its ability to help prevent the spread of HIV, the Luo Council of Elders in Kenya is <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7514431.stm" target="_blank">not down with male circumcision</a> because the practice conflicts with the community's culture. </p> <p>But more than culture informs the influential council's decision to reject a widespread initiative which would offer free circumcision. Some elders do not believe it actually prevents HIV infection, while others worry that circumcised men would stop wearing condoms. Thus, the elders oppose the effort by the Kenyan government to make circumcision more culturally accepted. </p> <p>Resistance to circumcision is not the only cultural practice inhibiting HIV prevention in Kenya, where 2.5 million people (out of 35 million) live with HIV or AIDS — the practice of wife inheritance doesn't help either. When a husband dies, the widow often marries her brother-in-law or another man chosen by the elders. As you might imagine, this too facilitates the passing of the deadly disease.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1801846#comment Africa AIDS Headline HIV Kenya Politics of Love Wife Inheritance Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:15:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1801846 http://www.citizensugar.com/1795997 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/29_2008/81871490.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="300"></span> <ul> <li><b>Nelson Mandela Turns 90:</b><br /> Marking his 90th birthday today, Nelson Mandela celebrated by <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7513047.stm" target="_blank">urging generosity</a>:"there are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty." He said he was tickled people wanted to celebrate the birthday "of a retired old man who no longer has power or influence".</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/29_2008/Friday.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="200"></span> <li><b>EU to Give Billion to Africa:</b><br /> The EU has a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7513562.stm" target="_blank">plan to give $1 billion euros</a> of unspent EU farm subsidies in aid to African farmers. The money was allocated to EU agriculture, but hasn't been spent — sending the cash to Africa could help fix food shortages and soaring prices. Some question the move's legality, but EC President Barroso says: "The impact of high food prices is particularly severe for the world's poorest populations."</li> <li><b>Arrests in Plot Against Bush:</b><br /> Israel arrested six Arabs today for attempting to set up an al Qaeda cell in Israel and claiming that one of the men <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-security-israel-qaeda.html" target="_blank">had planned to attack</a> helicopters used during a visit by President George W. Bush. One of the suspects had allegedly used his cell phone to film the landing site of the president, and then used al Qaeda websites to ask advice in how to shoot down the helicopter. Bush's last visit to Israel was in May.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1795997#comment Africa al Qaeda Food Front Page George W Bush Israel Nelson Mandela The European Union Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:00:18 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1795997 http://www.citizensugar.com/1790193 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/29_2008/72515974.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="450"></span>Even though prostitution <i>obviously</i> goes well with soccer, religious groups and government opposition parties disagree with <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7509357.stm" target="_blank">South Africa's plan to legalize sex-for-sale</a> before the 2010 World Cup.</p> <p>The Durban municipal government wants to legalize the red light district, and make access to "services" safe and easy. Those in favor argue that Germany opened popular adult entertainment centers for World Cup 2006. Some resisted that decision too, including <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/08/world/main1696445.shtml?source=RSS&amp;attr=HOME_1696445" target="_blank">the Vatican who lamented</a> the fact that that women "cost less than ticket to a soccer game." </p> <p>South African religious groups say the current plan goes against the word of God, and many worry about a greater transmission of AIDS. Opposition parties worry that once it's legal, it will remain so after the World Cup. That point makes a lot of sense — if the government approves it one day, how can they say it's a dangerous crime the next?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1790193#comment Africa Prostituion South Africa Sports World Cup Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1790193 http://www.citizensugar.com/1784775 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/29_2008/81240331.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="400"></span>The International Criminal Court's prosecutor <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&amp;sid=a8pk1xEU280E&amp;refer=home" target="_blank">requested a warrant for the arrest</a> of Umar al-Bashir, the president of Sudan, alleging genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. If issued, it would be the body's first indictment against a sitting head of state. Many hail this as an important international step in stopping the<a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/859499" > bloodshed in Darfur</a>.</p> <p>The prosecutor, claiming Bashir took out his inability to defeat a rebellion on civilians, said:<br /> <blockquote> Al-Bashir organized the destitution, insecurity, and harassment of the survivors. He did not need bullets. He used other weapons: rapes, hunger, and fear. As efficient, but silent.</p></blockquote> <p>Others, with hopes of a political settlement, prefer to tread lightly with Bashir and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jul/14/sudan.warcrimes" target="_blank">apparently called Bashir</a> to let him know the ICC made its decision independent of the UN. But Darfur activists want the UN Security Council to <a href="http://www.undispatch.com/archives/2008/07/enough_make_bas.php#comments" target="_blank">use the legal maneuver as launching pad</a> for further action. To see why, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1784775">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1784775#comment Africa Darfur Headline Umar al-Bashir United Nations Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:30:33 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1784775 http://www.citizensugar.com/1772001 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/28_2008/73165814.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="400"></span> An HIV positive Kenyan woman made history by <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7499496.stm" target="_blank">winning a settlement against her employer</a> for unfair dismissal, a decision that should bring relief to 2.5 million (out of 35 million) Kenyans living with HIV or AIDS. The Court ruled that one cannot be fired for being HIV positive. </p> <p>A doctor administered an HIV test when the woman went to the hospital complaining of chest pains. The doctor passed on the positive results to her employer, despite the fact that the patient had not consented to the test nor disclosure. The woman said that her co-workers knew she was positive before she did.</p> <p>The Kenyan High Court ruled that testing employees, or prospective employees, without consent is unlawful, along with disclosing results to employers without permission. This landmark ruling — that one cannot be terminated for HIV status —undoubtedly boosts the rights of those living with HIV. Yet, I'm not sure how some of the consent protections will practically play out. If you want a job, and an employer asks you to consent to an HIV test, would you feel comfortable denying consent? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1772001#comment Africa AIDS HIV Kenya Law Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:00:49 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1772001 http://www.citizensugar.com/1694995 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/23_2008/2192243.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="300"></span>Living in sub-Saharan Africa isn't an easy existence for anyone — but for albino people living in one of Earth’s hottest areas has intense challenges. Their total lack of pigmentation, which affects 1 in 3,000, is excruciating under the glaring African sun — they are predisposed to severe skin burns and often die of skin cancer before the age of 30.</p> <p>Though lately, the weather is the least of their problems. Tanzanian officials claim that witch doctors are <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/world/africa/08albino.html?_r=1&amp;partner=rssnyt&amp;emc=rss&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">promoting the sale</a> of albino skin, bones and hair as ingredients in spells to create prosperity. In the past year, 19 albinos including children have been killed or mutilated. Police are creating lists of albinos throughout their nation in an effort to better protect them including escorts for albino children to get to and from school. I absorb a lot of news, but this story is almost unimaginably horrific. To see how, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1694995">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1694995#comment Africa Albino culture Headline Tanzania Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:00:27 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1694995 http://www.citizensugar.com/1653104 <p>This image is heartwarming and breaking at the same time. In Gauhati, <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/india" >India</a>, children are <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g3ow-EYpzvljg72kAodxFcBN8JnQD90QJQ100" target="_blank">protesting the violence</a> that surrounds them by setting fire to their toy guns. The kids lit the blaze in response to the continuing violence in the Manipur region where at least 17 rebel groups have been fighting for autonomy. Nearly 5,000 people have been killed over the past 10 years.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/21_2008/81078421.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="378" width="550"></span></p> <p>The children gleefully threw their guns into a bonfire, most of them AK-47 and M-16 rifles and cheered as they were destroyed. Some of the children even wore placards reading, “We hate toy guns. We love football." The guns in India were toys — though some children shoulder real weapons in times of war. To see the light at the end of this tunnel, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1653104">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1653104#comment Africa Check This children Guns India Fri, 23 May 2008 06:00:00 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1653104 http://www.citizensugar.com/1649519 <p>In South Africa, xenophobic attacks on foreigners have left at least 20 people dead and 30,000 displaced. For the first time since apartheid ended, South Africa has <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7412128.stm" target="_blank">deployed its army</a> on its own streets, in an attempt to quell the attacks which began about 10 days ago, and have spread throughout the country.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/81188150.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="360" width="550"></span><br /> Taking out their frustration with a 40 percent unemployment rate, inflation, and crime, mobs of locals around Johannesburg are targeting Nigerian-owned businesses, or those who have fled turbulent and nearby Zimbabwe to settle in South Africa. Originally, locals were <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1639550" >blaming the migrants</a> for crime and economic hard times; yet, now it appears the violence is purposeless and simply criminal.</p> <p>While President Thabo Mbeki tries to stop the murdering, abuse, and looting, South African relief agencies are raising funds to help address the <a href="http://voanews.com/english/2008-05-21-voa47.cfm" target="_blank">long term needs</a> of the thousands of people who have been wounded or displaced. The Red Cross hopes to connect victims with psychological assistance as well as with their families outside the country. The organization also is launching an anti-discrimination campaign in the local communities.</p> <p>For an inside look at the unrest, check out these pictures. At what point do economic frustration and intolerance turn to widespread violence? How can this tipping point be avoided?</p> <p><p><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-19908 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 active ' href=http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/1649493?page=0,0,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/81187227.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-89774 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/1649493?page=0,1,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/81187228.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-11642 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/1649493?page=0,2,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/81187908.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-21983 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/1649493?page=0,3,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/81188065.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-76681 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/1649493?page=0,4,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/81188071.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div></p><br clear=all></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1649519#comment Africa Headline Nigeria South Africa Thabo Mbeki Xenophobia Zimbabwe Thu, 22 May 2008 06:00:37 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1649519 http://www.citizensugar.com/1640180 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/71910293.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="430"></span>The lack of public toilets is turning Abidjan, a vibrant city in <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1043014.stm" target="_blank">Ivory Coast</a>, a shade of yellow. Urinating anywhere and everywhere is common practice for many men in this city. </p> <p>Women of Abidjan don't seem to have the same problem. One female resident <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7405901.stm" target="_blank">told</a> BBC that you don't see women relieving themselves in public because they think about the lack of facilities before they leave the home.</p> <p>But, the unfortunate reality is that not all residents have the luxury of a suitable toilet in their homes — six out of 10 people living in Africa do not have such access. As you can imagine, public urination not only causes shock and smell — it also is a serious health problem. To see why, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1640180">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1640180#comment Africa Headline Health Ivory Coast Mon, 19 May 2008 11:00:53 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1640180 http://www.citizensugar.com/1624224 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/20_2008/74082977.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="250"></span>Polygamy isn't limited to America, where a <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iIdMpRHjN4hpNKBhfYyAsR4DDo4QD90KJ6981" target="_blank">second child was born</a> to an underage member of the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1532910" >FLDS</a> in custody. Archbishop Peter Akinola, the leader of Nigeria's Anglican Church, is telling Christian polygamists to <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7392524.stm" target="_blank">cut out</a> the big love. </p> <p>Nigeria is religiously divided: the north is predominately Muslim, while the south is mostly Christian and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animism" target="_blank">animist</a>. As a sort of recruiting tool, Muslims converting to Christianity were allowed to maintain their polygamist lifestyle. </p> <p>Not any more. In a letter to his congregation, which includes 17.5 million Nigerians, the Archbishop wrote:</p> <blockquote><p>The observation [of polygamy] will destroy our witness if not firmly addressed. We cannot claim to be a Bible-believing church and yet be selective in our obedience.</p></blockquote> <p>Women that give up the polygamous lifestyle — which the Archbishop says is necessary — often remain single, even though they are free to remarry in the church. Their children remain with their ex-husbands.</p> <p>Should women converts be forced to separate from their husbands and leave their families? Since Christians inevitably are selective in what they follow in a sometimes contradicting Bible, should an exception be made for Muslims who want to convert, but don't want to break up their families? Or, should these converts accept monogamy as a crucial tenant to the faith to which they hope to convert?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1624224#comment Africa Animism Christianity Islam Nigeria Peter Akinola Polygamy World of Faith Tue, 13 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1624224 http://www.citizensugar.com/1618205 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/19_2008/79707947.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="450"></span>Prominent researchers are advocating a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7391768.stm" target="_blank">dramatic shift </a> in HIV-prevention priorities. A new study says that significant funding is being wasted in Africa on condom distribution, HIV testing, and vaccine research. Instead, money should be spent on male circumcision, reducing the number of sexual partners, and improving health systems in African countries. </p> <p>The researches say that the strongest evidence supporting the shift in priorities is the fact that the infection rate has not dropped, despite years of condom and testing awareness. Conversely, male circumcision significantly reduced the risk, as has a reduction in the number of partners. </p> <p>According to BBC, two-thirds of HIV infections happen in Africa. But, some health experts say that HIV prevention is getting too much funding. HIV causes 3.7 percent of all deaths worldwide; yet, it receives 25 percent of the funding.</p> <p>Are you surprised that the study purports that condoms and testing are not working? Do you think HIV research should get less funding, as it causes proportionately less deaths than the money spent on it? Or, do societies have an interest in eradicating a particularly horrifying disease?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1618205#comment Africa AIDS Condoms Fri, 09 May 2008 14:30:57 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1618205 http://www.citizensugar.com/1592356 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/18_2008/79175571.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="200"></span>In Zimbabwe, it costs 50 cents a month to eat meat every night for dinner. Think 50 cents sound like a good deal? Well, in Zimbabwe dollars, that's Z$ 8 to 10 billion, which equals one person's <i>entire</i> month salary!</p> <p>Needless to say, many people are being force to trim the fat and <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7372758.stm" target="_blank">go vegetarian</a>. Only one in five people in Zimbabwe has an official job, and inflation is out of control. <b>BBC News</b> ran excerpts from the diary of a young woman living in Zimbabwe. "Esther" wrote:<br /> <blockquote>So it looks like I am going to become a part-time vegetarian. Not a pleasant thought, as I love my meat. And Sunday breakfast used to consist of eggs, sausages or bacon, baked beans, nice crusty bread, and creamy coffee. Now it is tea with lemon or powdered milk, eggs and stale bread. Well these times will certainly leave us leaner and healthier! </p></blockquote> <p> Esther also wrote about how that the lack of meat is the least of some people's problems. To see why, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1592356">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1592356#comment Africa China Inflation South Africa United Nations Vegetarian Zimbabwe Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:00:37 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1592356 http://www.citizensugar.com/1573291 <p>Sudan began its fifth census Tuesday and tragedy wasted no time. Armed raiders shot at least two people in a Darfur displacement camp yesterday. Residents at the camp were protesting the national census and saying they would refuse to take part because they did not trust government organizers.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/17_2008/78901715.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span></p> <p>The census has been hailed as <a href="http://africa.reuters.com/top/news/usnBAN349125.html" target="_blank">an important step</a> towards Sudan's democratic elections, set to be held in 2009 under the terms of a north-south peace deal. It will also be used to decide the distribution of power and wealth. To see the story of one woman's journey and the US involvement, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1573291">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1573291#comment Africa Census Darfur Headline Shootings Sudan Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:00:12 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1573291 http://www.citizensugar.com/1502260 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/13_2008/79528031.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="210"</span>A few months ago a <a href="http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2008/01/04/europeans-should-be-allowed-vote-u-s-elections" target="_blank">Belgium newspaper wrote</a> the following:<br /> <blockquote> The American mortgage crisis affects banks in Europe. The insatiable American demand for oil makes the Arabian sheiks rich. The American refusal to care for the environment causes the North Pole ice to melt and coastal areas in Asia to flood. Hence, the world should be given the right to vote. Because the current situation is a blatant case of taxation without representation.</p></blockquote> <p>Today, the <b>Wall Street Journal</b>, took a look at <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB120649414499564341.html?mod=blog" target="_blank">how the world</a> would vote, if it in fact had a chance. It seems support for the three candidates is divided among continents. Europe and Africa are enamored with the Kennedy-esque Obama. The Middle East is also fascinated with Obama's roots. Mexico and China are hopeful that Hillary Clinton will continue the free trade policies of her husband. France just warmly received John McCain, as he is viewed as a George Bush adversary.</p> <p>It is true that American policy has global repercussions. Does it matter what other countries think about the candidates? If you're a voting American, how would you feel if you couldn't have a say in who is elected to lead the world's major superpower?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimgaes.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1502260#comment 2008 Presidential Election Africa Belgium Europe France Hillary Clinton John McCain Middle East Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:00:49 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1502260 http://www.citizensugar.com/1092634 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/10_2008/miniskirt.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="200"></span><br /> Last week taxi drivers and street vendors <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7276654.stm" target="_blank">attacked a South African women wearing a miniskirt</a>, because she was indecently dressed. Those passing by laughed and cheered. The incident has sparked an intense debate and passionate protests over women's rights and public decency in the country. </p> <p>Women protesters, who have been marching since last week, believe that women have the right to wear what they want. During a demonstration on Friday, women exposed their breasts and thighs, a traditional protest of the powerless. Some taxi drivers responded by pulling down their pants. What's going on here? To find out, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1092634">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1092634#comment Africa Headline Protests South Africa Women Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:00:12 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1092634 http://www.citizensugar.com/1092438 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/10/104169/02_2008/frontpage2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="460" width="124"></span></p> <ul> <li>American naval forces continued to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/world/africa/04somalia.html?_r=1&amp;ref=africa&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">fire missiles into southern Somalia</a> yesterday, aiming at what the Defense Department called terrorist targets.The missile strike was aimed at Kenyan Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan. He is wanted by the FBI for questioning in nearly simultaneous attacks in 2002, including one on a hotel in Mombasa, Kenya. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the target is a “known Al Qaeda terrorist.” Three civilians have been wounded in the attacks, with no casualties yet.</li> <li>Japan has escalated the situation surrounding an environmental group's <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7276739.stm" target="_blank">attack on one of its whaling ships</a> using rotten butter. Japan has summoned senior diplomats to complain about the activist attack, calling attention to the fact that rotten butter is a mild acid. The Sea Shepherd group carried out the attack. The International Whaling Commission will meet soon in London for a three-day meeting, an attempt to break the deadlock between pro-whaling and anti-whaling nations.</li> <li>US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in the Middle East <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/04/rice.mideast/index.html" target="_blank">calling for a renewal</a> of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Her arrival comes a day after Israel withdrew from a five-day operation in Gaza to hunt down Palestinian militants, who have been firing dozens of rockets into Israel. Rice called attention to both Israel and Hamas-backed militants responsibility for the violence. Rice said, "There needs to be a stop to the rockets. There needs to be an awareness of what is happening to innocent civilians and an effort to prevent innocent people from being harmed."</li> </ul> http://www.citizensugar.com/1092438#comment Africa Bombing Eco Front Page Israel Japan Peace Somalia Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:02:32 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1092438 http://www.citizensugar.com/1059230 <p>President Bush just finished running around Africa handing out money and smiles. On Wednesday, Bush <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/world/africa/21prexy.html?hp" target="_blank">confronted critics' concerns</a> regarding US military policy and his AIDS plan.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79811264_0.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="300"></span></p> <p>Speaking in Ghana, Bush said:<br /> <blockquote>I know there’s rumors in Ghana, ‘All Bush is coming to do is to try to convince you to put a big military base here.’ That’s baloney. As they say in Texas, that’s bull.</p></blockquote> <p> Bush also suggested that he would abandon the requirement that one-third of AIDS funding be used for abstinence education if there was proof that the approach was failing. According to Bush, the plan is unbelievably effective.</p> <p>For more on Bush's trip, check out the pictures and captions below.</p> <p><p><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-72380 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 active ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,0,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79889735.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Liberia&#039;s President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf greets Bush on February 21, 2008." title="Liberia&#039;s President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf greets Bush on February 21, 2008." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 4 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-50877 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,1,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79855963.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Bush starts a t-ball game in Ghana." title="Bush starts a t-ball game in Ghana." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 18 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-14814 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,2,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79839842.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Bush dances at the ceremony after inaugurating the new US Embassy in Rwanda." title="Bush dances at the ceremony after inaugurating the new US Embassy in Rwanda." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 10 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-79887 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,3,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79830270.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Mr. and Mrs. Bush lay a wreath at a Rwanda genocide memorial." title="Mr. and Mrs. Bush lay a wreath at a Rwanda genocide memorial." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 9 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-5091 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,4,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79830397.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Dancers greet Bush when he arrives at the airport in Rwanda." title="Dancers greet Bush when he arrives at the airport in Rwanda." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 11 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-21982 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,5,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79820032.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Bush greets workers under a mosquito bed net in Tanzania." title="Bush greets workers under a mosquito bed net in Tanzania." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 9 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-18484 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,6,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79795357.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 10 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-5943 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,7,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79855565.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 9 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-57187 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,8,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79855468.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Secretary of State Rice greets tribal leaders in Ghana." title="Secretary of State Rice greets tribal leaders in Ghana." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 11 Views</div></div ><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-44182 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}> <div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'> <a target=gallery4 class='thumb2 ' href=http://www.geeksugar.com/gallery/view/1059209?page=0,9,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79851587.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Bush eats with US Peace Corps volunteers at the US Ambassador&#039;s residence in Ghana." title="Bush eats with US Peace Corps volunteers at the US Ambassador&#039;s residence in Ghana." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> <div class='gallery_statistics'> 0 Comments 12 Views</div></div ></p><br clear=all><br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1059230#comment Africa George W. Bush Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:00:56 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1059230 http://www.citizensugar.com/1059155 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79839718.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="346" width="550"></span></p> <p>Above, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush watch a skit about abstinence at a school in Kigali, Rwanda. </p> <p>We're desperately searching for the lost script right now, but how do <i>you</i> think the story went?</p> <p>PS — more awesome pictures from Bush's African voyage coming soon. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1059155#comment Africa Geroge W. Bush Laura Bush Politics of Love Thoughts? Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:03:08 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1059155 http://www.citizensugar.com/1052926 <p>President Bush is <a href="http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL18682533.html" target="_blank">enjoying a hero's welcome</a> as he tours Africa. This week he will visit Senegal, South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, and Uganda during a mission to address the continent's economic, health, and security concerns. Programs that will fight AIDS and malaria, as well as aid plans that promote self-reliance instead of unqualified assistance, make President Bush much more popular in Africa than he is in other parts of the world.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/08_2008/79823859.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="427" width="550"></span><br /> The AIDS programs focus on preventing new infections in dozens of African nations, Haiti, and Guyana. The plans will provide medication to 2 million people already living with the disease.</p> <p>On Monday, in Tanzania, Bush also unveiled a plan that will have a practical impact on people's lives — The US plans to fund millions of bed-nets that will protect every Tanzanian child aged one to five from mosquitoes that spread deadly malaria. </p> <p>Of course, Bush's ceaseless critics have hesitations about his plans. For more on the critics, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1052926">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1052926#comment Africa Geroge W. Bush Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:00:14 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1052926 http://www.citizensugar.com/1052262 <p>It's not cellulite creams that are flying off of shelves in the Ivory Coast — it's posterior-size enhancing treatments. That's right. Bigger bottoms are big business. A <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7233565.stm" target="_blank">new national dance craze</a>, inspired by DJ Mix and DJ Eloh's hit song Bobaraba, a term that means "big bottom" in the local Djoula language, means everyone from footballers to club kids are after treatments that will make their "bobaraba" that much more bodacious.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/10/104169/08_2008/56678479.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="366" width="550"></span><br /> DJ Mix says the song was inspired by women. "We made it as a tribute to women, because African women are defined by the shape of their bottoms." It sounds empowering, but doctors caution excessive use of untested treatments, some of which are injected. Area gynecologist Dr. Marcel Sissoko says, "this medicine could be dangerous for your health because we don't know the ingredients. It's being used without a medical prescription." </p> <p>Warnings haven't stopped the frenzy. Says one dancer, "I do the bobaraba because I already have a big bum." Are you hoping the craze hits your area? Are you ready to join in? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1052262#comment Africa Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:00:52 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1052262 http://www.citizensugar.com/1012761 <p>For the month of February, we're going to be taking a look at love — and the politics that surround it. Our first story comes from Senegal. </p> <p>Senegalese police just arrested several men in connection with pictures depicting a gay marriage ceremony. Homosexuality is illegal in <a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sg.html" target="_blank">Senegal</a>, a predominately Muslim country, and the gay population continues to be excluded from meaningful participation in society.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/06_2008/55842682.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="292" width="493"></span></p> <p>After the controversial photographs were published in <b>Icone</b> magazine, the editor <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7226346.stm" target="_blank">received numerous death threats</a>. Some of the men arrested appear in the photographs, but it is not clear whether the arrests were made in connection with the threats or solely based on the pictures. </p> <p>Do you find it utterly outrageous that simple photographs can have such extreme consequences, including threats of violence and arrests? Can homosexuality really be outlawed? </p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1012761#comment Africa Gay Marriage Politics of Love Senegal Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:03:11 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1012761 http://www.citizensugar.com/956736 <p>Unrest and violence have plagued <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/kenya/index.html?8qa&amp;scp=1-spot&amp;sq=kenya" target="_blank">Kenya</a>, one of Africa's most stable nations, since the disputed <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/world/africa/31kenya.html" target="_blank">December 27 presidential election</a>. Since then, more than 600 people have been killed and 250,000 have been displaced.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/03_2008/kenya.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="378" width="550"></span><br /> Many Kenyans, along with much of the international community, believe the election was rigged to give the ruling party an unexpected victory. This outrage may have been enough to turn long standing <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7172038.stm" target="_blank">tribal tensions</a> into violence.</p> <p>Right now, both promising and frustrating <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Kenya-Elections.html?scp=2&amp;sq=kenya" target="_blank">news</a> is coming out of Kenya. Last week, mediation by the US and the African Union failed. Unfortunately, a Kenyan minister rejected former UN chief Kofi Annan's offer to mediate. Annan is expected to arrive today. On a positive note, many Kenyan children were back in the classroom on Monday, as some schools reopened.</p> <p>Currently, Kenya is <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3186957.ece" target="_blank">braced for a new wave</a> of violence. This week, newly elected Members of Parliament will take their seats, just as opposition leaders plan three days of protests. I hope that the political crisis will be resolved quickly, as a peaceful, prosperous, and diverse Kenya could serve as a ray of hope on the war-torn continent.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/956736#comment Africa Kenya Need to Know Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:03:24 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/956736