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Front Page: Congress May Add Stimulus, South Africa's Mbeki Resigns, Militants Kidnap 155 in Afghanistan

CitizenSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:00:38 -0700

Congress May Add Stimulus:
Congress is likely to raise the cost of the $700 billion rescue deal by adding more economic stimulus for taxpayers, according to Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Barney Frank. The cost of the current plan could reach $1 trillion. Senate Banking Chairman Chris Dodd urged caution this morning and praised Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson as "the right man."

South Africa's Mbeki Resigns:
South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki resigned yesterday after his political party demanded that he step down. He gave a brief speech saying, “I would like to say that gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience.” Mbeki has been temporarily replaced by Kgalema Motlanthe.

Militants Kidnap 155 in Afghanistan:
Three buses carrying Afghan laborers were stopped by militants and all 155 people on board were kidnapped. No one has yet claimed responsibility and the Interior Ministry spokesman says, "What demand might they have from the government? They are poor and innocent laborers who are traveling far distances for work." Though kidnappings and ransoms are routine in Afghanistan, this instance is the first time militants have attempted to abduct and hold such a large group.

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Front Page: New Offensive in Iraq, Fire Consumes UK Landmark, Oprah School Abuse Trial Begins

CitizenSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:00:05 -0700

New Offensive in Iraq:
Iraqi forces with support from American troops just launched a new major operation against insurgents in the Iraqi province of Diyala, one of the last pockets of al-Qaeda militants in the country. The commander of the Iraqi ground forces says the operation's goal is ''to clear al-Qaeda in Diyala. We have a list of wanted persons that the troops will arrest during the operations.'' The offensive comes after deadly attacks in Baghdad and Kirkuk.

Fire Consumes UK Landmark:
The historic seaside pier, the Grand at Weston-super-Mare, was consumed by fire yesterday. Stretching a quarter of a mile into the water, the two-story wooden structure was reduced to ash in a couple of hours. The fire broke out in a kitchen on the pier, though no one was hurt. A spokesman for the pier, Nigel Heath, says, “it is a tragedy. It epitomized the English seaside resort.”

Oprah School Abuse Trial Begins:
The trial of the former matron at Oprah Winfrey's school in South Africa has begun with the defendant pleading not guilty. The six alleged victims will testify in private, amid reports that they're "very scared". The defendant, 28, was arrested at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy near Johannesburg last year. The $40 million school opened in 2007.

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South Africa's Affirmative Action Not Affirmed by All

LibertySugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:00:22 -0700

South Africa's aggressive affirmative action policy, which requires companies to give preferential hiring treatment to the country's 90 percent black population, colored community, Indians, and women has garnered both success and criticism.

South Africans growing up in destitute conditions perpetuated by apartheid have found financial security and professional fulfillment through increased opportunities. Some companies recruit the marginalized groups in high school and give them extra academic assistance and help through university.

Unfortunately affirmative action, along with instability, has caused 20 percent of the South Africa's white population to leave the country. And when not paired with training, a lack of necessary skills possessed by those receiving preferential hiring practices bothers both supporters and opponents of affirmative action. To find out how,

South Africa Wants to Give Green Light to Red Light District

LibertySugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Even though prostitution obviously goes well with soccer, religious groups and government opposition parties disagree with South Africa's plan to legalize sex-for-sale before the 2010 World Cup.

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 the Vatican who lamented the fact that that women "cost less than ticket to a soccer game."

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?

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Damon and Eastwood Join Freeman For Nelson Mandela Movie

LibertySugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:25:27 -0700

Damon and Eastwood Join Freeman For Nelson Mandela Movie Clint Eastwood is set to direct a script based on the true-life events documented in the book, The Human Factor: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Changed the World by John Carlin. Matt Damon will play star rugby player Francois Pienaar who befriended Nelson Mandela (who, as we learned a while back, will be portrayed by Morgan Freeman) during the run-up to a game that "gave whites and blacks in South Africa a common cause to rally around as the country was trying to heal from the wounds of apartheid."

Front Page: South Africa Sets Up Camps, Olmert Called to Step Down, Nepal To Become Republic

CitizenSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:00:06 -0700

South Africa Sets Up Camps: South Africa is about to create seven refugee camps around the country for foreign migrant workers who have fled a recent wave of anti-immigrant violence. Taking the pressure off of the increasingly unsanitary conditions currently housing the workers at temporary shelters put up around state buildings, the new camps will take up to 70,000 people. Respected international aid agencies have advised the government not to set up camps as they say South Africa does not have the expertise necessary to run them. Fifty-six people have been killed and more than 650 injured in the attacks.

Olmert Called to Step Down: Israel’s defense minister Ehud Barak called today for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to step down pending the outcome of a high-profile corruption investigation in which Olmert is tied. Barak said, “The prime minister must disconnect himself from the daily running of the government.” Yesterday a Long Island businessman at the center of the corruption case testified that he gave about envelopes of cash totaling about $150,000, to Olmert over the course of 13 years. He said the money was for campaign funding and personal expenses. Olmert has denied any wrongdoing and has promised to step down if found guilty.
Nepal To Become Republic: The newly-elected Nepalese assembly is to meet in Kathmandu to abolish the monarchy but its key vote has been postponed by a boming in the capital that injured two people while the new cabinet was being sworn in. Thousands of people have gathered on the streets near the assembly in support of "republic day". Ending 240 years of royal rule, supporters are ecstatic. One said, "This is the people's victory. With today's declaration of a republic we have achieved what we fought for."

South Africa's Xenophobic Violence Displaces Thousands

LibertySugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 06:00:37 -0700

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 deployed its army on its own streets, in an attempt to quell the attacks which began about 10 days ago, and have spread throughout the country.

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 blaming the migrants for crime and economic hard times; yet, now it appears the violence is purposeless and simply criminal.

While President Thabo Mbeki tries to stop the murdering, abuse, and looting, South African relief agencies are raising funds to help address the long term needs 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.

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?

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Front Page: Fleeing South Africa Attacks, Ted Kennedy Seizure, Disaster Zones Mourn

CitizenSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 06:56:56 -0700

Fleeing South Africa Attacks: About 6,000 people fled violent attacks in South Africa on foreigners. The attacks have left at least 22 dead, according to aid workers. Thought to be a "classic refugee situation," many of those seeking refuge in South Africa are Zimbabweans who have fled violence and poverty in their own country. Estimates show as many as three million Zimbabweans are living in South Africa. The immigrants receive the blame for social problems — unemployment, crime and a lack of housing — one Zimbabwean man said of the violence, "if we go back into the streets, they're going to kill us there."

Ted Kennedy Seizure: After being hospitalized over the weekend with stroke-like symptoms, Kennedy's doctor says, “preliminary tests have determined that he has not suffered a stroke and is not in any immediate danger." Kennedy, 76, is still in the hospital but resting and doing well.
Disaster Zones Mourn: Both China and Myanmar, who've each experienced devastation in past weeks, have declared three-day periods of mourning. In China, flags are flying at half-mast and a nationwide silence has been observed to mark the time it struck a week ago. Since the 7.9 magnitude quake, more than 71,000 people are dead and more than 220,000 people injured. In Myanmar, the junta has followed ally China's lead declaring their own period of mourning. Cyclone Nargis left about 78,000 dead and another 55,000 missing. After initially stalling aid, correspondents say the junta has promised to accept significantly more international aid to help cyclone victims.

Amputee Wins Olympic Right, Amputee Swimmer Qualifies

CitizenSugar — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:00:29 -0700

South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius won a landmark appeal from the Court of Arbitration for Sport allowing the runner to compete for a slot in the Beijing Olympics despite a previous ban on his artificial legs.

Nicknamed "Bladerunner," Pistorius runs on specially-adapted carbon fiber blades and said of the ruling,

I am going to try and make it to Beijing. I have a few chances ahead of me and I will try to make the most of them. . . Sport brings people together and it doesn't divide or judge. This decision will open new doors for disabled athletes. Happily, the CAS considered the question a scientific matter and only looked to determine if my blades gave me an advantage or not. Handicapped or able-bodied, for me there is no difference. I'm just a sprinter and it is this that people see me as.

It was a big day all around for differently-bodied South African athletes. South African swimmer and amputee Natalie Du Toit qualified for the Beijing Olympics after finishing fourth in the 10K race in the Open Water World Championships.

Is the decision to let Pistorius compete fair? The swimmer doesn't use a prosthesis, while the runner does — should there be a difference? Is it a great victory for sports?

Source

Crisis in Zimbabwe Turning People Veggie

LibertySugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:00:37 -0700

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 entire month salary!

Needless to say, many people are being force to trim the fat and go vegetarian. Only one in five people in Zimbabwe has an official job, and inflation is out of control. BBC News ran excerpts from the diary of a young woman living in Zimbabwe. "Esther" wrote:

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!

Esther also wrote about how that the lack of meat is the least of some people's problems. To see why,

Miniskirt Sparks Women's Rights Protests in South Africa

LibertySugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:00:12 -0800

Last week taxi drivers and street vendors attacked a South African women wearing a miniskirt, 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.

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,