Opinion

June 20, 2013
The United Nation’s Role in Africa

The United Nation’s Role in Africa

Shortly after Kieran Dwyer, the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, gave a presentation about U.N. peacekeeping missions (watch video below), he said that the mission also receives “bad press” for some of its work in Africa. The phrase jumped out at me. Bad press is what happens when a Hollywood movie flops. In Africa,... Read more »

Feb. 12, 2013
In Eritrea, What’s Unsaid Is As Important As What’s Said.

In Eritrea, What’s Unsaid Is As Important As What’s Said.

In 2003, when the government of Eritrea sent out orders to ban Amharic music in public, there was no official announcement made but simply oral orders passed around in public places such as bars and music shops. The owners of such businesses were told to stop playing music. Of course, that didn’t mean that the government... Read more »

Jan. 21, 2013
Race and Identity in Post-Apartheid South Africa: Crush-Hopper: Story of a Girl’s Journey Through Post-Apartheid South Africa

Race and Identity in Post-Apartheid South Africa: Crush-Hopper: Story of a Girl’s Journey Through Post-Apartheid South Africa

Crush-Hopper: Story of a Girl’s Journey Through Post-Apartheid South Africa Crush-Hopper is South African Mandisa Haarhoff’s autobiographical story about a young girl. This is a girl who first learned about beauty by playing with dolls who had long blond hair and blue eyes. She is a giddy and joyful girl who has a soft spot for... Read more »

Jan. 13, 2013
France’s Mali Military Intervention: No End In Sight

France’s Mali Military Intervention: No End In Sight

The French took the plunge and began attacking Islamist militant groups in Mali this week after regional leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hesitated for months. The instability in northern Mali dates back nearly a year and yet, until now, no agreement on a foreign intervention strategy could be reached. That stands... Read more »