Africa
Africa
Fair Observer provides insightful and informed analysis of important issues, events and trends on the African continent.
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United States / Europe / 360° Context / BRIC / Middle East / Americas / Africa / Global Security / Asia / OceaniaDoes execution of terror suspects through drones for security trump the basic human right to life and rule of law? Background Deemed as the smartest piece of military technology guaranteeing zero casualty and highly cost efficient, Unmanned Ariel Vehicles (UAVs) have in the last decade revolutionized modern warfare arguably as much as they have evoked moral outrage and international debate over their legitimate use. Although around since WWI, there has been a dramatic rise in the use of UAVs, commonly known as drones, for surveillance, intelligence gathering, implementing counter-terrorism programs and targeted warfare in recent years, most notably by the United States as part of its War on...
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360° Analysis / United States / Europe / BRIC / Middle East / Americas / Africa / Global Security / Asia / OceaniaFair Observer's five best Global Security articles of 2012. 1: Libya to Syria: R2P and the 'Double Standards' Issue — Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer The ‘double standards’ critique is not relevant to justify a military intervention in Syria, and denotes a dangerous romanticism in international relations. 2: The Best Laid Plans: How Quickly will the US Leave Afghanistan? — Tom Engelhardt With the 2014 withdrawal date coming closer each day, several countries are planning their exit from Afghanistan. It now becomes apparent that it is long overdue for the US to leave as well. 3: Leadership Decapitation and the End of Terrorist Groups —...
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Arab Spring / Arab Uprisings / Book / Politics / Focus Article / Middle East / AfricaAll of us at Fair Observer are delighted to announce the launch of our first book. There are days we mark out as significant in our lives. This is such a day for Fair Observer. After months of effort, we are proud to announce the publication of our first book, The Arab Uprisings: An Introduction. At times the ground beneath our feet shakes and the world as we know it changes forever. These are such times and the Arab Uprisings will mark the start of a new era in world history. For years, Arab regimes have expropriated power and wealth from their people. In the age of the Internet, exploding populations and greater aspirations, these regimes have been increasingly incongruous. People,...
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Without credible commitment of all political actors, a smooth transition to democracy will be hard to achieve. Four years into the Inclusive Government (IG) formed amongst the disputant political parties to unlock the 2008 election deadlock, parties are now readying themselves for another possibly bruising electoral contest without any reforms. Work by the cabinet committee established by principals of political parties to break the deadlock in the constitution making process is stalling amidst deep differences amongst the political parties in the Inclusive Government. Disputed outcomes of national elections over political violence, manifest coercion and outright fraud have become...
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Fair Observer's five best Africa articles of 2012. 1: The Changing Face of Africa — Tony O.Elumelu Africa has grown by leaps and bounds over the last two decades, and will continue to do so. 2: From Here to Timbuktu — Whitney Grespin Recent events in Mali illustrate how ideological radicals attempt to disassemble a cultural identity step by step, first through objects and then beliefs. 3: Judd Gregg’s War Against Liberia’s Charles Taylor — Chris Mahoney How a New Hampshire Senator, encouraged by the British government, changed US policy and brought Charles Taylor to justice. 4: Kenya Strikes Oil! What Next? — Roselyne MerikoKiragu & Macharia...
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Egypt / Morsi / Politics / 360° Context / Middle East / AfricaEgyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s decree in late November gave himself judicial immunity. The ensuing announcement of a constitutional referendum has divided the country and sent protestors into the streets once again. Background Since Mohammed Morsi became Egypt’s first democratically elected president in June 2012, he has aggressively reclaimed power from the military council, which ruled Egypt during the interim between Hosni Mubarak’s fall and Morsi’s election. A relatively unknown member of the Muslim Brotherhood prior to the election, Morsi has surprised critics and supporters alike with his bold political maneuvers, the most recent of which has caused a...
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Arabic graffiti artist eL Seed shares his thoughts on the role of Tunisian street art, his unique mix of calligraphy and graffiti, and why contradictions are the key to overcoming difference. [View the photo feature, Graffiti, Meet Arabic Calligraphy.] If you haven’t heard of Arabic graffiti, then you may want to re-consider your preferred news source. From the onset of the revolts that swept across North Africa and the Middle East from December 2010 onwards, street art from the region has been privy to much deserved global attention. Within this new wave of interest in unconventional, revolutionary art, one particular artist has been heavily courted by the media. His name is eL Seed...
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360° Analysis / Arab Spring / Arab Uprisings / Egypt / Islamist / Politics / Tunisia / Middle East / AfricaTariq Ramadan, Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, speaks to Heather McRobie and Rosemary Bechler about the political and economic dynamics of the Arab Uprisings. This is the first of two parts. Heather McRobie: I’d like to begin with the concept of Islamic democratic secularism and the statement in your book, Arab Awakening, that, "at this precise moment Muslims will only have proven the singularity of Islam when they demonstrate its universality." Could you explain what you mean by this, and the concept of Islamic democratic secularism? Tariq Ramadan: It’s part of a whole discussion about ethics in my work. I focus on Islamic applied...
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360° Analysis / constitution / MDC / Politics / Power sharing agreement / Robert Mugabe / ZANU PDF / Zimbabwe / AfricaBy Matteo FigusThe Zimbabwean power sharing agreement of 2008 was hailed as a stepping stone to future improvements in this troubled country. But four years on, changes have occurred in Zimbabwe. Now to Africa and the world, the question that remains is whether the country is heading in the right direction. Economy: From Disaster to an Unbalanced Growth ...