The capture of Chinese workers by rebel troops in Sudan is putting added pressure on Beijing to protect its citizens and investments abroad. China’s Foreign Ministry says that a Chinese company operating in South Kordofan, the province that borders newly independent South Sudan, was attacked on Jan. 28. While some Chinese employees …
Africa
‘Mission Accomplished’ in Libya? Not So Fast
In his State of the Union Address last week President Barack Obama seemed to link the fate of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad with that of Libya’s Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. “A year ago, Gaddafi was one of the world’s …
Must Reads from Around the World: Jan. 27, 2012
Geopolitics – Foreign Policy takes an astute look at how Iran – contrary to its own initial hopes and others’ fears – has failed to benefit from the Arab Spring. “In fact, Iran’s regional position has taken a big hit,” Colin H. …
$815 million
Must Reads from Around the World: Jan. 25, 2012
Daring Raid — U.S. Special Forces swooped into Somalia on Wednesday, and rescued two hostages, including an American woman, who had been kidnapped by pirates. The New York Times pieces together the details, noting that it …
Human Rights Under Threat: Five Not-So-Usual Suspects
Human Rights Watch this week released its 2012 World Report. The 676-page write-up covers some of the biggest stories of the year, including China’s crackdown on dissent, ongoing attacks on civilians in the Democratic Republic …
A Decision in The Hague Sends Tribal Tremors Through Kenya
With its ruling Monday that Kenya’s deputy prime minister and richest man must stand trial for crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court delivered a body blow to the impunity enjoyed by the elites who all too …
Nigeria’s Rulers Reap Rewards of Corruption with Sudden Descent Into Chaos
The killing of more than 178 people by Islamic militants in a series of attacks on state buildings in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, underlines how one of Africa’s most corrupt nations is reaping the rewards of decades of …
Fatal Failure: Did Aid Agencies Let Up To 100,000 Somalis Die in 2011?
Even the best aid agencies find they can rarely admit their faults. Aid depends on donations, and donors need to feel confidence and trust to hand over money to an aid agency, which means the $126-billion-a-year foreign aid …
Did British Spies Collude in the Rendition and Torture of Libyan Rebels?
On Sept. 15, 2011, as Colonel Muammar Gaddafi scurried from one hideout to another, British Prime Minister David Cameron traveled to Benghazi to congratulate rebel leaders on their victory. Aware that the U.K. had supported their …
French Inquiry Clears Rwanda’s Kagame Of the Attack That Sparked a Genocide
Findings revealed on Tuesday from a new French inquiry into events that preceded the 1994 Rwandan genocide reverse the conclusions of a previous investigation that held Tutsi forces and individuals now part of Rwanda’s …
Q&A with Youssou N’dour: Why the Musician Wants to Be President
Africa’s most famous living singer, Youssou N’Dour, announced Jan. 2 he would run for the presidency of his native Senegal at elections on February 26. He spoke to TIME’s African bureau chief Alex Perry from his hometown, …
Will 2012 Be a Good Year for Elephants?
A new year offers the hope of a fresh start. Few need it more than African elephants. Last year saw a record number of large-scale seizures of illegal ivory—up 200% over 2010—weighing a total of 23 tonnes. That’s 2,500 dead elephants.