26.6.08
25.6.08
Tanzania and Zanzibar
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 " border="0" height="10" width="10"> | Briefing Papers and Publications |
Africa: Bush’s Trip Highlights Flaws in US HIV/AIDS Policy
President George W. Bush’s praise for US efforts against HIV/AIDS in Africa should not obscure how his administration’s policies continue to undermine HIV prevention on the continent and globally, Human Rights Watch said today.
February 14, 2008 Press Release
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Leading Human Rights Groups Name 39 CIA ‘Disappeared’ Detainees
Three Groups File Lawsuit Seeking Information about ‘Ghost’ Detention
In the most comprehensive accounting to date, six leading human rights organizations today published the names and details of 39 people who are believed to have been held in secret US custody and whose current whereabouts remain unknown. The briefing paper also names relatives of suspects who were themselves detained in secret prisons, including children as young as seven.
June 7, 2007 Press Release
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Off the Record
U.S. Responsibility for Enforced Disappearances in the “War on Terror”
This 21-page briefing paper, published by six leading human rights organizations, includes the names and details of 39 people who are believed to have been held in secret US custody abroad and whose current whereabouts remain unknown. The briefing paper also names relatives of suspects who were themselves arrested and detained, including children as young as seven. The list of missing people includes nationals from countries including Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan and Spain. They are believed to have been arrested in countries including Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan, and transferred to secret US prisons operated by the CIA.
June 7, 2007 Background Briefing
Somalia: Radio Stations Shut Despite Contact Group Meeting
Transitional Somali Government Must Respect Freedom of Expression
The transitional Somali government’s decision to close three leading radio stations in Mogadishu is a serious blow to freedom of expression and the right to impart and receive information in Somalia, Human Rights Watch said today.
June 7, 2007 Press Release
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Human Rights Watch Letter to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania
We write to voice concern over the expulsion of persons of Rwandan and Burundian origin from Tanzania in recent months. According to testimony received by Human Rights Watch researchers, some expelled persons were threatened, beaten, and saw their property looted by Tanzanian officials, soldiers, and police officers or by militia groups acting with the apparent compliance of government officials. The expelled persons—including some who were recognized as refugees and others who were naturalized Tanzanian citizens—were driven from their homes without any semblance of legal procedure.
May 7, 2007 Letter
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Tanzania: Expulsions Put Vulnerable People at Risk
Tanzania should immediately suspend its program to expel people of Rwandan and Burundian origin from Tanzania, and end the abuses that its security forces are committing against these people, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
May 7, 2007 Press Release
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Tanzania: Zanzibar Election Massacres Documented
Tanzanian security forces committed gross abuses, killing at least thirty-five people and wounding more than 600 others, when they ruthlessly suppressed opposition demonstrations in Zanzibar more than one year ago, Human Rights Watch charged in a new report released today. Human Rights Watch said that none of those responsible for the abuses at the end of January 2001, including shootings of demonstrators, beatings and sexual abuse, had yet been held to account.
April 10, 2002 Press Release
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"THE BULLETS WERE RAINING"
The January 2001 Attack on Peaceful Demonstrators in Zanzibar
In a welcome step, in January 2002, Tanzania's President Benjamin Mkapa announced the creation of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate human rights violations committed by Tanzanian security forces in Zanzibar a year before. In January 2001, the government security forces violently suppressed political demonstrations in Zanzibar that had been called to protest irregularities in the national elections of October 2000. Security forces-primarily the police, aided by the coastguard and the army-opened fire and assaulted thousands of unarmed demonstrators and others. In the following days, the security forces, joined by ruling party officials and militia, went on a rampage, indiscriminately arresting, beating, and sexually abusing island residents. Human Rights Watch estimates that at least thirty-five people were killed, and over 600 injured. Some two thousand Zanzibaris fled to nearby Kenya. The January 2001 abuses were the most egregious event to date in a pattern of repression by the Tanzanian national authorities, including the local Zanzibar government, against legitimate political opposition on the semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar. The United Republic of Tanzania was formed in 1964 as a union between mainland Tanganyika and the Indian Ocean islands of Unguja and Pemba, which together comprise Zanzibar. Longstanding political tensions have become more overtly exacerbated since Tanzania underwent a transition to multi-party politics in 1992. Following widespread, internationally condemned election fraud in Zanzibar during the October 2000 national elections, Tanzania's major opposition party, the Civic United Front (CUF), called for countrywide protests to take place on January 27, 2001. The CUF also demanded constitutional reform. Broadly supported by other opposition parties, these protests-the largest in the nation's history-were generally peaceful, although there were several incidents of police harassment.
April 10, 2002 Report
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“Risasi Zilinyesha Kama Mvua” - Mashambulizi Dhidi ya Maandamano ya Amani
. Mwezi wa Januari mwaka 2001 vikosi vya usalama vya serikali ya Tanzania vikiongozwa na jeshi la polisi viliyakandamiza na kuyavunja maandamano ya kisiasa yaliyoitishwa huko Zanzibar kupinga matokeo ya Uchaguzi Mkuu wa mwaka 2000. Vikosi vya usalama vya serikali na hasa jeshi la polisi wakisaidiwa na askari wa Kikosi Maalum cha Kuzuia Magendo (KMKM) na askari wa usalama wa taifa na pia wakiungwa mkono na wanamgambo wa chama tawala cha CCM, kwa nguvu zilizopita mipaka, waliwakamata, kuwapiga na kuwanajisi wakaazi wa visiwa vya Zanzibar. Human Rights Watch (HRW) inakisia kwamba, kwa uchache, watu thelathini na watano waliuwawa na wengine wapatao mia sita kujeruhiwa. Wazanzibari wengine elfu mbili (2,000) walikimbilia nchi jirani ya Kenya.
April 10, 2002 Campaign Document
Tanzania: Child Soldiers Global Report 2001
From the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers
There are indications of under-18s in government armed forces as the minimum voluntary recruitment age is 15.
June 12, 2001 Multi Country Report
Zanzibar: Violence Condemned
Tanzanian Security on the Rampage
The Tanzanian police and army are using unrestrained force to shoot, injure, and kill people on Pemba and Zanzibar islands.
January 31, 2001 Press Release
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Seeking Protection
Addressing Sexual and Domestic Violence inTanzania's Refugee Camps
Burundian refugee women confront daily violence in Tanzanian refugee camps, Human Rights Watch charges in a new report released today. Wide-spread sexual and domestic abuse have left many of these women physically battered, psychologically traumatized, and fearful for their lives
HRW Index No.: 2483
October 1, 2000 Report
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Tanzania: Violence against Women Refugees
Report Documents UNHCR Failures
Burundian refugee women confront daily violence in Tanzanian refugee camps, Human Rights Watch charges in a new report, "Seeking Protection: Addressing Sexual and Domestic Violence in Tanzania's Refugee Camps."
September 26, 2000 Press Release
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TANZANIA: Landmine Monitor Report 2000
Key developments since March 1999: On 17 July 2000 the National Assembly passed a bill to ratify the Mine Ban Treaty. Among the tens of thousands of refugees arriving in Tanzania are an increasing number of mine victims.
August 1, 2000 Multi Country Report
Refugees in Tanzania Confined Unfairly
"Security" Cited to Justify Human Rights Abuse
A new report In the Name of Security: Forced Round-Ups of Refugees in Tanzania Human Rights Watch charges that the Tanzanian army separated the refugees from their families and stripped them of their belongings in an indiscriminate response to security risks from outside the country.
July 7, 1999 Press Release
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Tanzania -- In the Name of Security: Forced Round-Ups of Refugees in Tanzania
Tens of thousands of refugees, some of whom have lived in Tanzania for more than two decades, have been rounded up by the Tanzanian army and confined to camps for the past year in the western part of the country, Human Rights Watch charges in this report.
HRW Index No.: A1104
July 1, 1999 Report
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Letter to Julius Nyerere Urging Arms Embargo on Burundi
Human Rights Watch has been actively engaged with the situation in Burundi, having monitored both human rights developments and arms flows to parties to the tragic civil war in that country in the past two years. On the basis of our research, and continuing investigations in the region, we have called repeatedly on the United Nations Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Burundi (all sides)— in keeping with our policy of advocating curbs on the flow of weapons to forces, be they governments or non-state actors, that commit gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
January 22, 1999 Letter
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24.6.08
Nice...
Offshore Windfarm in Delaware Finds Buyer for Clean Electricity
by Matthew McDermott, Brooklyn, NY on 06.24.08
Bluewater Wind announced today that Delmarva Power has agreed to a 25 year contract to purchase up to 200 MW of electricity from Bluewater’s planned windfarm 13 miles off the coast of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The project, which is in the initial planning stages, has yet to establish a final capacity, but it is currently expected to be in the 600 MW range. Bluewater estimates that the project will cost $1.6 billion and be able to power 110,000 homes. Under Delaware law, by 2019 Delmarva must show that 20% of its electrical supply comes from renewable sources.
Map of the proposed windfarm site. On Bluewater's website all those red dots link to computerized visualizations of the view from the shore.
"A new era of power generation"
Peter Mandelstam, founder and president of Bluewater Wind was understandably enthusiastic about the news. “By signing this first-ever formal contract in the United States for the sale of pollution-free, stable-priced energy generated from our offshore wind farm, Bluewater Wind and Delmarva Power will usher in new era of power generation that benefits from utility-scale power plants located far from our shores.
I don’t know if wind turbines 13 miles from the beach really qualifies as “far from our shores”, but compared to offshore wind developments in Europe the US lags behind so Mandelstam’s enthusiasm is definitely warranted.
Bluewater is currently investigating offshore wind projects in New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
Offshore Wind Power
Delaware Debates Huge Offshore Wind Park
Norwegian Wind Power Could Become Europe’s Battery
New Report: Offshore Wind Could Power Entire U.S.
23.6.08
Raise Money for Green Charities Every Time You Search the Web, Use IM, or Send an Email
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| If you're concerned about preserving the planet but don't have the time or cash to donate to charities dedicated to the cause, there's still a way you can help—and you can do it right from your computer. You can raise money for these and other worthwhile charities just by searching the Web, using IM, or sending an email.
As you might be aware, some Web sites donate to charities some or all of the money they receive from the search engine they host. Recently, more sites have started including charities devoted to preserving the environment. For example, the newly released, free Flock Eco-Edition browser will be giving 10 percent of its proceeds from searches to environmental causes, which will be chosen by users each year. Flock Eco-Edition is a greened-up version of Flock. In case you're not familiar with Flock, it's a free Web browser designed to deliver a more personal Web experience by aggregating content from social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Blogger. Similarly, Flock Eco-Edition aggregates content from environmental sites as Treehugger, Planetgreen, and Environmental News Network (ENN). Its built-in search engine is powered by Yahoo.
If you're in the **United Kingdom, you might want to use the Mirago search engine in The Environment Site.org. This Web site donates 100 percent of search proceeds to the Surrey Wildlife Trust. (**Always check credibility, and allocation of funds)
The GoodSearch Web site, which uses a Yahoo search engine, donates 50 percent of revenue generated from searches, which is about a penny a search, to the charity of your choice. The charity needs to be a registered nonprofit organization, which includes many green charities such as the Sierra Club or Greenpeace. Currently, GoodSearch has more than 61,000 verified charities in its database, and you can easily request that a charity be added. Although a penny a search might not sound like much, the pennies add up. For example, GoodSearch helped raise more than $15,000 for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The GoodSearch site also has a new program called GoodShop in which more than 560 retailers are participating. If you make an online purchase at any of the participating stores, a donation is made to the charity of your choice. Typically, it's a percentage of the purchase price. The participating stores include Adobe Systems, Amazon.com, Apple, Dell, HP, McAfee, Microsoft, OfficeMax, PC Connection, Symantec, and TigerDirect.
If you often send IM or email messages, you can raise money for charities by participating in Microsoft's i’m Initiative. Every time you use Windows Live Messenger (a free IM service) or Windows Live Hotmail (a free Web mail service), Microsoft shares a portion of its advertising revenue. You can choose from 10 organizations, including the Sierra Club, StopGlobalWarming.org, and the Humane Society of the United States. Microsoft doesn't say the percentage it donates, but it has donated more than $1.5 million since the initiative was first launched in March 2007.
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19.6.08
Do you really Know John McCain?
To Read this article on line click here: http://www.restoretherepublic.com/content/view/1105/71/
WHY YOU NEED TO MEET THE REAL JOHN McCAIN PDF Print E-mail
Written by Gary Franchi
Thursday, 01 May 2008
(A message from Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt, Sr. Policy Advisor, U.S. Dept. of Education during the Reagan Administration)
As a delegate to our state convention this coming weekend we have a solemn obligation to know the truth about the man who has been anointed the “presumptive nominee” of our party. Our job is not to be a rubber stamp for anyone else’s agenda, no matter how “nobly” the cause is presented. The Republican establishment in Maine is counting on us not having the documented information on this sheet. It is counting on our willingness to be told what to think in the same way that the mainstream media has been telling us what to think throughout this entire election cycle. We are expected to suspend any other concerns we may have in the name of “party unity.”
The truth is that a patriot who loves his country makes it an ultimate priority to be well-educated about the decisions he or she must make. Unless we have come to understand how dominated by the leftist military-industrial complex America’s major media has become, and done some research, we are not prepared to do our duty at the convention.
This letter, supported by many delegates to the Republican Convention, is literally about saving the party and the nation from a maniacal neoconservative war monger, who supports a United States presence in Iraq for 100 years, and who is not really even a Republican!
“War hero” image is a media creation not supported by the facts
McCain graduated 894th of the 899 cadets in his class at the Naval Academy. Google it. Why would we want someone who was a failure and took his responsibilities so flippantly as our commander-in-chief?
* McCain was an irresponsible pilot who crashed 6 planes, and started a major fire on an aircraft carrier through negligent action. Why would we want someone this reckless in the most-important office on the planet?
* McCain collaborated with the enemy, was given “soft” treatment because his father was an admiral, and is known as “Songbird McCain” by those who were imprisoned with him. (http://vietnamveteransagainstmccain.com) He is the MIA/POW family’s worst enemy for his constant attempts to belittle their concerns and stifle their inquiries while serving in the Senate.
McCain ditched his ill wife to marry an heiress when he returned from Vietnam
Is this the type of morality we Republicans condone? Is this type of heinous lack of loyalty we want in a President? He also has a track record of shocking verbal abuse, including screaming profanities against his Senate Republican colleagues. Senator Thad Cochran, MS, says “The thought of his being President sends a cold chill down my spine.” Other Senators relate times when McCain screamed four-letter obscenities right in their faces in the Senate cloak room, like Dick Shelby, Rick Santorum or Jim Imhofe. “The man is unhinged,” one senator said. “He is frighteningly unfit to be commander-in-chief.”
The truth is, John McCain is not even a Republican. He is a phony stalking horse who is a liberal in disguise. He not only can’t win this fall because he is so out of step with the majority of Americans and with the principled stands of Republicanism, but if we support this person for our nominee, he will likely destroy our party. Consider:
* He was intimately involved in the “Keating 5” Savings & Loan scandal.
* He has been endorsed by the liberal/leftist New York Times.
* He is a big advocate of the extreme “green” global warming scare, and the economically horrific “solutions” being proposed by people like Al Gore.
* He has promoted illegal amnesty for millions of illegal aliens.
* His McCain-Feingold Bill has destroyed much of the rights of people to take part in the political process the way they see fit. This bill remains un-Constitutional and a major affront to the First Amendment protections on the right of free speech.
* He is a big-time gun grabber who is an extreme advocate of restrictions on 2nd Amendment rights.
* He opposes repeal of Roe v. Wade, and opposes a Constitutional amendment to protect all life.
* He is no fiscal conservative, and he supports raising taxes on Social Security benefits.
* He continues his aggressive support for the Iraq War, which costs the U.S. taxpayer $12 billion a month, even though only 34% of Americans support the war. (According to Paul Craig Roberts, Asst. Secretary of the Treasury in the Reagan Administration, and vocal opponent of the Iraq War: 4,538 Americans have died in the war, 29,780 have been wounded, 300,000 soldiers are suffering from major depression, and 320,000 received brain injuries, all as a result of this unconstitutional and immoral war.)
We will hear much about “unity” at the Maine State Convention. However, it is very important that we understand that to unify behind this man is tantamount to nominating a Democrat. We can vote our consciences or abstain from voting.
John McCain did poorly in our Maine caucuses. By most estimates he got fewer than 20% of the delegates to the State Convention coming out of our caucuses and was soundly trounced by both Romney and Texas Congressman Ron Paul. McCain did not win a single county in the straw poll, with 15 counties going to Romney and one (Aroostook) going to Dr. Paul. McCain has little support nationally…there are never huge rallies for McCain, unless people are paid to show up. In short, he is a media creation and the darling of the Trotskyite neoconservative warmongers who have hijacked our party. He does not support our own platform!
Former Romney supporters who receive this info sheet DO NOT have to follow the “uncalled for” advice of the Massachusetts governor that you go over the cliff with support for this unstable man.
DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF OR YOUR VOTE TO BE PROSTITUTED IN THE NAME OF PARTY UNITY. PUT YOUR COUNTRY FIRST!
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for being such an important part of our representative form of government -- the envy of the world!
Paid for by independent-minded Republicans and delegates to the Maine State Convention
9.6.08
Hello???
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| But, I'll voice my opinion- since it would be grossly out of character not to do so. So as not to slam entirely, let me say, I can appreciate her desire to marry and have a family; HOWEVER: She will never be the best womens golf player in my book. I discovered this occasion was actually coming to fruition after the 3rd round at the McDonalds Championship at Bulle Rock. I happened across her web page; Forgive me, please forgive me- but could we check the ego elsewhere?? I know for me, it is my own personal feelings about those who have gained status, and kept it in perspective. I've wined and dined with others more FAR famous, but who possessed the the impressive je ne sais quoi of HUMILITY. Can you say humility? Her rookie year was 1994. I've been following the LPGA longer then that. In comparison, if I may compare two very different activities- yet both require skill and are passions of mine. Golf and Surfing- (not at current with a personal physical disability since 2004) My point in using surfing as an analogy (its one of my favorites- because life is like riding a wave) is in my HUMBLE opinion- she got on the board, and took the majestic sea by storm, then others came along and did the same, with poise and youth. Golf is a life long activity, and I feel she created a legend in her own mind that can not tolerate defeat, so she moved on. I'm not impressed. I've watched many women face the trials and tribulations of golf, and the very unpredictable nature of the elements- and being human that affect the game. I am far more impressed by those who stayed on board and struggled, learned from their mistakes maintained humility and stayed in the game. Undoubtedly, I am sure that the whirlwind life style is not congruent with long term relationships- for some- probably not all. That is a huge sacrifice, and I am sure very difficult- hence, as I started out with, I can appreciate her desire to settle down. There are so many new young golfers on the tour- and they put on a stellar performance at Bulle Rock. I've been following a player, Sherri Steinhauer for a long time- almost the beginning of her career. She impresses me as a real person, and she has hung in there facing her share of adversity, and ended Sunday 2 under par. I was thrilled for her. I have the utmost respect for her watching her play. Moving forward, [as the country faces economic havoc] I am sure the tour will change a bit. Alone, it should be considered a MAJOR SPORT. It would be nice to see the tour branch out globally a little more, since it has become a very international group of women. As for why I wrote this particular blog today, the 'wanna be' one named Annika (when I google the name, I get more then " " Sorensen)- Yes, she played a good game and quit when she was ahead. Its not poker, black jack or roulette- we are talking Golf. Upon review of her web page, well... cya. I hope you can get your ego out the door. If I am wrong- I apologize in advance, but my gut says different. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sweden's Annika Sorenstam, who has dominated women's golf for a decade, said on Tuesday she would quit competition at the end of this year. Sorenstam, who has 72 LPGA Tour victories and 10 major titles, made her announcement at a news conference before this week's Sybase Classic in Clifton, New Jersey. "I am very proud of what I have accomplished as a professional golfer and while I will no longer be playing competitively, I will continue to be very involved and engaged in the game of golf," Sorenstam said. The 37-year-old Swede earned a record eight Player of the Year awards on the LPGA Tour after starting on the circuit in 1994 and won six Vare trophies for lowest scoring average. Sorenstam was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003. Her announcement comes after a seven-shot victory on Sunday in the Michelob Ultra Open in which she beat world number one Lorena Ochoa among other rivals to ease some of the frustration of a winless 2007 season marred by back and neck injuries. "The reason for this decision is that I have other priorities in my life," she said. "I have a lot of dreams that I want to follow, I want to live and I'm getting married in January. "(Fiance) Mike (McGee) and I want to start a family." Sorenstam said it was important for her to regain her form and not be forced into retirement due to injury. Her win at Kingsmill was her third of the season in eight events played. "I wanted to leave on my terms when it felt right. I didn't want an injury to take me away from this game. Now I feel at peace." Sorenstam was a model of consistency during her reign at the top of the women's game, using a dedication to fitness to maintain a competitive edge. She feels the women's game is in very good health. "I am also very proud of women's golf and the state it's in today," she said. "I think the last 15 years, I've seen a tremendous change and it's really grown to an amazing place. "I'm just very, very happy to have been a part of it and had a chance to follow my dream." Sorenstam said she would continue to pursue her business interests, including her golf academy in Florida [Images], charitable foundation and golf course design projects. She said she planned to complete her full schedule this season, playing some 17 more events concluding with the Dubai Ladies Masters. "I am going to focus on my game the next seven months. I'm a huge competitor and right now I'm second on the Money List, and people that know me, know I don't settle for second," she said. |
6.6.08
Some Interesting Facts About Sub Saharan Africa
Source: Africa Development Indicators (ADI) 2007
- More than 35% of Africans live in sustained-growth economies that have grown at more than 4% a year for ten years.
- In 1975-2005 the GDP per capita growth (PPP) was 0.70%; in 1995-2005 it was 1.88%.
- During accelerated growth periods the region grew 3.6% a year (per capita PPP), but shrank –2.7% during periods of growth collapses.
- In 1975-2005, the probability of observing growth acceleration and deceleration were 0.25 and 0.22, respectively. In 1995-2005, these probabilities were 0.42 and 0.12.
- Exports rose from $182 billion in 2004 to $230 billion in 2005, a 26% rise.
- Crude oil comprises more than half of total Africa’s exports.
- In two thirds of SSA countries, one or two products are responsible for at least 60% of the country’s total exports.
- On average, the merchandise export within trade blocs is 6% of total bloc exports.
- Growth volatility is five times higher in SSA than that observed in low and middle income countries, as given by the coefficient of variation of GDP per capita growth.
- In 2005 the richest 10% of African countries had 18.5 times the GDP per capita of the poorest 10%, from 10.5 times in 1975.
- In 2005, 60.5% of total net foreign direct investments in SSA went to oil exporter countries.
- South Africa’s and Nigeria’s GDP comprise 54% of total SSA’s GDP.
- South Africa has SSA’s largest real GDP ($160.8 billion); the smallest is Guinea Bissau ($213 million).
- The Seychelles have SSA’s highest GNI per capita ($6,666); Burundi has the lowest ($105).
- In Guinea-Bissau, the agriculture value-added as percentage of GDP is 59.2%; in Botswana it is 1.8%.
- The largest population in SSA is 131.5 million ( Nigeria); the smallest is Seychelles (0.1 million).
- It takes 14 days to start a business in the Central African Republic, and 233 days in Guinea Bissau. (IDA10).
- In the 2006/7 Doing Business Indicators, Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana were ranked among the top third best countries to do business, but the average rank of African countries was 136 among 178 countries.
- Access to finance, infrastructure, institutions, and skills are the constraints most often reported as “major” or “very severe” by entrepreneurs.
- It takes 7% of GNI per capita to start a business in South Africa and 1195 per cent in Sierra Leone. (IDA 9)
- The average CPIA score in 2006 was 3.2, from 2.8 in 1996, and 27 of 36 countries evaluated in both years improved their scores.
- The best CPIA ratings in 2006 were in macroeconomic management and trade policy.
- Congo Republic receives the highest net ODA per capita ($362.3); Cote d’Ivoire receives the lowest ($6.6).
- South Africa uses the most electric power per person (4,884.8kW/h); Ethiopia uses the least (32.7 kW/h).
- Burundi has the highest proportion of women in its labor force (90.5% 2005); Sudan has the lowest (22.5%).
- Niger has the highest proportion of men in its labor force (95.1%); Namibia has the lowest (62.7%).
- In South Africa, the poorest 20 per cent have 3.5% of national consumption; in Ethiopia they have 9.1%. (MDG 1).
- Thirty three percent of children who start first grade reaches grade five in Chad; in Mauritius 97% reach fifth grade. (MDG 2).
- The lowest net primary enrolment ratio is found in Djibouti (33.3%); the highest is in Sao Tome and Principe (96.7 per cent). (MDG 2).
- In Swaziland more than one in every three 15-49 year olds has contracted HIV (33.4%); the rate is six in every thousand in Mauritania.
- Mauritius has the highest life expectancy (73 years); Botswana has the lowest (35 years).
- In the last decade Rwanda and Uganda have made the greatest gains in live expectancy: 12 and 7 years respectively. Conversely, life expectancy has decreased 21 years in Botswana, 17 years in Lesotho, and 16 years in Swaziland.
- The Seychelles have the highest adult literacy rate (92%); Mali and Burkina Faso have the lowest (24%).
- In Seychelles 92% of women are literate; the figure is 13% for Chad and 15% for Niger.
- In Mauritius there are 22 children per primary school teacher; there are 72 in Ethiopia.
- Mauritania has the highest gross enrolment rate in secondary education (88%); Namibia has the lowest (7%).
- In Sierra Leone two women die for every 100 live births; in Mauritius 24 die per 100,000 live births. (MDG 5)
- In Burundi, 56.8% of children under the age of 5 are short for their age; in Gambia it is 19.2%.
- In South Africa, 2.5% of population are below the minimum dietary energy consumption; in Eritrea, 75% are below.
- Nearly one child in two under the age of five is underweight in Burundi (45.1%); in Swaziland it is one in 10. (MDG 4)
- In Ethiopia, 22% of the population has access to a safe source of water. In Mauritius, it is 100%. (MDG 7)
- South Africa has 724.3 mobile phones per 1000 people; Ethiopia has the least with 5.8 per 1000 people.
- In Chad, 9% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities; in Mauritius 94% have such access.
- In Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Niger 2 persons out of a thousand are Internet users; there are 249 in every thousand people in Seychelles, which also has 189 computers per 1000 people. (MDG 8).
- In 2004 the poverty headcount ratio at $1 a day was 41% of population from 47% in 1990.
- In South Africa 10.7% of the people live under $1 per day (PPP); 70.8% do so in Nigeria. (MDG 1, IDA 1)
- In Sierra Leone 165 out of 1,000 children die before the age of one; in Seychelles the rate is 12 per 1,000. (MDG 4)
- In Sierra Leone 282 children per 1,000 die before the age of five; in Seychelles, the rate is 13 per 1,000. (MDG 4, IDA 2)
- Skilled personnel attend 5.7% of births in Ethiopia; they attend 99.2% of births in Mauritius. (MDG 5, IDA 4)
30.5.08
Rare uncontacted Amazon tribe photographed
Images show Indians painted bright red, brandishing bows and arrows.
 | Two Indian men covered in bright red pigment are poised to fire arrows at an aircraft while another Indian looks on. This does not look like a welcome party. ;) |
Gleison Miranda / FUNAI |
By Stuart Grudgings
RIO DE JANEIRO - Amazon Indians from one of the world's last uncontacted tribes have been photographed from the air, with striking images released on Thursday showing them painted bright red and brandishing bows and arrows.
The photographs of the tribe near the border between Brazil and Peru are rare evidence that such groups exist. A Brazilian official involved in the expedition said many of them are in increasing danger from illegal logging.
"What is happening in this region is a monumental crime against the natural world, the tribes, the fauna and is further testimony to the complete irrationality with which we, the 'civilized' ones, treat the world," Jose Carlos Meirelles was quoted as saying in a statement by the Survival International group.
One of the pictures, which can be seen on Survival International's Web site (www.survival-international.org), shows two Indian men covered in bright red pigment poised to fire arrows at the aircraft while another Indian looks on.
Another photo shows about 15 Indians near thatched huts, some of them also preparing to fire arrows at the aircraft.
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"The world needs to wake up to this, and ensure that their territory is protected in accordance with international law.
Otherwise, they will soon be made extinct," said Stephen Corry, the director of Survival International, which supports tribal people around the world.
Of more than 100 uncontacted tribes worldwide, more than half live in either Brazil or Peru, Survival International says.
It says all are in grave danger of being forced off their land, killed and ravaged by new diseases.
Well said.(Untouched civilizations fascinate me. I envy their freedom from everyday society.
I have spent time in a tribal setting, I understand the many hardships and sacrifice, however
the simple way of life and sincere hard work is very appealing- not to mention honorable.
I appreciate that they clearly do not wish to be disturbed- since there is a certain sanctity in tribal life that is not found anywhere else.
Naturally if anyone could ruin this, it would be White Anglo Saxon types who live off greed, caring little for who they disrupt or destroy if there is something they want, or a commodity to be found.
That is how america came to be- greed and blood, and I believe that is how america will end- as a direct result of white mans actions.
10.5.08
Seeds of (Mass) Destruction
The Clintons have never understood how to exit the stage gracefully.
Their repertoire has always been deficient in grace and class. (Not hard to miss that- but NOOO)
So there was Hillary Clinton cold-bloodedly asserting to USA Today that she was the candidate favored by “hard-working Americans, white Americans,” and that her opponent, Barack Obama, the black candidate, just can’t cut it with that crowd.
“There’s a pattern emerging here,” said Mrs. Clinton.
There is, indeed. There was a name for it when the Republicans were using that kind of lousy rhetoric to good effect: it was called the Southern strategy, although it was hardly limited to the South. Now the Clintons, in their desperation to find some way — any way — back to the White House, have leapt aboard that sorry train.
He can’t win! Don’t you understand? He’s black! He’s black! [The very attitude that makes me loath this country-kmw]
The Clintons have been trying to embed that gruesomely destructive message in the brains of white voters and superdelegates for the longest time. It’s a grotesque insult to African-Americans, who have given so much support to both Bill and Hillary over the years. That is an UNDERSTATEMENT
(Representative Charles Rangel of New York, who is black and has been an absolutely unwavering supporter of Senator Clinton’s White House quest, told The Daily News: “I can’t believe Senator Clinton would say anything that dumb.”)
But it’s an insult to white voters as well, including white working-class voters. It’s true that there are some whites who will not vote for a black candidate under any circumstance. But the United States is in a much better place now than it was when people like Richard Nixon, George Wallace and many others could make political hay by appealing to the very worst in people, using the kind of poisonous rhetoric that Senator Clinton is using now.
If I ever had any respect for her, [which I don't]- I am now stuck between pity for her ignorance and contempt for any attempt to imply race is an issue- in any subtle or non-subtle way
I have ZERO tolerance for racism.
I don’t know if Senator Obama can win the White House. No one knows. But to deliberately convey the idea that most white people — or most working-class white people — are unwilling to give an African-American candidate a fair hearing in a presidential election is a slur against whites.
The last time the Clintons had to make a big exit was at the end of Bill Clinton’s second term as president — and they made a complete and utter hash of that historic moment. Having survived the Monica Lewinsky ordeal, you might have thought the Clintons would be on their best behavior.
Instead, a huge scandal erupted when it became known that Mrs. Clinton’s brothers, Tony and Hugh Rodham, had lobbied the president on behalf of criminals who then received presidential pardons or a sentence commutation from Mr. Clinton.
Tony Rodham helped get a pardon for a Tennessee couple that had hired him as a consultant and paid or loaned him hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over the protests of the Justice Department, President Clinton pardoned the couple, Edgar Allen Gregory Jr. and his wife, Vonna Jo, who had been convicted of bank fraud in Alabama.
Hugh Rodham was paid $400,000 to lobby for a pardon of Almon Glenn Braswell, who had been convicted of mail fraud and perjury, and for the release from prison of Carlos Vignali, a drug trafficker who was convicted and imprisoned for conspiring to sell 800 pounds of cocaine. Sure enough, in his last hours in office (when he issued a blizzard of pardons, many of them controversial), President Clinton agreed to the pardon for Braswell and the sentence commutation for Vignali.
Hugh Rodham reportedly returned the money after the scandal became public and was an enormous political liability for the Clintons.
Both Clintons professed to be ignorant of anything improper or untoward regarding the pardons. Once, when asked specifically if she had talked with a deputy White House counsel about pardons, Mrs. Clinton said: “People would hand me envelopes. I would just pass them on. You know, I would not have any reason to look into them.”
It wasn’t just the pardons that sullied the Clintons’ exit from the White House. They took furniture and rugs from the White House collection that had to be returned. And they received $86,000 in gifts during the president’s last year in office, including clothing (a pantsuit, a leather jacket), flatware, carpeting, and so on. In response to the outcry over that, they decided to repay the value of the gifts.
So class is not a Clinton forte. (really now...its obvious to me)
But it’s one thing to lack class and a sense of grace, quite another to deliberately try and wreck the presidential prospects of your party’s likely nominee — and to do it in a way that has the potential to undermine the substantial racial progress that has been made in this country over many years.
The Clintons should be ashamed of themselves. But they long ago proved to the world that they have no shame.
23.4.08
The Huffington Post- PA Primary
by
Robert Creamer:
Read more reactions from Huffington Post bloggers to the Pennsylvania Primary results:
The Pennsylvania Primary was Hillary Clinton's last chance to deliver a game changing blow to Obama's campaign for the nomination. She failed to deliver.
Pennsylvania provided her with her final real opportunity to knock the wheels off the Obama campaign. She needed a crushing victory of 18% to 25% to have any real chance of altering the math or the psychology. Demographically, Pennsylvania was made for Hillary: the second oldest state in the nation, heavily blue collar, Catholic and rural -- Hillary's voter profile.
She started with a lead of almost 20 points. But her final margin -- which the Pennsylvania Secretary of State says was only 9.2% -- fell far short of what was needed to stop Obama's nomination. Here's why:
1). Pledged Delegates.
- By CNN's count, Clinton netted about 14 pledged delegates in Pennsylvania. That still leaves Obama up by 151 pledged delegates. It is likely that after Guam, Indiana and North Carolina, there will be no net change in pledged delegates, even if Clinton wins Indiana, since Obama will certainly pick up delegates in North Carolina. But at that point only 251 pledged delegates will remain to be chosen.
Even if she got 80% of all of the pledged delegates that remain after Indiana, she would still trail Obama at the end of the day.
The battle for the pledged delegate advantage is over.
2). Popular Vote.
- Pennsylvania was her best opportunity to really close in on Obama's popular vote lead. She picked up about 216,000 net votes. But that still leaves her over 600,000 votes behind, and Obama will likely increase his popular vote margin further after the contests on May 6th. Her failure to blow Obama out in Pennsylvania makes it almost impossible for her to close the popular vote gap.
3). Electability.
- Clinton's entire strategy rests on the premise that she can convince Super Delegates that Obama is unelectable. Only a massive win in Pennsylvania would have credibly made that case. Clinton's victory did little to enhance her argument.
- Regardless of the passions of the moment, history shows us that just because voters prefer one candidate in the primary, it doesn't mean they won't vote for her Democratic opponent in a general election when the choice is a Republican. When all is said and done, primary voters almost always vote for the candidate of their party in a general election - regardless of what they might say (on either side) in the middle of a primary fight.
- In fact, the people who decide general elections rarely set foot in primary voting booths. They are the independent voters who vote only in general elections and unengaged voters who are would vote Democratic, but have to be mobilized to go to the polls.
- The fact is that to whatever degree Hillary might have more appeal among independent rural and blue collar voters, Obama more than makes up in additional appeal to independent suburban voters. Obama's ability to mobilize new young and African American voters in the general election is indisputably greater than Clinton's.
- And of course, Obama will not go into the General Election burdened by the towering Clinton negatives that her own negative campaign strategy increases daily.
- The polls, and even Pennsylvania Governor and Clinton supporter Ed Rendell, make it clear that Obama can win Pennsylvania in the general election. But Obama can also broaden the playing field with a shot at winning states like Colorado and Virginia.
4). Super Delegates.
- Finally is a fact that is generally overlooked by pundits. At the close of the primaries, Obama will not need a stampede of Super Delegates to clinch the nomination. In fact he will only need about 40% of those that remain today.
- Let's make the most conservative assumptions about the outcome of the remaining races: Guam, even; North Carolina, 58%-42% Obama; Indiana, 54%-46% Clinton; Kentucky, 60%-40% Clinton; West Virginia, 60%-40% Clinton; Oregon, 56%-44% Obama, Montana 56%-44% Obama; Puerto Rico, 60%-40% Clinton. That would leave Obama at 1,846 delegates at the close of the Primaries.
- He would need only 41% of the Super Delegates remaining today to clinch the nomination with 2,025. And let's remember, he has picked up almost one Super Delegate a day for the last month. There is no reason to believe he won't keep picking up Super Delegates as the contest continues. So by the end of the primaries he will need an even lower percentage of the Super Delegates that remain.
All that remains for Clinton are more opportunities for her own campaign to be shut down.
If she loses Indiana and North Carolina it will be extremely hard for her to continue.
But there is no longer any opportunity for her to defeat Obama.
Clinton's may have won last night, but she failed to do what she needed to do to derail Obama's march to the nomination.
In retrospect, Pennsylvania will appear as Clinton's Waterloo.
Posted April 23, 2008 | 09:42 AM (EST)