IS THERE ANY WAY OUT OF AFRICA’S WARS?

In his 1992 book entitled The End of History and the Last Men, Francis Fukuyama  made the bold claim that with the proliferation of liberal democracy, wars between nations would decline. Indeed, we are witnessing a sharp decline in inter-state wars in the world today. A result of the proliferation of democracy?–Who knows.

In any case, the decline in inter-state wars has been welcomed in the world as a sign of hope. Unfortunately, however, this hope is quickly compromised by the emergence of several new wars. Read more from News24

THE WEST IN SYRIA: THE MAKING OF DAR AL-HARB AND DAR AS- SALAM

The Western World’s continual use of military actions is dividing the world into two camps: The Dar Al-Harb (land of war) and the Dar As-Salam (land of peace). The Dar Al-Harb represents those countries that are often used for instrumental purposes to achieved particular aims, often Western powers’ aims. In contrast, the Dar As-Salam represents those countries that, whether true or not, are believed to benefit from the continual use of military actions. Another conspiracy theory?–Not this time. Just read to find out. Read more from News24

Egypt: Should the Islamists still believe in democracy?

The political crisis in Egypt has entered a new phase—a full- blown conflagration with heavy human and material losses. With now more than 700 deaths—still rolling, and thousands of people injured, some of whom are in critical condition, the reactions of the international community, long delayed, have been rushing in.

These reactions that range from condemnations to sanctions are mostly disabling, not enabling for Egypt. Read full article on News24

African conflicts: Why a change is needed in African forces?

On July 29, 2013 a video that depicted a group of supposedly Congo Brazzaville presidential guards stripping naked a group of refugee women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo went viral on social media networks. Despite the gravity of the deed, there was no appropriate response from the country’s authorities.

The only audible but fledgling voice that was raised to condemn this heinous act was that of the president’s wife. This situation, emblematic of a culture of brutality developed by uniformed men in many African countries in the last few decades, requires attention and action. Read full article on News24

Egypt: Botched revolution and Washington indecision

Egypt might be experiencing one of its worst crises in history. Since the ousting of president Mohamed Mursi on July 3, 2013, the security situation has been fast deteriorating as violent clashes are increasing, people are being reported killed daily, and the economy is faring no better. 

Different debates have been staged with different governments outlining their positions. What is baffling in this flurry of debates is Washington’s absence. Calls to get its attention remain unanswered. Yet Egypt is sinking deep into the quagmire of violence. What, then, explains Washington’s low-key attitude? An abdication of responsibility? A complicit attitude? Or simply a dilemma? With windows of opportunity for political dialogue closing, what can Egypt do next?
Read full Article on News24