by Ahmed K. Sirleaf Is the Dragon Threatening the Eagle’s Lunch in Africa? America or China: who wins the New Scramble for Africa? The growing influence of China in Africa poses significant threats to United States’ interests on the continent. Unless the U.S. moves fast, it will lose the influence war in Africa to the … Continue reading »
Category Archives: Opinion
Christmas: To Celebrate Or Not To Celebrate
by Ifrah Jimale : Ask A Somali The holidays are not my favorite time of the year for two reasons. One, it is the time that I am constantly aware of how much I miss my family who are scattered all over the world. Two, I am guilty if I celebrate Christmas because that is … Continue reading »
The Bridge Index: Why people celebrate when Africa’s revolutionary leaders die.
“No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent” Abraham Lincoln Every once in a while on the continent of Africa, a great leader emerges and sweeps our hearts and minds. The revolutionary who offers a vision to empower, include and transform misery into prosperity. A leader who captivates the … Continue reading »
Civilians massacred while the world continues to watch; is it time for a UN Army?
It is despicable that thousands of people continue to be massacred in Libya but there is no urgency from the international community and regional organizations to intervene. The ghost of ‘strategic interests’ is back to haunt us in yet another conflict. In this new world order, we have to rely on the mercy of super-powers to prevent … Continue reading »
The Ballot no longer a symbol of Democracy
On the afternoon of May 17th 1957, Martin Luther King Jr standing at the steps of the Lincoln memorial delivered a message against injustice and appealed for the voting rights of African Americans in the “Give us the Ballot” speech. ‘Our most urgent request to the President of the United States and every member of … Continue reading »
The law of scarcity destroying the legacy of Africa’s revolutionary leaders
“The Sun. It can only be appreciated by its absence. The longer the days of rain, the more the sun is craved. But too many hot days and the sun overwhelms. Learn to keep yourself obscure and make people demand you in return.” ——-Robert Green The ‘law of scarcity’ is often used by marketing companies … Continue reading »
Political Realism trumped by the voices of the people in the Egyptian revolution
International relations have always been dominated by the theory of ‘political realism’. Those who believe otherwise are often disappointed because frankly it is everyone for themselves in a world that seems to grow apples on orange trees. If you try to wear a different lens from realism, you would either practically be a lost or … Continue reading »
Elections don’t mean a thing, if they aint got the win; the paradox of a ballot box in Africa
It is mind boggling how self interest can drive a leader to risk the fate of a nation. Millions walk into the voting booth with enthusiasm and hope. Putting the failures of their government and leaders behind them and looking ahead in the horizon with faith. Hoping to make it to the flickering light at … Continue reading »
Murphy’s law sheds light on recent events at the African Union summit in Kampala (Uganda)
“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” This adage which many have dubbed Murphy’s Law is in full effect at the African Union. Events this past week reflect the gloom and doom of what has become the same old failure of the African Union. There was a glimmer of hope when we changed the … Continue reading »
Clinton Should Tell African Big Men to Emulate Asian Dictators
by Edwin Okong’o of New American Media Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she is carrying a new message of tough love to Africa. But changing the message is not enough. Africa’s leaders are used to talk. It doesn’t mean they will walk the walk. In Ghana last month, President Barack Obama pointed out that … Continue reading »
