In The News

Africa’s Jihadists, On Their Way

August 1, 2014
The most extreme ideologies tap into widespread frustrations and flourish in nations and communities that fail their people with poor education and governance. The Economist interviews youths who live in Chad, a country rich in oil but inept in distributing benefits to its citizens: “Most would rather have jobs than become religious marauders, but given the chance they may be tempted to join a...

In China Meat Scandal, McDonald's Japan Switches to Thai Chicken, No Nuggets in Hong Kong

July 28, 2014
The reputation of any multinational corporation relies on the integrity of its suppliers. Reports of shadiness from one company can reduce business for an industry or nation, and food suppliers are especially susceptible to negative reports. Food giant McDonald’s Corp. suspended sales of chicken nuggets in Hong Kong, and the company’s Japanese arm has halted imports of all chicken products from...

Global Casualty of an Escalating Local War

David R. Cameron July 24, 2014
Malaysian Flight 17 was presumably mistaken for a military plane and shot down by a surface-to-air missile over eastern Ukraine, near the Russian border. The blatant disrespect for the dead – images of pro-Russian separatists picking through the wreckage and passenger belongings, drunkenly and belligerently barring international investigators from the scene – have shocked the world. Tragically, “...

Illegal Immigration Illogic

Joseph Chamie July 22, 2014
Countries are torn over tough enforcement for immigrants who enter without authorization: employers welcome flexible, low-cost labor while workers and taxpayers resent competition over limited jobs and community resources. The influx of children crossing into the United States from Central American states with high poverty, unemployment and fertility rates underscores the problem for nations with...

South Africa’s World Cup Advice to Brazil

Andrew Harding July 2, 2014
Ahead of the 2010 World Cup, FIFA made enticing promises to the locals in South Africa. Four years later, many locals found the $2 billion dollars in infrastructure investment did not benefit South Africans. Construction was accelerated on the Gautrain train¬ – a high speed railway connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria – but its prices are out of reach for most South Africans. “Following the...

UN: Surging Environmental Crime Funds Conflicts, Hurts Growth

June 27, 2014
Rising wealth for middle classes around the world drives demand for status symbols, in turn spurring environmental crime. Illegal logging, elephant and rhino hunting for ivory and horns, among other practices have created instability in many countries. According to the United Nations and Interpol, illegal practices help fund armed conflicts, militias and insurgents and curtail international aid...

Severity of Crisis in Maghreb/Sahel Regions Intensifies: MEA-Risk

Arezki Daoud June 12, 2014
The Northern African region faces new security challenges of terrorism, separatism and organized crime that stem from regional conflicts, political persecution, poverty, inequality and mobility. The North Africa Journal and its sister company MEA–Risk detail the risks for the nations of North Africa. Libya, after international intervention that led to the downfall of longtime dictator Muammar...