Is he or isn't he?

You are looking at the picture of General Ojukwu. Ojukwu is known for his leadership in the Biafra War/Nigerian civil war in the 1950's. Since yesterday, reports have surfaced that the former leader has passed. Then today, the Nigerian newspapers have reported that the leader is, in fact, not dead. So is he or isn't he? Nigerian newspapers have been notorious for such conflicting reports. Such was the case when former leader Yar Adua was sick. Reports became known that he had passed and then the following day, that he hadn't. Are these reports created out of rumor? Maybe such sensational reportings come about just to generate publicity. If this is the case with reports about Ojukwu, the papers have reached an all time low.

Explosions at embassies in Rome. Bombs took the form of mail packages and a mailroom worker putting them away was seriously injured. Photos coming soon.

Larry King "Hangs His Suspenders'

Tonight is the last episode of Larry King Live. After tonight, the timeslot will belong to America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan. Though Morgan is said to have done serious journalism before and is quite respectable at his craft, I must admit, its unfair to compare him to the King (no pun intended). Imagine: The suspenders wearing genious has been informing us for over 25 YEARS. A lot of us have gotten used to his presence at 9pm. Wether or not you change the channel, you must admit, you're used to him. So what does this mean about news or foreign affairs? I have to say, if not for Larry King there would be limited if any opinion journalism about political issues not to talk of foreign affairs issues. We would be getting the same repetitious details throughout the day. Larry King provided round table opinions,a forum from which we could all voice the effect the news had on us. So tonight will be quite entertaining. Don't forget to tune in to CNN! You can count on EVERYONE in TV being there, lots of tributes, sappy Thank yous and yes maybe even crying. In any case, this is an airing we should all be sure not to miss.

Very Inspiring: Ambassador Holbroke on Charlie Rose

Israeli storm reveals statue of woman wearing a toga from over 2,000 years ago. Other than missing head and arms, the statue is in great form. Pictures coming.

Go to Jail Assange...AND STAY THERE

Photo courtesy Korea Times

Just hearing this news makes me wonder if there was a law that allowed violence just on the basis that someone tried to play you for a fool.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was granted bail in London, but is still being held in prison. Assange is fighting extradition to Sweden. If you remember,Sweden is where Assange was accused of pedophila. A charge he claims is politically motivated. Whatever, just go to jail Assange, no one wants to see you again. When was it okay to break into government confidential materials and use it to put different governments in a bad light? Has the quest for fame become so desperate these days that reality TV just isn't enough? The sad thing is, not only does he know that he did the computer hacking crimes, we all do and GUESS WHAT? It's against the law...which means all of these bail outs, groups for his defense, late night round table discussions on CNN, or even possible nominations to be TIME magazine's man of the year will all lead to one thing..him ultimately paying the price for what he did and us one day forgetting his name. So Mr. Assange, enjoy the fame while you can, because it will be over as fast as it started.

Richard C. Holbrooke dies at 69

Photo courtesy Getty Images

It has come to my attention that Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke has passed at the age of 69 years old. Holbrooke was the American special advisor to Afghanistan and Pakistan in the current Obama administration. Before this he served as the American ambassador to the UN and as President Clinton's Secretary of State. A resume expanding decades, Holbrooke is said to have worked for every Democratic President since the 1960s.He is very famous for brokering the peace deal for the Bosnian war.
It is a shock to the international community. It has shaken our ground to hear that such a figure has passed. The news first came that Amb. Holbrooke had a torn aorta on Friday at the Department of State. On Saturday he had a 20 hour surgical operation after which he was still reported to be suffering from complications.
...Someone who creates peace deserves to rest in peace and not from complications.And though it makes me sad to see that he's no longer with us, I can only pray that his legacy will live on in a positive light and that God be with his family.
God be with him and may he Rest in Peace (Amen).

The man can SANG!! Vladamir Putin sings Blueberry Hill

What do OJ Simpson and Sakineh Ashtiani have in common?

Remember OJ's book "If I did it?" You know, the one where he said that he DIDN'T do it, but IF he did then this is how he'd do it? Yeah that one. Well in Iran it got even better. See, Ashtiani didn't have to write a book, ohh no she made a video which aired on TV 10 December, 2010.

Ashtiani was dating two men in 2006, right after her husband died and then people said "Wait a minute! her husband just died, That's not right! " And she was convicted for having an "illicit relationship." A crime for which she received 99 lashes (ouch). Then they arrested her for having an affair, because they said she admitted to having an affair. She retracted this admission saying that it was said under duress (I bet it was). So the punishment for an affair is stoning. She was to be stoned, but Human Rights groups stood up and were like "WTF!!! What are you doing? This is barbaric! How can this be done in the new millenium!!" Then the Iranian government was like hmmmmm and came public with a statment that Ashtiani "committed murder."
Some are saying that the issue of murder just came up so that the government can have a reason to stone Ashtiani. Ashtiani has admitted that she aided and abeted a hitman in her husband's murder. The government says that she will be put to death by hanging instead of stoning. I guess that will make her feel better...whatever.
Anyway so this is how we came to the idea of the "If I did it" video. Ashtiani was to reenact how she used a needle to make her husband unconscious before the hitman (Taheri) came to the house and electrocuted him. She starred as herself in the video. Above is the still image of her filling the needle in the video. The government has yet to sentence Ashtiani for murder.

Conviction=VICTORY

VICTORY VICTORY VICTORY. It has finally happened. A 16 year old teenager was convicted in the death of the Chicago honor student whose fatal beating was captured on video September of last year. Many of you may remember the teenager who did not want to join a gang and because of it became bait for teenagers when he was just walking home from school. He was beaten with wooden shafts until he died while many teenagers just stood by. If you don't remember or weren't informed, there's a video below (Courtesy: ABC News) to jog your memory.

Well today, justice showed that his death was not in vain when a 15 year old (whose name was not released, because he is a juvenile) was convicted of the crime. His sentencing is in January. According to CNN when his fate was announced he threw his hands up and fell into his chair while his aunt ran out of the courtroom.
Hm...Ran out of the court room huh? where was she when he was running the streets? Did she run anywhere then? and why can't a brutal murderer's name be released? At 15 we all know that he knew EXACTLY what he was doing...but that's just me. Am I being too harsh?

Royal Car gets HIT!!!!

O...M...G. Those were the letters that came out of my mouth when I saw this:



Apparently, the austerity measures that have been deliberated under the UK's coalition government have made the British public reach a boiling point. Why? the measures which included the increase of the Student Tuition Fee caused weeks of student protests. However, recently the battle line was drawn when the students attacked a car containing both Prince Charles and Camilla. The two were on their way to a theatre when students dounced paint on the car, attacked it with baseball bats, clubs, and other weopons. Police Officers who came on the scene had to use their car doors as shields when students brutally attacked their cars as well. Now that is a scene I wish I could have seen, but thank God for the Associated Press: A treat from me to you: Footage of the Attack.

Its not that he "might" but that he "Will be Charged." Now isn't that sad...or maybe just plain entertaining. Halliburton "allegedly" bribed a natural gas company with $180 million dollars for a $6million dollar contract.
This week errbody was getting locked up. It's said that anti-corruption offices RAIDED the Haliburton office in Nigeria and 12 employees were arrested. You know nooooo body wants to go to jail in Nigeria...they serve all types of torture in those facilities. Reuters reported that the employees have since been freed.
Cheney's attorney continues to deny all allegatons of Cheney's involvement saying that just because his company may have performed those actions it doesn't necessarily show Cheney's guilt in the situation....mmhmm.
We all know Cheney isn't gonna go to jail but what if he did? Would they put him in an orange uniform or a black and white striped one. Would they make him build railroads and make license plates? The idea itself is just funny to me. Looks like someone forgot to shred the incriminating evidence.

Russia for 2018 and Qatar for 2022 World Cup!!!

FIFA announced today that Russia won for 2018 and Qatar for 2022 world Cup. Qatar, America's main competition won as the underdog. Both Russian and Qatar are places where the World Cup has never been. So, this is making things fair by letting everyone have a chance. Many newscasters and contributors were visibly upset by the news, but think about it: Soccer is not really a national sport here. Many people play it but it is not as big as football or (national past time) baseball. Many Diplomats in the international community already have pre concieved notions that Americans are arrogant and have a sense of Entitlement. With WikiLeaks, and the international political climate at the moment did you really think America or UK would win for the World Cup bid? Just a question.

Image courtesy Reuters.

The elections in Haiti earlier this week have been deemed a gross failure. Not surprising, the elections were marred with voter intimidation, lack of election materials that were to be provided to voters, etc. According to The Economist, 12 of the 17 Presidential candidates cited illegal activity by Haiti's current governing party, Inite. However, one of the candidates that did not protest the election results was Jude Celestine. Backed by Haiti's current President, Preval, Celestine is from the political party Inite. Hmmm...well maybe it's just a coincidence.

American Government Agencies Put Heads Together.

With all the "hoop-la" surrounding Wiki Leaks founder, Julian Assange: representatives from The Pentagon and Department of State appear on CNN's John King to discuss their takes on Assange's actions.

Eid Mubarak!!! Today marks Eid Ul Adha! A Muslim holiday commemorating the Abraham's sacrifice of his son, Isaac, to show his love for God. May Allah guide us and answer all of our prayers. May HE also answer the prayers of Muslims all over the world who have congregated in Mecca to perform Hajj (Amen).

What do you do if you get mail from Greece and you don't know who it's from? You run do not walk to the nearest exit. Apparently there have been a string of letter bombs trying to make their way out of Greece for the past couple of days. One of them was addressed to French President Nicolas Sarkozy. These letters are in the wake of protests against Greek austerity measures that have gotten many Greeks angry at the European political community. A bomb though? Like Cedric the Entertainer so famously said: "They be fightin' too much."

What does this mean?

Well the results are in. In what was a nail biter election, my state has remained Democrat (thank God). However, the House of Representatives got a majority Republican vote. What's strange about this is that some of the republicans that were elected were "Tea Party favorites." In some of the states there wasn't really a difference between the incumbent and the newly elected official. For example, in Louisiana where Blanche Lincoln was in office, a Republican was elected. However, those of us who remember the tough fight for healthcare in America know that Blanche Lincoln is a Blue Dog Democrat (aka extremely conservative democrat, aka wolf in sheeps closing, aka might as well be republican. So is there really a difference between her political stance and the stance of the newly elected official who replaced her?
More importantly, what does this mean for President Obama? Even though the House is a majority Republican, the Senate is a majority Democrat. So the entire Congress is not in a deadlock with the President. To be honest, the negotiation that was going on between the President and the Congress over the past year shows that there won't be much of a difference with the new officials in office. So chill, don't freak out, and enjoy the show, because something tells me Congress is going to become highly entertaining.

Elections in Cote d'Ivoire!

Yes, yes, yes it finally came. The day that we all thought would never come. Remember earlier this year when reforms were put in on the electoral commission in Cote d'Ivoire and we all thought Gbagbo would be extending his term...yet again? Well it seems that he aimed to prove us all wrong yesterday. On Sunday October 31st...something scary happened...an election took place with 13...yes 13 Presidential candidates. Many of you remember that reforms were taking place to make sure that the voters and the candidates were of Ivorian decent due to claims about many of the candidates not being of Ivorian decent...some were from Burkina Faso, and they had to be taken off the list. If you remember, the main political contender against Gbagbo in 2000 was found to not even be Ivorian thus causing Gbagbo to take office and hang on to the reins for 10 very long years. It is said that Gbagbo was greeted to a heroes welcome by many voters. Wether or not this means he was popular.....we don't know. Was intimidation used to cause this? hmmmmmm. According to the New York Times many of those cheering for Gbagbo were intoxicated and we all know what that means. However, BBC Africa maintains that the elections were "peaceful"....riiiight. Of course there were the normal third world issues like polling stations opening late..blah blah blah. All I know is, this is going to be a very very close race and of course...I'll be watching (POPCORN PLEASE!!)

This year's midterm election.

The American midterm election has reached more than a boiling point...It is overflowing.
What will happen on Tuesday? That's a question that promotes not only suspense but fear in the hearts of many Americans. Some are relieved to get a liberal government after 8 years of high taxes and mass privatization of many government regulated opportunities. Others well....I won't mention the "other party" or their extreme counterparts, because they aren't worth recognition.
All I can say is, if ur in the states, go out, vote if you haven't already. If you are an American who's overseas, I hope you submitted your absentee ballot, because this election will cause us all to have our eyes glued to the screens Tuesday Night.

I love you for reading.

Apparently, the US and the rest of the Western hemisphere's guilty conscience got the best of them. As of this weekend troops and humanitarian organizations began flocking to Haiti to relieve them of (wait for it)...cholera. Exactly what did they think would happen when they left a country that barely had the ability to get on one knee not to talk of standing on its own to feet. There are still a plethora of camps set up due to the lack of infrastructure. There is no excuse for this. This is a shame for every country and organization that had the capacity to help and didn't. This is also a shame for organizations that took money and did nothing (Ahem..Red Cross). Well...let's watch and see exactly what will happen next. Hopefully not another bandaid on an open wound.

UN finally gets some real diversity.

Germany, India, South Africa, Portugal, and Colombia have all been voted on to the UN Security Council. This comes as very good news to those of us who have only seen Western European and and Asian Countries dominate the power handle of the UN. Finally! It seems like the UN is taking a very modernized step forward. Now does this mean that we'll see a difference in the Recommendations and Resolutions that come out of this Multinational body? I guess we'll see..I'll definately stay on the look out.

When Elephan'ts fight Part 2

In the latest edition of when elephants fight:
There's trouble in paradise in Russia!!!
Apparently Medvedev has fired the Mayor of Moscow, because...his corrupt actions made his wife one of the most richest women in the world, and he disagreed openly with Medvedev's policies, saying that Medvedev was unfit to rule the Kremlin. In China, Medvedev spoke to reporters saying that firing Luzhnov was a decision that had to be made.
Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister sprung to Medvedev's support agreeing with Medvedev's decision. Outside of being critical of Medvedev's power, he was also criticized for his silence during the forest fires over the summer. Some say that Medvedev made this decision to prove that he's still capable to lead the country in time for the 2012 elections. Others are saying that Putin's noticeable silence during the feud between Medvedev and Luzhnov and believe he's using it to return to power in 2012. Either way, its to obvious. What could Luzhnov, the founder of the United Russian party (which he has now denounced), be thinking? Those of you who follow this blog, the zebra stripe...we all know what happens when elephant's fight.

Where it just goes to far

Egyptian real estate mogul, Hisham Mustapha was convicted of the murder of his Pop Star girlfriend Suzanne Tamim[picture above] in May of 2009. However, Mustapha-who has close ties to President Hosni Mubarak's son Gamal, actually won a trial today. The decision? To give him another trial. The 50 year old mogul apparently hired a hitman( retired police officer el Sukkary) to kill his 30 year old girlfriend. Sukkary reportedly followed Tamim to her apartment in Dubai and slit her throat. The motivation for the murder has yet to be revealed...hmmm woes of the rich and famous. So if you have money you can kill someone, a pop star no less, and get away with it? It sure looks like it doesn't it?

Importance of Referendum vote in Jan 2011

Wole Soyinka the politician?

Many of you enlightened admirers of the literary canon are familiar with Wole Soyinka's activism and even books like "The Man Died (1972)" which he wrote in prison during the Biafra War.

However, it is unlikely that anyone thought of Soyinka as a politician. According to BBC, Soyinka was elected Chairman of the Democratic Front for a People's Federation. Soyinka launching this political party just a stone's throw before the Nigerian Presidential election is making waves. I mean really, we all know he's not going to run, but....Who is? hmmmm It looks like campaign season is just beginning.

"Why Mommy Went to Jail" Part !

In the latest edition of "Why Mommy went to Jail"
It has come to everyone's attention that the Senate in France has passed a law allowing Muslim women to be arrested if and when they wear the veil in public. Muslim Women who wear it will be given warnings. however, the third time they're "caught" with it in public they will be imprisoned. It's said that the EU gave French President, Sarkozy, a serious tongue lashing. Sarkoy....the son of immigrants...Oh how soon some forget where they come from. Well we'll be watching from the Zebra stripe, but I'll tell you this, it won't be pretty.
Stay Tuned.

Landslide in Guatemala doezens killed. Rescue workers continue to go through the disaster to search for survivors.

Ramadan around the World

Courtesy Reuters news wire.

Masha Allah, Many many blessings of Ramadan to all of you.

5 years later...

5 years after the Katrina disaster in New Orleans, Louisiana, there is cause to be happy. However, emotions are mainly bitter sweet as the people of Pakistan are suffering through a disaster flood that has continued for the past year. Currently, there are threats coming not only from diseases in the camps, or even dehydration, but also from terrorists who are issuing orders to people in the area....Of course the people are listening. We can onl hope that the situation will get better in Pakistan, our prayers from the Zebra stripe to everyone in that region that their condition gets much much better.

Congratulations Chelsea!!

Wait a minute...Isn't that fake??

Okay everyone, hold on to your chairs, because this is just TOO funny!

So in China, the labor capitol of the world, Knowledge competency is being questioned, because many of the grades and even degrees are (wait for it)...FRAUDULENT!!
Yes, people, you may have heard about that girl who put out to pass her exam, or even the group of students who plagarized sections of the news paper to turn them in as their own, but aparently these kids look like church choir members in comparison to what's been going on in China.
It has been reported that many of the diplomas are fake. Even the recommendations to universities by professors have been...fake. If this doesn't surprise you then don't worry about the next research study coming from China, because apparently, many aren't legitimate as the researchers....just fill in the blanks themselves(!!) (head back laughing).
Okay okay, so what's going to be done about this? Well according to The Economist, many students are applying to Universities overseas, because the officials accepting applications just don't trust that their records may be legitimate(this is the time where you lean back and say "hmmmmm"). So what does this mean for the students coming?
....Okay people Abeg, don't start asking your Chinese class mate what their SAT scores were and if they are legitimate(wagging my finger).Fraud takes place everywhere, but as a Nigerian it's just good that Nigeria wasn't the country in question. I guess this is how China feels when they judge us. Shame shame shame...

Pink Rupee?? What's that?

Sanjay Malhotra, Owner Indjapink
Okay, so those of you who know me, know that I not only love but ABSOLUTELY ADORE the color pink. However, even this has me at a loss of words. In India, the move to become more "gay friendly" has caused a surge in the "Pink Rupee." Many of us know that the Rupee is the official currencly of the highly populated country. However, why use the Pink Rupee you ask? Well, "using the pink rupee" in India is now a term synonymous to businesses opening their services towards homsexuals.However, if some of these businesses do not want to, some homosexuals have started their own.For example, IndjaPink is an all gay operated travel agency, run by Sanjay Malhotra, that provides services exclusively to the gay community. Professing the reason behind the success of his business, Mr. Malhotra stated that people began to realize that homosexuals, not beign married, have a lot of disposable income and like having the finer things in life.
Hmm, but has India really changed? Or is this one point of view? Even though there are businesses that are cating to the gay community and homosexuals going to night clubs, it does not exactly mean that many of these individuals are openly comfortable with their sexuality. In the video shown on BBC, the owner of a gay night club refused to cooperate in an interview with the journalist showing that a lot of things may be said in theory, but aren't performed in practice....I'm just sayin'

Well its about dang time!!!

This is coverage of BP aiming to physically stop the oil spill in the gulf...after how many months??? Its about time! Video can be seen at this link http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp=37412412�

White people for sale...I mean rent in China.

Just when we thought that China couldn't own, yet another thing They Proved Us Wrong!!!
Yes People! Now China can own you..yes you. This is too funny.
Okay, so all of you amateur models, actors, and Expats in China, listen up this is a cool way to earn cold hard CASH!
Apparently, a country being diverse=a country being prestigious in China, and since there arent many people from other cultures in China they have resorted to renting people...mostly Caucasians...and I thought affirmative action was controversial.
According to CNN, the people who are "rented" are to obey the following orders.
(AHEM: Clearing my thought)
1.Be white. 2. Do not speak any Chinese, or really speak at all, unless asked. 3. Pretend like you just got off of an airplane yesterday.

Follow these rules, and you just might get a job for a week, or even a month. I don't know whether to be angry...or laugh. Well this is pretty funny, it's like voluntary reverse slavery. It seems like racism is going on...Why rent someone when you could just hire them (hmmmmmmmm).

Very interesting video. Thanks Lamech! I really like this. People are excited about the World Cup (myself included). However, it seems that many times, in Africa, looking out for the small guy simply doesn't happen. Eg: Showing off, a sporting event of this caliber, but still using an incompetent electrical system (power outages!!!)
According to the NY Times, South Africa has been ranked very high for social inequalities. I have tried to get this video on the site, but for now the link is the only thing I can post. Stay tuned viewers, view the video via this link, and very soon you can see it here at the Zebra Stripe.
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/06/23/world/africa/1247468111454/south-africa-beyond-the-world-cup.html#

Thankful for another day.

When people say that you should thank God for simply waking up this morning, you shouldn't take their advise for granted and this is why:
11 people in Senegal went to their deaths when they watched a soccer game of Uruguay v. South Korea. The building where they watched the game collapsed on them killing them instantly. BBC Africa reported that more individuals may be in the rubble. May those who have passed rest in heavenly peace.

World Refugees Day: Do your part to help!

This is a link for a list of agencies to help refugees throughout the United States.
http://www.refugeeworks.org/about/links_refugee_agencies_local.html#n

This is a link for a list of agencies to help refugees in Canada and Europe
http://refugeeresettlement.net/organizational_profiles

Highlights and videos from World cup opening Ceremony...Enjoy.

Nuns puffing and passing.

As I'm writing this post, I'm listening to hard core reggae music, because someone's "lighting up the ganja" in a Ugandan convent.
Yes people, in Uganda, marijuana (aka Mary Jane, chronic,...Hashish) was found in a convent. The nuns claim that the plants were used to "treat pigs" on the farm....riiiiight. (No wonder why those nuns are always smiling). In any case, two nuns and two porters are being questioned...this is just too funny. (Hit the musiic!!! "Pass the tokie to the right hand side...")

Zambia post and the never ending saga.

Okay, so word is, if you send a picture of a woman giving burth in Zambia...then its porn. Hear me out:
Last year during the Nurse's strike in Zambia, a picture was taken of a woman giving birth in the back of a truck. According to BBC Africa, Chansa Kabwela, editor of the Zambia Post, sent copies of the picture to prominent individuals and womens groups. Attached to the copies was a letter calling for an end to the strike. Kabwela, who did not publish the pictures, was tried for obscenity charges, and cleared of all charges. However, her paper did an opinion peace about the court case. Prosecutors (cry babies) say the piece "may" have affected the court's ruling. Zambian court has now sentenced Kabwela to four months in prison with Hard labor, for contempt of court....Really though? Porn?? Seriously???
Note:President Banda has openly expressed the dislike of Zambia post, because of its pieces on his....corruption. Hmmmm..I'll continue to keep my ear on the ground for this one, because something tells me that its not over.

Grevy's Zebra...stay strong!

As you can imagine. Here at the Zebra stripe aka "Zee Affairs" we like (wait for it...) Zebras. Now it has come to my attention that Zebras in Kenya are facing extinction. The Grevy's Zebra in Kenya has been declining in population due to drought and disease in the region. Scientists form around the world have come to collect data in order to analyze other (if any) reasons for this decline in population/birth rate. Land, eating habits in competition with other species, etc. are currently being analyzed.

Another issue with Arab's in France...when will this ever end?

French Minister of Interior, Brice Hortefeux, has been fined for making racist remarks against Arabs (mmhmm). In a speech that was made Fall of 2009, but circulated throughout the internet like wildfire. Mr. Hortefeux's remarks came while "joking" with activists of the UMP political party in Southwest France. This scandal started when someone (there's always one) said:
"Amin is a catholic, he eats pork and drinks alcohol"
Mr. Hortefeux:"Ah well that won't do at all. He doesn't match the prototype"
Another woman: "He is one of us...he is our little Arab."
Mr. Hortefeux: "We always need one. It's when there are lots of them that there are problems."

I believe France is trying to prove that its cracking down on racism. However, the court issuing a 750 euro fine ($897 dollars)is not enough to show your country's stance on the issue. There's always the good old cultural sensitivity class that publicly embarasses people who do things like this and (if France didn't want to go through the trouble) Mr. Hortefeux could always be fired...but that's juts how I feel. 750 euro's???? C'mon Mannn!!!!!

Israel storms ships that were bringing aid to Gaza Strip kills 10 people

Video shows the attack and statements from a spokeswoman that aid was on the ship. An Israeli spokesperson later said that the ship was full of terrorists...mmhmmmm we have got yo' number now Israel we know those weren't terrorists. The jig is up!!

German President Resigns!!!!!

German President, Koehler quit immediately following remarks he made about the German military's mission in Afghanistan. Koehler's job description is mostly ceremonial as the country's President, compared to Merkel's position as Prime Minister. He stated that the military's deployment to Afghanistan was mainly in economic interest when he said Germany the participation in the war is "to protect our interests...for example free trade routes." Tisk tisk... and now he's unemployed like the majority of the working class population.

What do you think the future holds for the African continent?

I believe that, once the people who have a love for the country, city, or even continent are given the power to take control of the situation, they will run with it and we will see many changes. What we're seeing now is an effect of being robbed of the chance to make a change. When someone wants the power badly and they're told no repeatedly once they have a chance to take that power, they will hold on to it and won't allow the next person the chance to obtain that power. We're also seeing a lot of elders who should step back as elder statesmen and advice the youth instead of gripping to power and leaving the youth to suffer from unemployment, poverty, and idleness. Once we can take control of this, I don't think anyone will be able to compete with the African progress.

Now let me know. What do you think the future holds? and how can Africa get there?

No Coke for Coke

In the news lately has been the attempts to capture a Jamaican drug lord. Christopher "Dudus" Coke is a member of the "Shower Posse" gang. Dudus, now seen as enemy of the state was at one time a close ally of Jamaica's Prime minister, used to intimidate opposition voters and bring supporters during the elections three years ago. The story has changed now. Many of the "Shower Posse" gang have been rounded up and arrested and thousands of security officers have engaged in an urban bloodbath, shooting in the streets of Kingston, Jamaica killing over 30 people. Coke has yet to be found by security forces. If he is, he will be extradited to the US on drug and gun charges.

Operation Top Kill

In a desperate hope to stop the oil spills in America's gulf coast, BP has tried a new operation: Operation Top Kill. We will find out by Thursday afternoon wether or not this can be of help. Lately, many of the workers used to clean up the oil spill have been hospitalized, one of them air lifted, because of nausea. Many of these workers have also been suffering from respiratory diseases. Lately, pleas have been made for Washington to set up mobile clinics in the region.

Tit for Tat; Immigration Style

Okay so Hungary decided that it would allow dual citizenship for Hungarians living overseas. Slovakia, angry about this, decided that if any of its citizens should apply for Hungarian citizenship, it would strip them of Slovakian citizenship. There is a large ethnic Hungarian nationality living in Slovakia and Hungary decided that it would grant citizenship to individuals who have Hungarian ancestry and who can speak the language and live abroad. Robert Fisco, Slovakian leader, says Hungary's move is "a security threat." So far, Slovakia is the only country against Hungary's decision...There's always one.

A DISGRACE!!!

If only I could blame all disgraceful actions coming from Alaska on the stupidity of Sarah Palin then maybe just maybe I'd have no problem watching the video above. A soldier from Alaska was deployed to Iraq where he taunted two children on the side of a street asking them questions like "Are you a f**g*t? Are you a terrorist?" The children didn't understand him and continued to give him thumbs up until they realized that....They were being ridiculed. The soldier's excuse? Boredom. I wish they could throw him in a Mexican jail for those actions alone. Dude you're supposed to be protecting me from bombs not bullying children a$$hole!

We Are Jobless!!

Just when we thought we've heard the last about Iranian's protesting their President,(you guessed it) we haven't!!
Iranian President went to give a speech commemorating the country's liberation from Iraq (after an 18 month occupation during the Iraq-Iran war) in 1982. Instead of the crowd shouting praises or even support, they shouted "We are jobless." Hmmm, what would happen if the mayor or senator in your town said he wanted to have a word with you about environmental concerns and you shouted " I AM JOBLESS!!" Maybe he'd give you a job as a park ranger. Ahmadinejad?? Not so much. I don't know what they thought they'd get out of that protest other than jail sentences and (of course) publicity...but it worked right?

Footage courtesy of CNN India plane Crash.

In India this morning, a plane coming from Dubai,UAE overshot the runway killing many people. The plane carried workers from Dubai who normally come home once a year. May they rest in peace.

Pictures of Oil Spill In the Gulf coast. Is BP sorry Now??? mmhmm....

US Coast Card Image: Oil burns near gulf of Mexico.



Marine biologist with Greenpeace displays oil he collected near the Mississippi River.

Picasso....again?

It seems like the Obsession for Picasso has gone to an all time high lately. First someone (who didn't want his identity exposed) spent over hundreds of millions on a Picasso painting at an auction. Now, five paintings were stolen from a museum in Paris, France. The worth? $618 million dollars. According to officials, the paintings were taken over night Wednesday, and found missing Thursday morning. Officials are still wondering how the alarm system didn't go off. Hmmm really???? They're lucky i'm not their boss, because that's got to be the DUMBEST excuse I've ever heard. No one has to be familiar with this case before realizing that if this wasn't an inside job(mmhmm) then this was carefully planned. Okay so lets sit on our sofas, eat popcorn and watch how this is going to play out, because its gonna get real ugly.

China workers kidnapped in Yemen

On May 16th two Chinese oil workers were kidnapped by tribesmen in Yemen's eastern Shabwa region. According to BBC Africa, powerful tribes in Yemen kidnap individuals to bargain with the central government in disputes. The individuals who kidnapped the Chinese men were from the Laqmoosh clan (tribe) who were expressing their anger after someone from their tribe was killed by police at a checkpoint.If you remember, Yemen has been combatting resurgent Al Qaeda and rebels in the country's south. The kidnappers have since been urged to turn themselves into authorities.

Militants endorsing Goodluck Jonathan?

Former Niger Delta militant, Victor Ebokawe has stated that Goodluck Jonathan would be the best President for Nigeria, because he's from the Niger Delta region and would best understand the issues occuring there. The issue is that Goodluck Jonathan has yet to state whether or not he will be running in the 2011 elections. He has expressed his concern of the violence in the Niger Delta region in intervies with CNN's Amanpour.

Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

Okay, so we all know about the attempted bombing in Times Square NYC. Well, it turns out that Faisal Shahzad is singing like a canary...snitch...well I guess its a good thing, because more terrorists are being rounded up. I told you his cocky attitude wouldn't last too long, he probably has more bruises than a football player right now..back to the article. In any case there have been three arrests made in Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. I LOVE IT!! Law enforcement at its finest!! The profile, was a group of cash couriers who bring money to the United States. I'm pretty sure when they were conducting the investigation they heard deepthroats voice from watergate you know the voice that said "Follow the money." So now everybody's going to jail. Federal agent (standing ovation) JOB WELL DONE.

Now can somebody please play the Reggae music!! Here we go(dancing) "Bad boys bad boys whatcha gonna do whatcha gonna do when they come for you?"

Below are pictures of Police conducting their raid. (Photos courtesy of Anderson Cooper360)

New Graffiti on France's Ban of the Burqa. Can women wear the burqa and still embrace French culture?

Courtesy:Foreign Policy(FP) Magazine.

Plane crashes in Tripoli, Libya. Sole survivor is a 10 year old boy.

Deceased President Yar Adua's Widow after her late husband's burial.

Brew-ing up a cup of division in Arizona

Okay so the governor of Arizona decided that promoting a measure to require all "people who look like immigrants" to show their ID wasn't enough. Now she went to the school system. This is exactly what she did:

Arizona governor Jan Brewer (ughh) signed a bill that would restrict students to participate in classes that promoted overthrowing the American government, or hatred towards people of other races. So this would make you wonder, "Is she getting rid of American history?" After all there are many narratives of slavery that would make people "hate" slave owners. No, she's not eliminating US History, but classes like Native American history, Mexican American studies, programs, etc. would be affected by the measure that she signed. The State Schools chief, Tom Horne, has also pushed for the measure to be signed. He said classes in Mexican American studies programs would teach Latino students that they are "oppressed by white people."

Hmmm no Mr. Horne, taking someone's heritage away teaches Latino students that they are "oppressed by white people" as you so eloquently put it.

The measure signed by Governor Brewer (ughh) was condemned by United Nations human rights experts Yesterday.

AT last!!! yes!!!

Finally it has happened! In an event that we all thought we wouldn't see until next month, David Cameron has become the Prime Minister of Britain. This happens after Brown stepped down as head of the Labour party, yesterday. Cameron was asked to become PM less than an hour after Brown stepped down. He does still plan to govern as a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, which he has admitted will be difficult. Well, we never said it would be easy, but really? With all of this protocol and planning for a coalition government, you wouldn't think that Britain is the country in question, isn't Britain supposed to be the role model???? mmhmmmmm wurreva

Brown steps down as head of Labour party

Brown says he will step down as leader of the Labour party. According to BBC, Brown's continuing leadership of the Labour party was viewed as "harming labour's chances of liberal democrat backing." Both the Labour and Conservative party have been flirting with Liberal Democrats in order to have the majority needed to win the election.

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan sworn in as President

Nigerian Presidet, Umaru Yar Adua, has passed at 58

It has come to my attention that the formerly ill, Nigerian President, Umaru Yar Adua has passed at age 58. May he rest in peace. He was really sick and in a LOT of pain. He died at what would have been 5pm EST and 10pm in Nigeria, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The former President was suffering of a heart condition which forced him to be hospitalized in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Shanghai Expo 2010

Nigerian Pavillion


Chinese "City of Jade" Pavillion


WOW!! Giant Baby (It moves and cries) in the Spanish Pavillion


Spanish film director, Isabel Coixet (seen here holding the baby's toe) is the "giant baby" designer. This is AWESOME!


Singapore Pavillion

Courtesy of CNN who is Faisal Shahzad

Greece and debt, nothing new but the protests continue.

Greece has, since adopting the Euro in 2002 seemed to always be in debt. So much debt that this year, its debt has amounted to 13.6% of its GDP. In order to reduce its debt, Greece has agreed to adopt austerity measures in return for an international rescue package in the amount of 110 billion euro(95 billion pounds). These measures included but were not limited to: Erasing bonus payments for workers in the public sector, slapping taxes on illegal construction, Raising taxes by 10% on fuel, alchohol, and tobacco.

The Greeks have been protesting in the streets, both violently and silently, saying the measures are taking money away from the poor who need it the most.The EU will be providing 80 billion euros in aid. Germany, a member of the EU, will be providing money and part of that money (22 million euros) will be coming from private banks. The rest of the money will be coming from the IMF. Of course these are loans. The purpose of these loans, and the purpose is to reduce Greece's debt from 13.6% of GDP to 3% by 2014.

Arrest made in attempted car bombing.

Okay everyone so I just had an OH S*** moment (as my friends and I used to call it in college). An arrest was made in the attempted car bombing on Saturday Night in Times Square. The person is Shahzad Faisal a US citizen of Pakistani descent...man. Home grown terrorism? maybe. Out of his mind? definately. Was he alone? we're definately going to find out. I had an idea that the individual was pinpointed Monday afternoon just by the type of news that was reported and also, because of the rudimentary type skills used to create the bomb and this naivete in behavior concerning security cameras, etc. In any case kudos to the NYPD and all branches of law enforcement.

Ahmadinejad ranting yet again.

Just when we thought we've heard the last of scandalous comments from Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad guess what...WE DIDN'T!!!

That's right people, in a statement at the NonProliferation Treaty conference at the United Nations Monday, Ahmadinejad criticized the US (who else) for not practicing what it preaches when it comes to Nuclear disarmament. He chronicled from World War I saying "The first atomic weapons were produced and used by the United States...It [America] became the main source of the development and the spread of nuclear weapons by the others and brought about the nuclear arms race."(mmmhmm wurrever). In protest, the British, French, and American delegations walked out of the hall while Ahmadinejad was speaking.

Luckily for those of us in the US, we have Secretary Clinton as our Secretary of State and she revealed what, up until today, (lol) was a secret...It was revealed today that the US has 5,113 nuclear warheads, a figure that's about 70% less what the US had twenty years ago. In addition, Secretary Clinton went on to say that:

"Iran is the only country represented in this hall that has been found by the IAEA board of governors to be currently in noncompliance with its nuclear safeguard obligations. It has defied the U.N. Security Council and the IAEA and placed the future of the nonproliferation regime in jeopardy, and that is why it is facing increasing isolation and pressure from the international community."

Well well well, it looks like Ahmadinejad's plan to look like the "victim of American bullying" did not work. The only question is: When will he learn?

El Baradei speaking about "possibly" running for Presidency...mmhmmm we knew that since December: ROLL THE TAPE!!

13 years old?????? really??

To those of you who thought the sub-Saharan African region only consisted of women who were inferior to men and accepted their "place" in society...well you were wrong. A Nigerian womens group is standing up to be counted against child marriage after a senator from Zamfara, Nigeria married a child bride from Egypt. If the senator thought that this case of pedophilia would be overlooked, because of the Sharia law in his state of residence, he was greatly disappointed. It may be that he suffers from a strong case of myopia concerning the law he is supposed to help legislate, however the women's group clearly saw that his actions violated the Child Rights Act of 2003. The Senator, Ahmad Sani Yerima is 49 years old and this is not his first time engaging in this act. It is also said that Mr. Sani allegedly married a 15 year old girl in 2006. Mmmhmmm this man is so dirty I'm not even going to put his picture on this site....coz I just might have to spray it with lysol

Somebody wants to see their Lawyer!!

Please forgive me for laughing but this is just TOO funny.

Okay, so members of Dubai's ruling family arrive in Kenya recently only to be DEPORTED!! Why were they deported? They were mistaken for being terrorists. As we speak the Kenyan foreign affairs minister is in Dubai to smooth over tensions. (You know the officials who deported them are even more than fired they're...burnt!). Last week the deputy foreign minister apologized on BBC's Swahili service for the officials' "stupid mistake." Well...so is life.

Training Video of Umar Farouk Abdulmuttalab surfaces

Video courtesy of ABC News. This is the video of Abdulmutallab (aka the Christmas Day Terrorist) training in an Al Qaeda camp, shooting both the Union Jack and Israeli Flags and issuing a statement.

Promises Promises....

Okay, so I told you all that I'd update you on the status of the headscarf issue in France. Well here it is:
A woman has been fined for wearing the veil in France while driving. The excuse for her arrest? Well the French police have said "the veil restricted her vision and could have caused an accident."
This arrest comes after a series of debates in Parliament concerning the legality of women wearing the veil. The debates were ordered by President Sarkozy. On the 21st, Sarkozy ordered a bill banning the veil. He has been quoted as saying that the veils "do not pose a problem in the religious sense but threaten the dignity of women." It is reported that the State Council in France believes that such a step would violate the Human Rights and fundamental freedoms of Muslim women in France who wear the veil....Ya think?
The 31 year old woman was fined 22 euros ($29 dollars).
Neighboring country, Belgium is also said to be nearing a ban of the Muslim veil which covers the face.

Dehumanized? Did the militia go too far?

Remember when you were little and you were punished by an authority figure and you secretly wished someone would punish the person who punished you? Well guess what? It happened!! Oh not to us but to many children in Tanzania. The only question is...did the government go too far?
Okay so we all know that getting to school late is bad and teachers are normally the ones to let you know that. In Tanzania, teachers who got to school late were caned by local militia and one of the teachers is suing because she was (English word) DEHUMANIZED. Well let's see how this plays out...

Amnesty and the UAE

Amnesty International attempts to save the day again in a case of (guess what...) TORTURE. Yes people, in the UAE, 17 (yes 17 people) were arrested and sentenced to death after allegedly killing a Pakistani man. A month after their arrest,the prisoners were forced to go back to the scene of the crime and re-enact the killing where they beat up a police officer who played dead. The mock killing was video taped and is being used as evidence in court as genuine evidence against the prisoners.They were also subject to the regular incidents of torture which we've all heard about such as electric shock, being beaten with clubs, being deprived of sleep and standing on one leg for long periods of time. The 17 prisoners were sentenced to death. This was a record breaking number(guiness records anyone?) for a death sentence. However, with the help of Amnesty International, the prisoners are appealing and are due to appear in court

Zee Affairs on Talk Radio!

Hello Everyone!! Yesterday was a great day!! Those of you on facebook that got the message know that I was on GFEM's talk show last night. It was very exciting with very lively debate. I really enjoyed myself and the energy of the show. I listen to his show every Thursday so it was great to be there. We talked about Earth Day, this amazing project of Zee Affairs, and went in depth about various foreign affairs issues such as the Catholic Church, the Volcano in Iceland and acting President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. If you missed the show, that's okay you can listen to it in its entirety at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gfem-radio/2010/04/22/earth-day-what-does-it-mean-to-you

Post or email your comments! I'd LOVE to see your feedback!

Egypt and Sovereignty....here we go again.

Well well well, just when we thought the wall Egypt was planning to build was just all fine and dandy with the Gaza strip guess what...ITS NOT!!! Not to your surprise, the wall being built has faced mass protests by people living in the Gaza Strip.

Just a little background information: Egypt and Israel decided, after Hamas' movement in 2007 that it would just be a good idea to build a wall, made completely of steel which is to be 6-7 miles (10-11km). Oh, and don't try to sneak underneath of it, because it will be 18 metres below the surface.

Egypt and Israel have stated that the wall is being built to keep out weopons from the region. However, the wall is blocking a tunnel which is normally used to transport food and aid, much needed in the region.

Guess who's okay with the bomb proof steel wall being built? None other than Mohammed El Baradei. If you remember from earlier in the blog, El Baradei is the former head of the IAEA and current presidential candidate for Egyptian presidency...
Well, this will not go away silently, it's being taken to court and the case will be heard in June.

When is the March?!

Okay, so in Germany, British Catholic Bishop Richard Williamson, who belongs to a fraternity (which, by the way broke away from the Vatican) went on television in Germany denying the holocaust. He said that only 200-300,00 jews perished during the genocide. He also denied the use of gas chambers.
Just to jog your memory, denying the holocaust is illegal in Germany, so is inciting racial hatred in a medium such as national television. The Bishop said he thought the show would be airing in Sweden. Hmmm...whuteva..as my mother would say "When is the March?"

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan discusses Rehabilitation for Niger Delta Militants

Letter from "A Nigerian Daughter"

Hello Everyone and Happy Thursday! I was reading emails from some of you when one of our loyal readers Soltatu got the word on the street and brought it back to the Zebra stripe that we all know as (of course) Zee Affairs. What is it? Well it's a letter written by Nosarieme Garrick, a 25 year old daughter of a Nigerian Federal government employee. The letter expresses concerns with structural problems, financial issues, political corruption, and more, which are all plaguing Nigeria today and (she says) affect her desire to return home to Nigeria. It's a very interesting letter. I get a lot of emails about why Nigeria is the way it is when its receiving so much money in aid. TRUST ME this letter will help answer some of your questions. Click on the link and enjoy! http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/14/dear-leaders-of-nigeria/

Polish President among dead in plane Crash. Plane was en route to commemoration of Stalin's victims

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Are you shocked?

White Supremacist beaten to death in South Africa...hmmm I'm not surprised. Well just in case you're curious, the man was 69 year old Eugene Terreblanche and for a long time he has been advocating for a separate land for whites. He was beaten to death by two of his employees because of (wait for it!) unpaid wages.

Bonnie and Clyde

Well, it has come to everyone's attention that one of the terrorists from this week's earlier terrorist attacks in Russia is a 17 year old widow. Described as "black widow" she belongs to a group of women who are related or married to men who have been killed by Russian forces in areas like Dagestan, Chechnya, etc. It is not sure wether or not she was actually in the metro (bullsh*t u know she was).Dzhennet Abdurkhamanova was from Dagestan and her pictures are a striking resemblance to a photograph authorities have of her and her late husband.

Well well well. It's a sad day in France if you're one of President Sarkozy's cabinet members. Remember two wees ago when his party lost the election so he had to play musical chairs with his cabinet? Well he's not happy and he's punishing this cabinet (though he didn't exactly say he was punishing them, we can deduce this).
Cabinet members can no longer use private jets when traveling on business. This can only be done if public transport is not available due to current economic struggles. What does this mean? If you need to go and speak to the Iranian leader, fly coach, everyone else does it!

Last Crime on your mind!

Okay People, someone has gone to jail in Saudi because of witchcraft. The only problem with this is that there is no definition of witchcraft in Saudi. Television fortune teller Ali Hussein Sabat, of Lebanese origin, was convicted of Sorcery and sentenced to public execution. Lebanese Prime Minister Al Hariri has been urged to intervene in the ongoing trial... If you all just let out a huge sigh, it's because you realized your life is ten times easier.

Russian Reporter Describes Terrorist Attack

How to hold a trial against a judge...wanna know?

Spanish judge Baltazar Garzon is standing trial. Why is this important? Those who may be familiar with Garzon know that he has become famous in cases dealing with terrorism and forced disappearances. He is the judge responsible for indicting Osama bin Laden and former Chilean leader, Pinochet. The question is, why would Spain allow a court case against a judge of such influence? Garzon has recently requested a dismissal of the current proceedings against him. Conservative groups say that he abused his powers by investigating crimes during the Franco era, including the forced disappearance of approximately 100,000 people. Crimes commited during this dictatorship are normally covered by amnesty. However, Garzon claims that crimes against humanity are not covered by amnesty.

Francisco Franco ruled Spain from 1936, and was recognized as dictator by various world powers from 1939 to 1977. Many conservative groups said Garzon overstepped his boundaries and abused the powers of his office by investigating crimes that were commited during the Franco era. Garzon requested the proceedings be dropped, his request was denied.

If indicted, Garzon will be suspended definitively. As if this couldn't be enough, Garzon is also being tried in two additional cases...that's right. One for money collected during a lecture series in New York and the other for tapping phonecalls between jailbirds and their lawyers...
DANG... Why do I feel like he just might be clutching his Bible a little tighter tonight...why do things like this happen to human rights heroes? Well..all the best. In the meantime I'll keep my ear on the ground.

When will they learn?

Image courtesy of Isuto Inouye, Associated Press

So it has been noted that Japan will not be able to compete economically in the future unless it relaxes its negative attitude towards immigrants. The immigrants in Japan make up for 1.7 percent of the population. According to The Washington Post this means 2.2 million people. A majority of the immigrants are from neighboring countries like Korea, Vietnam, China, and the like. There are also immigrants from Brazil and Peru who were able to trace their Japanese ancestry and were "allowed" back into the country in 1990. However, the attitude towards these immigrants makes you wonder why they stay. Many Koreans who have lived in Japan for generations have not been naturalized as citizens and are not allowed to vote. Many of the immigrants are workers and/ or students. There are horrifying stories of farmers who "feared the nwcomers would steal their crops, built a separate dorm for the students and surrounded it with barbed wire." When speaking of their racially homogenous society and how it will not benefit the country in the future, a government official was quoted as saying, " This isn't America. When we go to the hospital to have a baby, we know what we'll get: black hair, dark eyes, skin more or less the color of mine." Japanese are said to intermarry very rarely.

That's okay, because the UN has conducted a report in 2001 that found for Japan to keep a population level close to 125 million people, Japan has to allow net migration of 17 million immigrants over 50 years. To keep the working age where it was in 1995, they would have to allow over 33 million immigrants into their country during the same time span.

Yes Japan, that's your reward for closing your iron gate all this time. If Japan doesn't allow this mass immigration (which it probably won't) then, according to Lee Hockstader of The Washington Post, there won't be enough people to take care of the elderly, nor will their be enough people to work in the agricultural sector...Oh well what will Japan do?.......

Diarrhea of the mouth

So we all know how I fel about Zuma, well there's someone who feels the complete opposite but dang he didn't have to let his view be known as much as he did. Insulting the women who were raped by President Zuma, he said that the women "must have had a nice time." Malema is now a former ANC official because of comments like these. In addition to saying that they must have enjoyed being raped, he explained that "If a woman doesn't enjoy it, she leaves early, if she does, she stays until the sunlight."....Really? hmm I guess I'll keep that in mind, but how far can these kind of comments go, before cultural sensitivity classes are given?

Who got in the middle of Libya and Switzerland? It sure wasn't me!

Okay, so you know how I feel about Gaddafi and his politics, but it seems that this time the whole world knew that he deserved an apology. The melodrama that unfolded between Libya and the Swiss government intensified, after the Swiss government voted against the construction of minarets claiming they'd obstruct its sky line. Colonel Gaddafi then called for all Muslims to boycott Switzerland, an action CJ Crowley, spokesman for the US department of state called "lots of words not necessarily lots of sense." Ms. Crowley has since apologized for her statements saying they were not reflective of US policy.

LANDSLIDE IN UGANDA

On the heels of Haiti and Chile, it has been reported that a massive landslide has hit Bududa, Uganda. The landslide was triggered by heavy rains. The body count is still being analyzed. The latest count was over 100 people, there are also at least 70 people (according to BBC) said to be missing. Prayers for the families of these individuals, may those who were found dead Rest in everlasting Peace.

Former Rwandan first Lady. Why was she arrested?

Agathe Habyarimana, widow of former President Juvenal Habyarimana was arrested in France after an international warrant had been issued for her arrest from the Rwandan government. Habyarimana had accused the present Rwandan government of her husband's assassination (which sparked the Rwandan genocide in 1994). It is still unclear whether Habyarimana will be extradited to Rwanda.