"Over the last 50 years Western governments have paid more than £400bn in aid to Africa. But according to figures from the World Bank, half of sub-Saharan Africans still live in extreme poverty. Why has so much assistance had so little impact?" - BBC
The BBC has put together a documentary and an article regarding aid in Africa (with a focus on Uganda). The two video clips are revealing of the dire conditions in Uganda and the articles discuss some of the causes of corruption, the results of lost aid and who is actually receiving the money.
This comes as Former US President Jimmy Carter completes his visit in Zimbabwe with reports that he is shocked at the level of crisis in the country. Zimbabwe, still in the midst of political upheaval, has also been hit with an outbreak of cholera which has been compounded by poor water supplies, understaffed hospitals and shortages of medication and aid.
As Somali pirates continue to hold a huge supertanker off the coast, there are new calls for UN naval patrols. However, it is unclear how much this would improve the situation as warships from at least nine countries have been operating in the region and particularly in the Gulf of Aden to try and protect merchant vessels and tankers. It will be interesting to watch how this situation develops and what impacts, if any, it will have on pushing the international community to impose more regulations on the relatively lawless seas.
Recent elections in Venezuela seem to indicate that President Chavez is weakening as opposition members won governorships in several key provinces. Yet the Wall Street Journal cautions against any real expectations of change in the country as the opposition parties remain quite divided and Mr. Chavez's popular support sits at around 60%. However, given Venezuela's relatively powerful position within Latin America, any perceived weakening will undoubtedly affect international relations.
This comes as Former US President Jimmy Carter completes his visit in Zimbabwe with reports that he is shocked at the level of crisis in the country. Zimbabwe, still in the midst of political upheaval, has also been hit with an outbreak of cholera which has been compounded by poor water supplies, understaffed hospitals and shortages of medication and aid.
As Somali pirates continue to hold a huge supertanker off the coast, there are new calls for UN naval patrols. However, it is unclear how much this would improve the situation as warships from at least nine countries have been operating in the region and particularly in the Gulf of Aden to try and protect merchant vessels and tankers. It will be interesting to watch how this situation develops and what impacts, if any, it will have on pushing the international community to impose more regulations on the relatively lawless seas.
Recent elections in Venezuela seem to indicate that President Chavez is weakening as opposition members won governorships in several key provinces. Yet the Wall Street Journal cautions against any real expectations of change in the country as the opposition parties remain quite divided and Mr. Chavez's popular support sits at around 60%. However, given Venezuela's relatively powerful position within Latin America, any perceived weakening will undoubtedly affect international relations.
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