A new issue of Africa Spectrum is out. From Le Monde diplomatique, Philippe Rekacewicz on utopian Africa, useful Africa, and unequal development, selective investments. How African is the Arab revolution? The belief that countries need strong dictators runs deep in Africa, but Kenya, Namibia and South Sudan point to a freer future. The happiest place on earth: Nigeria is beset by poverty, corruption and violence, but a poll says it is the world's most optimistic nation. Without a savior: Rian Malan on the staggering breadth of southern Africa's political dysfunction (and more). Mapping the “Green Sahara”: We should not think of the Sahara as a recent phenomenon — it does seem to be geologically ancient, despite periodic humid interregnums. To fight AIDS, Swaziland turns to mass circumcision. Why Western military contractors are a terrible idea for Somalia. William Duggan, co-author of The Aid Trap, says a Marshall Plan model could work in Africa, too. A review of Chocolate Nations: Living and Dying for Cocoa in West Africa by Orla Ryan. Eric Reeves on the promise and peril of an independent Republic of South Sudan. Barry Malone on the African Union’s existential crisis. Mickey Mouse Independent Nations: Femi Akomolafe debunks the disingenous argument that African colonialists packed their bags and left the continent alone and independent. Ending malaria in Africa any time soon is nearly hopeless — and in trying, Jeffrey Sachs and Bill Gates may be doing more harm than good. Can you hear us now? Why technology is Africa's latest, greatest poverty fighter. Rapped Up: How Uganda’s regime harnessed social media to keep itself in power. When they beg for alms, are Senegalese “talibes” supporting Quranic schools — or being exploited? A review of The Curse of Berlin: Africa After the Cold War by Adekeye Adebajo.
