Topic: Africa

Irish chefs return to their roots

When the Irish first became prosperous, they turned their backs on traditional food. Now it's making a comeback.

Pakistan tested by battles with Al Qaeda, Taliban

The US pursuit of Al Qaeda with airstrikes complicates Pakistan's struggle against the Taliban, who launched their largest attack in months over the weekend.

Islamist militias clash in Somalia as Ethiopian troops withdraw

As 3,000 Ethiopian soldiers depart, militia groups are battling to take more control from the weak transitional government.

International news roundup

American Buffalo

An in-depth look at the animal that was our national symbol.

When college students reinvent the world

Kansas State University professor Michael Wesch’s ‘World Sim’ course – aka Anthropology 204 – helps students create new ‘cultures’ to get beyond the multiple choices to understanding the ‘why’ of global affairs.

Ghana's new president: Africa's symbol of a working democracy

John Atta Mills took the oath of office Wednesday after a closely contested race.

Will Obama push China harder?

He's been critical of monetary policy and has named human rights defenders to key posts.

Piracy raises pressure for new international tack on Somalia

The world is not willing to allow this strategic nation to remain ungoverned. Can a coordinated effort create a stable government?

If you're white, can you write about Africa?

Great expectations for Obama abroad

Team Obama is more pragmatic and less ideological than its predecessors, say diplomats and campaign advisers. Afghanistan will be a foreign-policy priority.

World

For Africa, 2008 a year to forget

Across the continent, rigged elections, ethnic violence, and failed power-sharing pacts hand Africa significant challenges to tackle in 2009.

China projects naval power in pirate fight

Its warships and special forces are due in the Gulf of Aden by Jan. 6.

One man’s quest to improve the lot of fishermen – and fish

Conservationist Crispen Wilson is helping local Indonesians recover after the tsunami, but in a way that doesn’t deplete local fish stocks.

Major foreign policy test awaits Obama in Somalia

Ethiopia confirmed this week that it will pull troops out of the troubled nation, a move that experts worry could allow the country to fall into the hands of Islamist insurgents.

The worldwide jam session

Musicians turn to new software to teach and collaborate over the Internet.

Books as great last-minute gift ideas

Opinion: Why give now?

Done wisely, we'll save lives – and wind up happier.

Good morning, Liberian media

International efforts are transforming the media from servant of warlords to independent estate.

Opinion: To save Zimbabwe, South Africa must step up

Its clout is needed to help end the ruin Mugabe has wrought.

Pursuit of Somali pirates to get hotter

UN allows antipiracy forces to chase them onto land, attack them by air. But Security Council seems unprepared to address the instability that makes Somalia a 'failed state.'

Africans join forces to fight the LRA

Southern Sudan, Uganda, and Congo launched operation Lightning Thunder this week to flush the Lord's Resistance Army out of its base in northern Congo.

Zimbabwe cholera outbreak threatens regional stability

Disease is the latest sign of breakdown in the most basic government services. As the problem spreads, neighboring nations may increase pressure on Mugabe to step down.

The Monitor's View: Zero hour in Zimbabwe

Military intervention tempts, but there are other ways to oust despot Mugabe.