Topic: North Africa

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Briefing
Five things to know about Freedom House's latest global rankings

A look at the 2012 Freedom House ranking of 197 countries according to their relative freedom.
Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
In Pictures: Unusual military hats
'Nakba Day' protests: What regional leaders said

Protests erupted on Israel’s borders and throughout East Jerusalem and the West Bank on Sunday as Palestinians marked the 63rd anniversary of Israel’s independence, which they refer to as the “nakba,” or catastrophe. Here is a roundup of notable statements:
How Syria and other countries use emergency rule to quash dissent

The concept of emergency rule has been at the forefront of much of the Mideast unrest. Meant to help a country in times of danger, emergency law has sometimes been turned into a political tool.

All Content

Facebook opens office in Dubai

Facebook established an office in the Middle East for the first time on Wednesday, in Dubai's Internet City.
Keep Calm
As Europe peers into economic chasm, Africa's economy is rising

Reports by the African Development Bank, World Bank, and McKinsey show how Africa continues to offer a bright spot in the global economy.
Half as many women die during pregnancy, childbirth as in 1990

Worldwide, maternal mortality has been cut in half in the past 20 years, says a new UN-World Bank report. India and Nigeria accounted for about one-third of the 287,000 deaths in 2010 attributed to problems during pregnancy or childbirth.
With Iran, Syria looming, can Obama save NATO from disaster at Chicago summit?

The 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon produced a bold vision for NATO’s future. With one week to the Chicago summit, not nearly enough progress has been made. To avoid the Chicago summit ending up as a total bust, Obama must push NATO leaders to address three key issues.
Latin America Monitor
Press freedom falls in Latin America, French journalist missing in Colombia

Freedom of the press is under threat in much of the Americas, according to a Freedom House report.
Osama bin Laden raid documents available online today

Documents recovered from Osama bin Laden's Pakistan compound will show bin Laden's strategy for overthrowing Afghanistan.
Briefing
Five things to know about Freedom House's latest global rankings

A look at the 2012 Freedom House ranking of 197 countries according to their relative freedom.
Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
One dead, three wounded in separate Damascus attacks Tuesday

A car bomb wounded three early Tuesday near the Old City part of the Syrian capital. Meanwhile, a Syrian agent was found dead in another Damascus neighborhood.
Assad's actions in Syria spur US to consider intervening

The ongoing violence in Syria, despite the regime's lip service to the Annan peace plan, has pushed the Obama administration to weigh stronger steps.
Tunisia debate turns personal: 'Pray more and turn down that Metallica'

Tensions between Tunisia's secularists and newly empowered Islamists are playing between brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, as the country drafts a new constitution.
Global News Blog
In Milan, more residents answer to Hu than Ferrari

A list of the most common names in Milan revealed the extent to which immigration has changed the character of the business-oriented city. 
Backchannels
Did Libya's revolution topple Mali into crisis?

Maybe, but the Tuaregs have longed for independence for decades, and Mali's security has been declining for years.
Al Qaeda rocked by apparent cyberattack. But who did it?

Al Qaeda's core jihadi websites have all been hit by an apparent cyberattack. For a group in flux, it's a big blow, but the nature of the attack raises questions about who's responsible.
Libya to Europe: Remember us?

Former Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril traveled to Brussels to warn European leaders about the dangers of abandoning their work in Libya before the country is stabilized.
Algeria: France's Toulouse gunman is not ours

French media have repeatedly pointed out Mohammed Merah's Algerian roots, but their Algerian counterparts note that he was born and raised in France.
Free Men: movie review

The movie benefits from actor Tahar Rahim's subtle performance, but turns into a low-key thriller towards the end.
Army rule: Egyptian military doctor acquitted for 'virginity tests'

The decision by a military court today disappointed rights groups who saw the case as a chance to curtail the Egyptian military's culture of impunity.
Chapter & Verse
In an age of Kindles, Harcourt Bindery sticks to tried-and-true book methods

The Charlestown, Mass., bindery still makes books by hand, using a 19th-century production model.
After Yemen election, life after Saleh begins

Yemen began a new era without Ali Abdullah Saleh on Wednesday after Tuesday's uncontested election ousted the leader by the 'Arab Spring' uprisings.
Islamist attacks draw Nigeria and US military closer

Dealing with Islamist groups such as Nigeria's Boko Haram will require more than a purely military approach, although Nigeria welcomes training from the US military's Africa Command.
Change Agent
Turning the opinions of Arab Spring youths into data – and creating change

Silatech and Gallup have teamed to collect detailed data on the views of Arab youths toward jobs and success – all to help policymakers make better decisions.
Syrian forces fire on crowded funeral procession

Activists say two were killed in the latest violence, which came during a visit to Syria by a Chinese envoy.
Change Agent
Crisis Action makes a big noise using quiet citizen diplomacy

Crisis Action acts like a coach or talent scout for humanitarian and other citizen groups – but always behind the scenes.
Africa Monitor
Fiery South African youth leader suspended, but the fire remains (+video)

Suspension of ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema may soothe South Africa's political and economic elites. But guest blogger Zama Ndlovu says youths won't remain silent.