Topic: South Africa

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Father of the Rainbow Nation: How well do you know Nelson Mandela?

Revolutionary and reconciler, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his opposition to apartheid in South Africa before becoming the country's first black president.How well do you know this towering global statesman?
Spring training: 10 inspiring books about running

Spring is in the air. Lace up, put your shorts on, and pound some pavement!
5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet

Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
12 electrifying memoirs and biographies you might have missed

Check out these 12 recent memoirs and biographies that might have escaped your notice.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:

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12 electrifying memoirs and biographies you might have missed

Check out these 12 recent memoirs and biographies that might have escaped your notice.
Central African Republic preps for peace talks as regional troops arrive

Amid a weak truce, CAR officials and rebels are preparing to negotiate in Gabon as South African, Chadian forces arrive to secure the Central African Republic's capital. What are the prospects for peace?
South Africa confirms Mandela's recovery

The South African government released an official statement confirming former President Nelson Mandela's recovery from a lung infection and surgery. A Nobel Peace Prize winner and inspirational figure worldwide, Mandela, now 94, has been in frail health for several years.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
5 great interviews with female crime authors

From Denise Mina to Nevada Barr, here are recent insights from some of the best contemporary female crime authors.
Parents of journalist missing in Syria make public plea for his release (+video)

The parents of James Foley, age 39, who was kidnapped Syria while on assignment as a videographer for Agence France-Press have had no news of their son in six weeks. In 2012, 28 journalists were killed in Syria.
J.R.R. Tolkien: 10 quotes on his birthday

10 memorable quotes on life by the author of the popular "Lord of the Rings" series.
Africa's energy consumption growing fastest in world

Africa's energy demands are skyrocketing, but with 64 recent major discoveries of fuel deposits, it is in a good position to meet its needs.
Opinion: In 2013, nothing more important than protecting hopes for democracy

The world faces serious issues in 2013, including debt and climate change. But nothing is more important to international stability and human progress than the aspirations of people upending authoritarian rule in pursuit of self-government. A look at three cases: Egypt, Myanmar, Malawi.
Sports in 2012: here are some Monitor highlights

It’s impossible to list all the records set in 2012, but here’s a short rundown of some heralded highlights, plus 20 of our favorites, including some you might have missed.
Modern Parenthood Parental leave global comparison: US still among least generous

Parental leave policies that guarantee new moms leave with income are available in 169 countries – the US is not among them, showed a study by Harvard and McGill Universities.
Ban Ki-moon, UN Security Council slam Israel on settlements

The UN chief and every Security Council member other than the US, which remained silent, denounced on Wednesday Israel's plans to expand its settlements.
Modern Parenthood Tipping television: a growing American child safety hazard

Falling furniture – particularly the tipping television – is a growing American public health concern, especially for children. A record number of American kids were killed by TVs (12) in 2011, and 13,800 were injured by TVs, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Opinion: Is South Africa following the path of 'the strongman'?

South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, was once a post-apartheid hero. Now it is the latest caricature of African bad governance, and it no longer resonates with the people. At its upcoming meeting, the party must embrace internal debate and reject economic nationalism.
How basketry preserved a people

Zulu basketry began to die out because of tin and plastic containers, but now the craft is flourishing.
Ghana pulls off sixth 'free and fair' election in model for region

Despite problems with the voter registry and allegations of vote rigging, Ghanaians have once again chosen their president: John Dramani Mahama.
The Monitor's View: How to avoid revenge killings in post-Assad Syria

The end appears near for the Assad regime in Syria. The opposition and world powers must do more to prevent the kind of post-conflict revenge – mainly against Alawites – that could ricochet in the Middle East.
Price of a vacation on the moon? $1.5 billion.

The company is aiming for a first launch before the end of the decade and then up 15 or 20 launches total.
Cover Story Inside the mind of Iran's Khamenei (+video)

Why Iran's iron ayatollah distrusts the US and what that means for nuclear talks and the possibility of war with the West.
Why Kate Middleton's pregnancy is big news in America (+video)

Brits are mostly taking Kate Middleton's pregnancy in stride. But in the US, British royalty fascinates the public, and news organizations. ABC News has a baby names poll for Kate and William's child.
Decoder Wire Amid GOP rage against Susan Rice, how Hillary Clinton has remained unscathed

Unlike Ambassador Rice, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has not come under fire for Benghazi – a reflection of strong relationships she built in the Senate, and the broad popularity she currently enjoys.
USGA rule change: Is this the end for belly putters in golf?

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the U.S. Golf Association said the proposed rule would make it illegal for pro golfers to "anchor" the club to their bodies while making a stroke. The new rule would not take effect until 2016.
Goma's fall: Could UN troops in Congo have done more to prevent it?

The ease Tuesday with which rebels overran Goma, one of DR Congo's largest cities, underscores UN peacekeepers' 'difficult problem': their limited mandate.
World Bank: Tackle warming or poverty remains

Climate change will hit all nations, but especially the poor ones, says new World Bank report. Warming could flood Vietnam and Bangladesh, dry out other areas, causing water scarcity.
Backchannels As rockets fly, the Gaza image and propaganda war grinds on

So far, the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas is as much about muscle-flexing, installing terror in the enemy, and image management as it is about the sadly mounting toll of the dead.