Topic: South Africa

Energy Voices Obama's climate legacy: What will he accomplish in his second term?

Could President Obama use a second term to burnish his legacy on the climate not only to his country, but also to the planet?

Gas-to-liquids is a risky investment

Africa warms to new Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Members of Africa's largely conservative Anglican communion say Welby understands the challenges that the church faces on the continent and can stave off a schism.

When did humans get smart? Maybe a lot earlier than some thought.

A find in South Africa suggests that humans had mastered the skill of producing small stone blades – and could pass on the know-how – as early as 71,000 years ago.

Change Agent One by one, Vietnam deals with unexploded bombs

Since starting work in Vietnam in 1999, the Mines Advisory Group has destroyed an average of 15,000 unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War era each year that continue to kill or injure thousands of Vietnamese.

Opinion: How to give cooperative businesses more clout in the world economy

Against a backdrop of sluggish economic growth, rising wealth inequality, and high unemployment, cooperative businesses are telling an unexpected story of stability, growth, and value. They could do even more good if they received greater political and public support.

The New Economy Anglo American's female CEO stepping down. It's 'right time.' (+video)

Anglo American's first female CEO, Cynthia Carroll, took over the when the platinum producer was booming. But missteps by Anglo American in Chile and strikes in South Africa have exacerbated a worldwide slide in commodity prices.

Cover Story Reverse brain drain: Economic shifts lure migrants home

The tide of brain drain – from developing countries to industrialized nations – has turned. Human capital is returning home to Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa, while some European professionals squeezed by the recession, turn toward developing countries for advancement.

Raising the Costa Concordia, the biggest sea salvage operation ever (+video)

As its captain waits to hear whether he will face charges after capsizing, the Costa Concordia still lies off Giglio Island. Now, hundreds of workers are preparing to float the wreckage.

Chapter & Verse Booker Prize nominee Tan Twan Eng talks about his novel 'The Garden of Evening Mists'

Malaysian writer Tan Twan Eng: how to write historical novels that are also timeless.

Opinion: Politics around Benghazi tragedy distract us from bigger issues in Middle East

Deflecting some of the heat the Romney campaign has aimed at President Obama and Joe Biden for the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton claimed responsibility for the security of US diplomats. America’s blind focus on avenging terrorism diverts us from asking hard questions about its historical roots – and our dubious alliances today.

Opinion: The path forward in Georgia: Will billionaire Ivanishvili invest in democracy?

Georgia’s Oct. 1 parliamentary elections set up billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili to become prime minister. This presents a unique opportunity to build a consolidated democracy, develop civil society, and seek justice for those persecuted under President Mikhail Saakashvili.

Opinion: How to create jobs in Africa

Despite recent economic success, Africa needs a free-market makeover to create jobs for its high youth population. Zambia embodies the challenge – and opportunity – to create jobs by making it easier for businesses to operate and grow.

Gauging poverty from Appalachia to Africa

A Monitor correspondent, who grew up in West Virginia, discusses the poverty she's seen firsthand while working as a journalist in Africa.

Tiny 'Dracula' dinosaur had bristles and fangs, ate veggies

The 200-million-year-old dinosaur 'was two-legged, probably fleet-footed, and had grasping hands,' said researcher Paul Sereno.

Energy Voices South Africa OKs fracking for natural gas

South Africa has lifted a ban on the hydraulic fracturing, a controversial method for tapping natural gas reserves commonly known as "fracking," according to OilPrice.com. South Africa ranks among the top ten global owners of shale gas resources and some say fracking will help the country exploit these resources.

Change Agent Five cities and the groups that are making them green

Around the world cities are promoting urban agriculture to help feed their growing populations.

Opinion: Supreme Court case tests US leadership in human rights

Today the Supreme Court will assess whether US courts can hear lawsuits that pertain to events outside the country. If the justices eventually decide 'no,' an important avenue for redress will be closed to foreign victims of human-rights abuses – and America’s beacon will shine less brightly.

Readers Write: Labor unions deserve our thanks; Alcohol is deadliest drug

Letters to the Editor for the October 1, 2012 weekly print issue: Only 12 percent of workers are in unions now, but we should remember how unions have improved our lives and thank the many laborers around us today. In driving accidents, alcohol – not marijuana – is the deadliest drug.

3 lawyers test human rights cases from abroad in Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will hear a case Monday which could determine whether cases involving foreign governments committing atrocities in their own countries should be heard in the US court system.

When Al Shabab's last stronghold falls, will a guerrilla war follow?

Kenyan soldiers launched an attack on Kismayo, the last stronghold of Islamist group Al Shabab in Somalia. But many worry that if Kismayo falls, Al Shabab may revert to terrorist attacks.

Chapter & Verse What books to assign to a group of inmate-students?

Dickens or Denisovich? Mailer or Malamud? This professor agonized over the reading list for a class of prison inmates.

RIM surprises market: More people are using BlackBerrys (+video)

RIM stock surges 20 percent in after-market trading, reporting smaller-than-expected losses and gains in BlackBerry subscribers in emerging markets. But RIM's future hangs on delayed BlackBerry 10.

Global News Blog How higher education may be easing the global recession

A new OECD report on education in the world's top economies highlights the importance of higher education, which includes vocational schooling, during an economic downturn.

Sudan and South Sudan strike 'partial peace' deal

Though analysts call the peace deal between Sudan and South Sudan 'partial,' President Obama praised the move, calling it an 'important step' away from conflict.