Topic: South Africa

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.

Gone spear hunting: Ancestors used stone spear tips 500,000 years ago

Stone spear tips from South Africa date to 500,000 years ago, says new research. Human ancestors were hunting with stone spears about 200,000 years earlier than scientists previously thought.

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.