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The article looks at environmental conditions in Darfur, an area in the west of Sudan, and surmises that this may be the reason for the human rights atrocities that have happened there. Rainfall and good soil are so scarce that people must fight for it. Environmental conditions that lead to 'resource wars' may also be at the heart of fighting in Somalia and Zimbabwe. The article interviews survivors of the Darfur genocide and discusses the peacekeeping attempts made by the U.S. government.

The article offers information on brutalities and cruel behavior of 'Ndrangheta, a mafia clan, against people in Calabria, Italy. Topics discussed include death of Maria Concetta Cacciola for betraying the mafia and bringing shame to her family, a programme launched to protect and rescue women and children and money laundering act of the mafia in London, England.

The article focuses on the 'Ndrangheta Mafia family from Calabria, Italy which remained strong due to loyalty, however its treatment of women has been unfair. Topics include its member Lea Garofalo's elopement with cocaine smuggler Carlo Cosco, Garofalo's mysterious death that is attributed to her desire to be free from the Mafia family, and the finances of the 'Ndranghetas. Also discussed are the controversies surrounding the 'Ndranghetas and the tragic lives of its women.

Discusses where al-Qaeda fighters might be located in the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Efforts of the Pakistani government and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to hunt the Osama Bin Laden network of terrorists in tribal areas; Description of clashes with al-Qaeda fighters who sought refuge along the border or were passing through on the way to Indonesia, Yemen, and the Arabian Gulf; Speculation about a connection between the terrorist fighters and the murder of U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl.

Discusses the outlook for nuclear conflict resulting from the conflict between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir territory. Background on the dispute over Kashmir, which has a Muslim majority and fuels Pakistan's claims to the area, while Hindu India refuses to let go of the region; Role of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in escalating conflict; View that he is despised by Islamic extremist groups because of his cooperation in the United States-led war on terrorism; Role of the U.S. in the crisis.

Profiles John Walker, an American who became a Taliban fighter. Details surrounding his detention by Johnny Spann of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); Biographical information; His conversion to Islamic fundamentalism and move to Yemen; Comments of Walker surrounding the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole; Possibility that there are additional Americans who fought for the Taliban. INSET: What Do We Do with Him?, by Karen Tumulty.

Presents a personal narrative of the fighting between Northern Alliance troops and Pakistani-born Taliban troops following the seizure of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Abandonment of the city by the Taliban; Execution of Pakistani troops as they surrendered; Conditions of those who were captured by the Northern Alliance.

The article offers the author's view on the common misconceptions about economy and government of Africa. The author states several misconceptions such as famine-prone, full of bloodthirsty dictators, and China taking over Africa. The author notes that the idea that China is acting as a modern-day imperialist is wrong, and the biggest investor in the continent is still France. The author mentions that Africa is experiencing economic explosion.

The cover story is presented, which offers an interview with the contemporary American filmmaker Noah Baumbach is presented. Particular focus is given to his 2015 film "Mistress America," which stars Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke. Additional topics discussed include the father-son-dynamic that he explores in the film "The Squid and the Whale," his film "Margot at the Wedding," his collaborations with the actress and writer Greta Gerwig and how he has shot several of his most recent films on digital video.

The article discusses the struggle of foreign migrants in fleeing to Europe. Topics discussed include majority of the migrants who were rescued by the Italian Navy were Syrians, Eritreans and Somalis, who went through boats off the coast of Libya, reasons for migrants fleeing their home countries in the Middle East and North Africa like escaping conflict and persecution, and Calogera Ferrara revealed that multinational organized crime groups contributed to smuggling of migrants to Europe.

The article discusses conditions in Sudan and South Sudan, focusing on ongoing violence in South Sudan since its 2011 independence from Sudan. Topics include genocide in South Sudan and comparisons to the Rwandan genocide; the involvement of actor George Clooney in the South's independence and raising global awareness; and a discussion of humanitarian intervention, including activities by Western states and the United Nation's (UN) Responsibility to Protect doctrine.

The article offers the author's insights on Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud, who founded the Peace and Development Party (PDP) in 2010. The author says that Mohamud is the first President of the permanent civilian government in Somalia since the civil war in the country in 1991. He mentions that Mohamud's job is to put back together the world's failed state and establish prosperity and peace.

The article focuses on politics and government in South Africa with a focus on violence in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The article discusses the political violence against the African National Congress (ANC), noting 15 ANC members have been assassinated including ANC's regional secretary Sbu Sibiya. It also states the country's President Jacob Zuma has denied allegations of political corruption.

The article discusses the political, social, and economic impact of the international drug trade on West Africa, particularly focusing on the role of Guinea-Bissau in the cocaine trade between Latin American producers and European consumers. It addresses the lack of resources in many West African nations to prevent drug trafficking and solve the problem once it starts.

The article discusses Rwanda's President Paul Kagame as of September 24, 2012, focusing on the political, economic, and social conditions in the country under Kagame's leadership, as well as an examination of several allegations of human rights violations against Kagame. An overview of Kagame's life is provided, including information on his childhood in the village of Tambwe, Rwanda and his help in forming the Rwandan Patriotic Front political party.

The article looks at political and security conditions in Somalia as of 2012. It notes that the country has seen continual warfare for over 20 years. It reports that the African Union Mission in Somalia (ANISOM) has succeeded in bringing peace to large areas of the country by subduing armed warlords and the Islamist group al-Shabab. Lessons the Somalia case offers for international peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts are discussed.

The article describes ongoing hostilities between Sudan and South Sudan as of 2012, particularly as it relates to the Nuba tribe that fought with the south for independence but falls under northern jurisdiction. Issues including border disputes, bombings and raids, and religious and racial genocide are discussed.

The article discusses Youssou N'Dour, a Senegalese musician and candidate in the 2012 presidential election of Senegal. The article examines Senegalese politics including the election of Abdoulaye Wade as President in 2000, the Y'en a Marre movement, and N'Dour's civil-society movement Fekke Ma Ci Bole. Protests against changes to Senegal's constitution by Wade, the possibility that the 2012 election will be fixed, and the spread of the political movement through Africa are discussed.

The article presents world news as of March 25, 2013. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. Thousands of dead pigs were found in rivers that serve as the drinking water supply for Shanghai, China. Residents of the Falkland Islands voted to keep the archipelago under British rule in a referendum.

The article offers world news briefs as of January 2013. France took military action against armed Islamists in northern Mali. Somali pirate leader Mohamed Abdi Hassan announced he is retiring from piracy. Pakistani preacher Tahir ul-Qadri led protesters in Islamabad calling to oust the democratically elected President Asif Zardari.

The article looks at African terrorist groups inspired by terrorist organization al-Qaeda. The three main groups mentioned are Boko Haram, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and al-Shabab. Topics discussed include a bombing in Abuja, Nigeria by a Boku Haram militant, how Islamic insurgencies could threaten the nascent economic growth of Nigeria and Kenya, and increasing internationalization of the groups.

The article looks at African farmers transitioning to businesspeople. Topics discussed include the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX) trading floor that sells food products including coffee, sesame, and wheat, how transitioning to commercial agriculture from subsistence farming could end the country's chronic poverty, and the indoor farms in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya and Ethiopia. Potentially dangerous and exploitative working conditions on the commercial farms are investigated.

The article focuses on the role of the U.S. in dealing with the Islamic extremists in Somalia and the famine in 2011. Topics include the involvement of the U.S. in blocking assistance to Somalia, the drought and starvation risks for the people, and the struggle of aid groups like the United Nations World Food Programme and Oxfam International to provide assistance.

The article discusses modern-day pirates operating out of Somalia. The author speaks to pirate king Fingers, who explains how investors hire pirates and describes the risks of piracy, like starvation. Somalia's unstable government is noted. Also discussed is the pirates' increased range, frequency, and violence of attacks, the cost of piracy for traders, and the use of the hijacked South Korean ship the "Golden Wave" as a mother ship. The mythical pirate heaven Libertalia is discussed.

The article discusses the highlights of Pivot25, a conference for mobile-phone software developers and investors held in Nairobi, Kenya in June 2011. Information on the social and economic impact of the advent of mobile phones in Africa is provided, along with how Africans are changing technology. A plan to construct the new Konza Technology City by the end of 2011 was revealed by Bitange Ndemo, permanent secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Information and Communications.

The article focuses on Eko Atlantic, an artificial island in Lagos, Nigeria, that will house residential and commercial properties. The need for the island due to overcrowding, pollution and traffic problems is explored. Information is offered on Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola and his success in improving infrastructure and his creation of the Lagos Economic Summit.

The article discusses social and political conditions in Nigeria and the role of youth in supplanting the country's past political corruption. Nigeria's history since it gained independence in 1960 is described, noting poverty, poor health, and other adverse circumstances that have existed since due to government corruption. Change that may ensue with April 2011 presidential, parliamentary and regional elections is discussed.

The article discusses the business venture of mobile banking technology in Kenya. It is suggested that the innovation can boost GDP (gross domestic product), increase revenue, and improve the lifestyles and banking opportunities for African people. Also included are examples of the banks, like Safaricom and Equity Bank, and their profits as well as a comparison of traditional banking with mobile banking.

The article discusses China's foreign investment in Africa. Africa's relatively high rate of economic development from 2007-2009 is noted, as if the almost tenfold increase in China's trade with Africa in the 2000s. Examples are presented of China's investments in Africa, which often involve infrastructure creation projects in return for access to minerals and other primary commodities.

This article discusses how the discovery of oil in Ghana and Uganda will affect each country. The article speculates about whether each country will suffer the same consequences as such other African nations as Nigeria. Nigeria so mismanages its oil industry that its own gas stations run out of gasoline on a regular basis. Nigeria doesn't use the riches from its oil to improve itself because the country is ruled by corruption and avarice.

The article reports that South Sudan, Africa is planning to become an independent nation at a referendum on independence on January 9, 2011. Aid workers and politicians such as United Nations regional coordinator David Gressly and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter do not believe Sudan will be ready for secession by 2011.

The article discusses the presidency of South African President Jacob Zuma. The author comments that critics question Zuma's ability to lead South Africa, facing issues such as crime, poverty, and AIDS. Zuma will face a public test of his leadership when South Africa hosts the World Cup in June, 2010.

The article looks at the political state of South Africa as of 2009. Political scandals and accusations of corruption have diminished the power of African National Congress (ANC) . The author notes that the nation's fourth democratic general election will be held on April 22, 2009. The decline of the ANC since the departure of former member Nelson Mandela is discussed.

The article focuses on Africa's newfound oil reserves and the question of whether the resultant oil profits will solve or increase Africa's problems. Tests suggest that West Africa islands São Tomé and Principe may be sitting on billions of barrels of oil. According to Nicholas Shaxson's book "Poisoned Wells," the U.S. is increasingly dependent on West African oil, but oil profits don't necessarily help the region.

The author reflects on the state of screenwriting as of January 2020. He discusses his experience of working professionally as a screenwriter for the past five years, an example wherein a great producer is a writer's best friend, and the similarity between writing an original script out of passion that fails to get produced and being paid by a studio to arrive at the same end result.