Middle East & Africa

Libya Looks to the Future After Qadhafi’s Death

October 23, 2011 (Vietnamica) — Despite the desire to see him stand trial, former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar al-Qadhafi’s death should allow the democratic transition process to begin in earnest. The absence of a messy, drawn-out legal process which may have lasted years removes a major potential symbolic obstacle to the state-building and reconciliation process. Major challenges to be faced by the Transitional National Council (TNC) include assimilating previously hostile factions, disarming a militarised population, and erecting durable and transparent new power structures.

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Libya: Gadhafi’s Death in Perspective

Libya: Gadhafi’s Death in Perspective

October 21, 2011 (Vietnamica) — Rebel fighters killed former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi on Oct. 20 outside the town of Sirte. His body was then brought back to Misurata, where it was filmed being dragged through the streets. Several close aides, including family members, have been reported killed or captured as well.

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A Comparative Analysis of Industrialisation – the African Union vs. ASEAN

Oct 11, 2011 (Africa Insight) — The Africa Insight research journal (published by the Africa Institute of South Africa) introduced a paper titled “A Comparative Analysis of Industrialisation: The Case of the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations” in Sept 2011.

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Israel Supports Hi-tech Dairy Farm in HCMC

September 26, 2011 (Vietnamica) – An experimental hi-tech dairy farm – partly covered by Israel’s financial and technical assistance – will start operation in December 2011 in Ho Chi Minh city. Development cost of the 9.8-ha farm cost is US$6.3 million. Israel provides the project with an ODA loan of US$1 million.

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Yemen: President’s Return Risks Escalation of Violence

September 25, 2011 (IHS Global Insight) – On Sept 23, Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh arrived in the capital, Sana’a, having spent nearly four months in neighboring Saudi Arabia recovering from a deadly attack on his presidential compound in June. He arrives amid an extremely tense atmosphere, with many observers and locals fearing an escalation of conflict after days of unprecedented violence in the capital.

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The 10 Longest Serving African Leaders

September 9, 2011 (Vietnamica) – In January 2011, the 10 longest serving African leaders were as follows.

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