African Arguments reports on the potential for change in Ethiopia as Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s health appears to be declining. Zenawi has...
African Arguments reports on the potential for change in Ethiopia as Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s health appears to be declining. Zenawi has removed himself from the daily governing of his country and many are hopeful that if he leaves office before the 2015 elections, a new Prime Minister would steer the nation back towarddemocracy. Democracy Digest notes the situation could lead to the elevation of Unity for Democracy and Justice Party leader Birtukan Midekssa and highlights her Freedom Collection interview. As the Olympic Games begin to come to a close, we look at the economic impact of the 30th Olympiad. One infographic reveals both the immediate economic impact and the long-term effects of the Games on the London economy, such as a 750 million pound increase in consumer spending and a 1.37 billion pound increase in economic output per year. Women from Saudi Arabia and Qatar participated in the Olympics for the first time this week, with this year’s games marking the first Olympiad with all participating countries fielding female athletes. While this was heralded as progress by many, the Council on Foreign Relations blog, points out backlash back home including Twitter attacks. Bike riders from the Sea to Shining Sea event celebrated in the Atlantic Ocean after completing two months of cross-country bike riding. The Sea to Shining Sea website breaks down the ride by the numbers: 3,698 miles, 18,765 feet of elevation gain and traveled through 14 states.
