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PARTY MEMBERSHIP How to join the party – Getting into the vanguard of the Chinese elite To well-educated Chinese, Communist Party membership is worth fighting for, even if it is not easy to attain June 23rd 2021 ECONOMIST  The fight against … Continue reading →

China’s methods of surveillance Busybodies, backed by AI, are restoring the party’s visibility How Communist Party members help to keep a close eye on Chinese citizens—and on each other June 23rd 2021 ECONOMIST  In 2018 xi jinping visited one of Shanghai’s … Continue reading →

Islands of democracy Why Africa’s island-states are generally freer Size is important; so is being an island Jun 26th 2021 ECONOMIST Cape verde may be best known for white sand beaches. But the archipelago, about 500km off the coast of Africa, … Continue reading →

Belgitude: the art of Belgian zen A rogue soldier explains life in Europe’s strangest country Jun 24th 2021 ECONOMIST Allowing a soldier to go awol is a misfortune. Allowing a soldier to go awol armed with stolen machineguns, four rocket-launchers and a pledge to “join … Continue reading →

The Delta variant is serious. Here’s why it’s on the rise. The virus variant that caused infections to spike in the U.K. is now spreading in the U.S., and experts are very worried. BY SANJAY MISHRA PUBLISHED JUNE 16, 2021 NATIONAL … Continue reading →

After the caliphate – Relative peace gives Iraq a chance to build a functioning state. If it fails, mayhem beckons June 19th 2021 ECONOMIST  Since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, a blood-soaked despot, Iraq has lurched from crisis to civil war and … Continue reading →

Discover the planet’s last few ‘naturally quiet’ places From Taiwan to Washington state, peaceful places remind us that quiet has the power to heal, especially in these pandemic times. JUNE 17, 2020 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Quiet may be making a comeback. … Continue reading →

Too hot to live: Millions worldwide will face unbearable temperatures A warming climate is likely to push entire regions out of their comfort zones—and make staying cool a matter of survival. DASHT-E LUT, IRAN. A morning traveler surveys what might be … Continue reading →

MALI – General, Rough Guide BURKINA FASO – General, Rough Guide  NIGER – General, World Heritage Sites, Today, Rough Guide CHAD – General, Today, Rough Guide CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC – General, Rough Guide 

A Dictator dies – Chad’s strongman president, Idriss Deby, is killed by rebels. His demise after 30 years in power may lead to instability at home and across the Sahel April 22, 2021 Economist His Presidency started with a rebellion. … Continue reading →