Heavyweight match in South Africa during apartheid era.

This article seems to be the most interesting for me thus far. First off I have become more and more interested in the politics behind sports throughout Africa, especially during the apartheid era. This article is of a little known heavyweight boxing match in 1979 that took place between an African American from tennessee and a proclaimed Afrikaner. The entire irony of this whole situation is that South Africa held the event in their country at a venue that was primarily for whites. There was a massive uproar about the entire situation leading to a halt in the sports boycott in south Africa so that they could hold the event and show their champion to the world.

It was the first time that black south Africans were let into the venue at the height of apartheid. John Tate, the american fighter ended up winning the bout unanimously. It was shocking to read this article knowing the horrible affects of apartheid on the black citizens of South Africa. The fight alone was heavily political and involved so much more than just a fight. apparently sponsors and investors gained heavily from one of the top gold producer's in the world. Another thing is that Tate did not seem interested in the problems of apartheid as he broke the boycott by entering the country, essentially showing disregard for the black population. this was an amazing story that really could have changed the storyline of apartheid yet failed miserably.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/21/sports/gerrie-coetzee-vs-john-tate-in-apartheid-era-south-africa.html?ref=africa

Islamist Militia blockaded in Libya

This week's article revolves around the US Embassy situation in Libya. Apparently the militia group that was suspected of killing Stevens(US ambassador) is blockaded in a remote, mountainous region in the east of the country. an interesting part of the article was that it mentioned that Qaddafi, the former dictator of Libya attempted to fight the militia in the same region with 30 thousand troops and failed. Drones have been heard recently in that region, speculating that the U.S is prone to taking action. I find it interesting that a militia group that fought against Qaddafi now has a hand in killing innocent americans.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/09/libyan-army-militia-us-ambassador

Dutch ship offering abortions

Women on Waves is a group that offers abortions and advice within international waters near countries in which abortion is illegal. Recently the ship was blocked off from a port in Morocco where abortion is in fact illegal. Apparently a youth women's organization within Morocco called the organization in hope of educating women of Morocco. The Women of Waves' leader, Rebecca Gomperts said in the article that there would be somewhat of a surprise action by the organization in lieu of the blockade. In light of all the problems within Africa regarding rape, diseases and unplanned pregnancies I am a little torn regarding the Dutch organization. It seems that the organization has the right idea but Having an abortion on a boat seems a bit out of the ordinary. I will be interested in seeing how this story plays out, specifically because of how many other countries could be affected by this organization. 

-http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19829889-

US reduces staff at embassy in Libyan capital

The US defense secretary stated in this article that the acts of violence on September 11th were performed by terrorists. The US ambassador along with three others were killed during protests against an anti-Muslim film was produced and displayed on the Internet. Hilary Clinton is calling the violence a terrorist attack and possibly links the killings to Al-Qaeda. The defense secretary has stated that further investigation will be done to fully support the accusation. The cutting of staff is said to be a safety precaution while early next week they will continue to monitor and hopefully maintain full staff once again.

The prime minister of Libya has said that a full investigation will take place. Another diplomat and two more US security men were killed during this attack.mit is said that Stephens, the ambassador died of smoke inhalation as he was trapped inside a room alone. This is a tragic story that coud have been prevented if a simple unnecessary video was not produced.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19753798

Jesse Jackson Helps Free 2 From Gambia Prison

- http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/22/world/africa/in-gambia-jesse-jackson-helps-free-2-americans.html?_r=1&ref=africa- 

In an article from Senegal in today's New York Times, Jesse Jackson aided in the release of two Gambian-Americans who were serving long sentences. Yahya Jammeh is the current president of Gambia and the article notes that he has been very "erratic" in his policies and decisions. According to the article he has publicly stated that he will go through with numerous killings of death row inmates. He has gained much heat from the UN along with European Union and other international groups. It was stated that nine inmates have already been killed and Jesse Jackson made the trip to Gambia in search of the release of the two Americans. He stated in the article that he had somewhat of a relationship with the president and hoped that he could change his mind.

The two men were high ranking officials within Jammeh's administration and both "had been convicted with a routine treason charge". Many who had become against Jammeh were charged with this, placing many people in prison. the two men spoke of horrible conditions and torture that had taken place within the prison. Jackson stated that the country of Gambia has some positives within its borders and he feels that this situation only brings negative attention. According to the article it is one of the most oppressive countries in Africa and this story does not aid its struggling image.

Africa's dwindling Elephant Population

-http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/world/africa/africas-elephants-are-being-slaughtered-in-poaching-frenzy.html?_r=1-

With major problems surrounding Northern African countries and current uprisings, I chose to steer away from those articles and find something different. I as I began my search I quickly came across an article involving the elephant population in Africa. Never had I thought that this could actually be a problem considering how massive and strong these animals were. But as i continued to read I found that Ivory wars have become the reason for the recent massacre of elephants. Just within the first paragraph striking news was presented. In the DRC's Garamba National Park, officials found "Twenty-two dead elephants, including several very young ones, clumped together on the open savanna, many killed by a single bullet to the top of the head"(NYT). 

It seems that Park officials spotted a Ugandan helicopter fly over where the elephants were killed and quickly flew off after being spotted. This slaughtering it said to be the new deadly resource throughout Africa. Just like the blood diamond, the article speculates that ivory trade has become heavily militarized and seems to be heading in the direction of an illegally traded and highly sought after resource. That being said thousands of elephants, including babies as the article stated will be killed and slaughtered only for their ivory.

blog 1 African Studies

Being that Africa is the largest continent in the world, I never realized how little I knew about it. After reading the first chapter it is obvious that there is much to learn and discover about a very unknown place. What I remember most is that when the Arab spring turned a corner, I did not exactly know that many of the countries in Northern Africa are considered part of the Middle east. I have relatives in Italy and it was interesting when I came across an article last year that told the story of thousands of people fleeing from Tunisia into the southern parts of Italy. There were pictures of a port in Sicily that was covered with people from outside the country and they were all seeking safety. I now recognize how diverse the continent of Africa is and how important many of its cultures are to present day life. I hope that this class will introduce me to new ideas regarding Africa and all of its diverse inhabitants.