James Baldwin ABC News Interview (1979)

 

James Baldwin was interviewed  by ABC News in 1979. What he discusses are the challenges of racism and poverty that never were eliminated from the United States. Through Baldwin's hardship he was able to produce various novels and essays criticizing America's contradictions and abuses. The interview notes that the Church had a major influence on his literary works. One of his novels Giovanni's Room had to be published in England, because the publishers in America were uncomfortable with a novel discussing homosexuality. During the 1950s discussions  of sex and sexuality were taboo. James Baldwin was not afraid to speak of America's institutionalized anti-black racism. As Baldwin explained "you cannot swear by the freedom of all mankind and put me in chains." Enslavement, discrimination, and prejudice tarnished the United States. This interview from 1979 does what most news program rarely do. Telling  the truth and information the public does not want to acknowledge. 

The African Union Condemns Tunisia's Anti-Sub-Saharan African Rhetoric

 

Racism directed at Sub-Saharan Africans has been a longtime issue in North Africa. Tunisia has come under pressure from the statements by President Kais Saied stated that the presence of migrants was designed to change the demographics of Tunisia. The xenophobic statements are an example of scapegoating a group for a country's problems. Tunisia has failed to provide economic stability and efficient government to the average Tunisian. The Arab Spring did not bring freedom, but authoritarianism in another form. Migrants are set to be removed from Tunisia. President Saied is using fear and hate to increase dictatorial power.  He was quoted as saying " the undeclared waves of illegal immigration is to consider Tunisia a purely African country that has no affiliation with Arab or Islamic nations." Tunisia is an African country that has Arabs, Muslims, Afro-Arabs, and Amazigh. There are small populations of Jews and Christians. The country is more diverse than Kais Saied presents it. The estimated number of migrants is 21,000. Considering the population is 12 million, migrants do not pose the demographic threat  espoused by President Kais Saied. Human rights groups in Tunisia continue to oppose the government and its policies. The sudden shift comes as the population grows more frustrated with corrupt leadership. Migrants are a distraction from the government's failures and mismanagement.  

The Aftermath of The Syria-Turkey Earthquakes

 

Syria and Turkey have faced a devasting earthquake. The death toll has been estimated as being 47,000. Buildings have been reduced to rubble from the first earthquake on February 6th. The earthquake was at least 6.4 magnitude. The aftermath will be very extensive. Homelessness and crowed hospitals are a common sight. The cost of reconstruction will be high. The need for international aid will become more important. Syria is still under sanctions and there is no plan to lift them. The civil war continues fueled by Western military assistance to various armed groups. More sympathy is given to Turkey and little to Syria in both American and European press. The greater concern for Turkey is because it is a NATO ally. The US, UK, France, and other NATO countries want the removal of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Turkey could be blackmailed into accepting Finland and Sweden as NATO members. The refusal to provide assistance to Turley could be used as leverage. A double standard exists in natural disaster relief. President Recep Erdogan's public image has already been effected from the earthquakes. The response has been criticized as ineffective. This will have an impact on the next election. His government prioritized construction and infrastructure projects. Which makes the earthquakes a bigger setback for Turkey's long term modernization. Arab states have provided aid. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Bahrain provided aid to Syria. Aid coming from Gulf monarchies seems odd, considering they are actively trying to overthrow the government. Turkey's recovery will take time, but Syria has the challenge of civil war and attempted regime change operations.  

Remembering Albert Kunyuku The DRC's Last World War II Veteran

 

Africans fought in World War II. However, their stories are not always told. Many gave their lives in the fight against fascism, even though they did not have independence. Albert Kunyuku passed away in January of 2022. He was the last surviving  Congolese veteran of World War II. The Democratic Republic of the Congo mourned  his passing. Kunyuku saw combat in Burma. He joined the Force Publique in 1940. Colonial troops were essential to the liberation of Axis held territory in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Belgium came under Nazi rule, but Congolese were not willing to accept new colonizers. While most of the war in Africa was fought in the North, East Africa had to be freed from Italian control. African soldiers took part in aiding Ethiopia's fight to free its self from Fascist Italy. Albert Kunyuku's death is a reminder of how important it is to record history. More scholarship must be done of the African soldier experience and contributions during World War II. 

Chinese Balloon Incident

 

The United States has accused China of sending a surveillance balloon into its air space. Eventually, it was shot down. There has not been an investigation  discovering if this was a genuine act of espionage. Making assumptions without evidence will result to incorrect conclusions. China has stated that it was a weather balloon blown off course. Other balloons have even reached Latin America. China would have no reason to spy on Latin American countries seeing as diplomatic relations are better compared with the US. A surveillance balloon is not an effective tool for espionage. Hacking, satellites, and having agents infiltrate a country would provide more information. That is why the parts must be gathered to determine if this was a spy balloon. The Chinese Balloon incident could be a scare campaign to get the American public to embrace anti-Chinese sentiment. The FBI so far has claimed the balloon was capable of electronic surveillance. Considering it was shot down much of the equipment will be damaged. Using a balloon is not effective, because it lacks control by a person. A drone would have better capabilities at gathering intelligence. If this was some type of Chinese intelligence operation, then it might be a reaction to US actions in Asia. The United States has undermined the One China policy and continues to be active in Taiwan. The United States does not acknowledge that actions in Asia could have wider international consequences. 

Dr. Anthony Fauci Discusses Masks (2020)

 

When the Covid-19 pandemic began Dr. Fauci asserted masks were not necessary. At the time there was not a vaccine available and masks were one option for protection. However , studies conducted in 2023 concluded masks offered a low level of protection. That does not mean they did not work. Social distancing and vaccination offered much more effective protection. When the interview was conducted in March of 2020  vaccines were not available. Dr. Anthony Fauci telling people not to wear a mask was negligent. The shortage of personal protective equipment was the government's biggest failure. The reason Fauci spread this misinformation is because healthcare workers were effected by the mask shortage. Instead ineffective public health policies were enacted. Lockdowns and zero Covid-19 policies did not stop the spread. Mask mandates did little to defeat the pandemic. If masks were not as effective as social distancing, quarantines, or basic hand washing mask mandates were not necessary. Anthony Fauci's misinformation  caused more confusion and harm during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Zimbabwe and Belarus Are Collaborating In The Agricultural Sector

 

Zimbabwe and Belarus are enhancing economic ties. The agricultural sector will see an increase in collaboration between the two countries. Belarus intends to send more tractors, trucks,  seed drills, and grain harvesters to Zimbabwe. Belarus also wants to extend diplomatic relations. The reason for this is due to the fact the two nations face sanctions from European countries. Belarus has become more isolated over the years in Europe. The only reliable ally in Europe for Belarus is Russia. Looking to nations out of Europe ensures that the country will not be a victim of economic warfare. Zimbabwe has been able to resist decades of sanctions. Since 2000, there has been an effort to get land back into the hands of Africans in Zimbabwe. White farmers under white  minority rule stole the wealth of the Zimbabweans. Gaining equipment and training a new generation of framers has significant benefit. Land reform and increase in exports will improve Zimbabwe's economic situation. Through agriculture Zimbabwe can increase food security and ensure stable employment levels. The collaboration began  around 2020. A new approach is being taken with Zimbabwe. Open dialogue and mutually beneficial economic agreements is the best form of diplomacy. The EU continues to isolate Zimbabwe and Belarus. As a result many countries are missing economic opportunities who favor sanctions on these nations. If all the terms of the agreements are met, Zimbabwe could see immense growth in its agricultural sector.      

Pervez Musharraf Denies Knowing of Osama Bin Laden's Location (2012)

 

Pervez Musharraf (1943-2023)  will be remembered as Pakistan's stern military leader. His rule from 1999 to 2008 oversaw military operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan being an ally to the US. The alliance demonstrated the myths surrounding the War on Terror. After the fall of the Taliban, the hunt for Osama Bin Laden commenced. He was found and killed in Pakistan. Pervez Musharraf claimed he did not know that Osama Bin Laden was in  the country. He made those statements in a CNN interview in 2012. The falsehood is that Pakistan was actively pursuing him. The ISI also has for a number of years aided the Taliban. The reason is for the purpose of using irregular warfare against India and having influence in Afghanistan. Musharraf was in a sense similar to Muhammad Zia-ul-Huq. Both leaders aided terrorist organizations to aid in regional objectives. Coming to power in a coup and getting elected several times allowed the military establishment to tighten its grip. Musharraf would be voted out of office and spend the rest of his life in exile. 

Chad Strengthens Ties With Israel

 

Chad and Israel are undergoing a process of normalizing relations. Chad has decided to open its embassy in the country. The process of normalizing relations began five years ago. The development is a bizarre one considering Israel's history of anti-black racism. Ethiopian and Somali immigrants have been subject to abuse. Chad broke off relations with Israel in 1972. At the time the Organization for African Unity promoted solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Now it appears some African states are making a foreign policy shift. Chad's motivations are more apparent. Mahamet Deby wants to ensure his regime's survival. After inheriting the presidency from his father external support from other countries ensures he can maintain power. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to present an image of reaching out to Muslim and African countries. An attempt is being make to Israel look better when it still engages in racism and human rights abuse. Logically, it would make sense for him to aid authoritarian regimes in Africa . Morocco and Sudan have already signed normalization agreements with Israel. Chad probably will not benefit from these bilateral agreements. Chad suffered under French colonization and some would think they would have more sympathy to the Palestinian  cause. Some resources report that the Mossad had a role in keeping diplomatic relations alive. Niger could follow Chad's example. The new diplomatic relations are not to the benefit of African states. Rather, it is a means of Israel to extend power and influence in Africa.