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Post-Arab Spring Tourism Industry: Back in Business

It has been almost two years since the Arab Spring hit the countries of Middle East and North Africa. While some nations have taken a fresh breath of freedom, others have plunged into misery. Day-to-day riots and protests have paralyzed the socio-political functioning of the region, and stifled the tourist industry – the crux of […]

China’s ‘Soft-Power’ Inroads into North Africa

The current international environment has been significantly shaped by three defining events: the eurozone crisis, the ‘Arab Spring’ accompanied by the rise of political Islam in North Africa and the Middle East, and the continuing rise of China’s global influence. A closer look at these three seemingly disconnected events reveals that they are in fact […]

South African Speaker resigns amid corruption case

South Africa’s Parliament speaker and ANC member Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula gave up her seat, after she lost a bid that would block her arrest over a corruption case. The Speaker, like many of ANC leaders, is accused of receiving bribes amounting to 135,000 dollars from a defense contractor when she was defense minister. Her case highlights […]