Democratic Ideals and Reality: An Enduring Tension
From Catalonia to Cameroon to Kurdistan to Puerto Rico, democratic ideals clash with the realities of geography.
Sub-Saharan Africa
How Climate Change Will Be the Biggest Geopolitical Crisis of the Century
Global warming will force hundreds of millions of Africans to flee, forcing the West to make some tough choices.
South Sudan is Starving Itself, But We Shouldn’t Rush to Judge
What is happening in South Sudan has happened the world over.
Don’t Look Now, But West Africa Just Took a Huge Leap Forward
Nigeria couldn’t allow Yahya Jammeh to cling to power in the Gambia and used ECOWAS to push him out.
South Sudan’s Kiir Reappoints Rival to End Violence
The South Sudanese president restores his rival as vice president in an attempt to end a year of civil war.
France Expands Counterterrorist Mission Across Western Sahel
France’s defense minister says troops will remain “as long as necessary” to check Islamist violence.
South Sudan’s Machar Reneges on Truce
The former vice president and rebel leader announces an “organized resistance” against the government.
South Sudan Government, Rebels Agree to Ceasefire
A truce is supposed to end more than five weeks of fighting but may not be respected by all rebel factions.
Central Africans Name Interim Leader, Europe to Send Troops
The mayor of the Central African Republic’s capital is elected as interim president.
Central African Republic Violence Continues After President Resigns
Waves of ethnic killings and reprisals continue after former rebel leader Michel Djotodia resigns the presidency.
Despite French Intervention, Million Flee in Central Africa
Violence between Christians and Muslims seems to worsen, despite a French attempt to restore order.
South Sudan Army, Nuer Clash Despite Attempt to Broker Truce
South Sudan’s army battles an ethnic Nuer militia days after regional leaders tried to find a negotiated settlement.
South Sudanese Rebels Seize Oil Producing Province
Forces loyal to former vice president Riek Machar occupy regions in the north.
France Restores Calm in Former Colony, Suggests Leader Resign
The sectarian violence in the Central African Republic appears to have abated, but there is no political resolution yet.
French Troops Land in Central African Republic, Thousands Flee
French forces attempt to restore order in their former colony’s capital, a day after heavy fighting.