Mali, France, and Chickens....As in: come home to roost

Conn Hallinan Foreign Policy in Focus
Why are the French once again firing into a continent? First, France has major investments in Niger and Mali. At bottom, this is about Francs (or Euros, as it may be). Some 75 percent of France's energy needs come from nuclear power, and a cheap source is its old colonial empire in the region (that besides Mali and Niger included Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Chad, Algeria, and the Central African Republic).

The Arab Democratic Uprisings Two Years Later

Bill Fletcher, Jr. Black Commentator
The Arab democratic uprisings were world-historic, yet their outcome remains uncertain. It is premature to conclude that the rise of the Islamists is necessarily a permanent feature of the politics of these countries. There are, however, certain points to note as we reflect on the results of these uprisings and the road forward.

Palestinian Citizens Wearily Eye Israeli Elections

Jonathan Cook Electronic Intifada
Polls suggest that on 22 January, Israel's Jewish majority will elect the most right-wing Knesset in Israel's history, returning prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to power in a coalition packed with ultra-nationalists. For Israel's Palestinian citizens, comprising nearly a fifth of the total population, the dilemma has been how to respond to this all- but- inevitable outcome.

Big Win for Labor in Chicago

Josh Eidelson Salon
City council passes "wage theft" law that threatens license of violating companies. Will other cities follow?

Bab AlShams: We Shall Not Be Moved


We sons and daughters of Palestine, without permits from the occupation, without permission from anyone, sit here today because this is our land and it is our right to inhabit it. (4:02)