Portside

A federal district court judge, in a recent ruling that could well presage a similar decision by the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority, disallowed the use of one of the primary tools for proving housing discrimination. If allowed to stand, the ruling would devastate the ability of fair housing advocates to prove discrimination by a realtor, landlord or lender.

Popular protests last week forced out the man who had run the West African nation of Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) for the last 27 years. Ousted President Blaise Compaoré was a key ally of US. However, one military ruler was immediately replaced with another as the army stepped in after days of angry demonstrations. Domestic, regional and international demands are growing for a swift transfer of power into civilian hands. But will it happen?

In response to Occupy Central protests in Hong Kong, China's government is reportedly committed to paying more heed to the "two systems" component of its unique governing relationship with the former British colony. But it will stress its "one country" nature. Sources indicate Beijing will make certain "appropriate adjustments" while also campaigning to educate its residents to the fact that Hong Kong is an integral part of China.