There seems to be a lot of political drama going on up there. Anyone nearby who has any insight? The closest representatives we have (from RHP Debates forum) are in Portugal and southern Africa from what I know. Any insight to share?
There are massive protests in Egypt, massive food imports in Algeria, political mania and hunting for a fugitive ex-President in Tunisia...
Originally posted by AThousandYoung There seems to be a lot of political drama going on up there. Anyone nearby who has any insight? The closest representatives we have (from RHP Debates forum) are in Portugal and southern Africa from what I know. Any insight to share?
There are massive protests in Egypt, massive food imports in Algeria, political mania and hunting for a fugitive ex-President in Tunisia...
What's going on up there? Anyone know?
I spent a year in Asmara, Ethiopia in 1973 so I am an expert.
Africa is the way it is because, of, well, Africans.
Any other explanation doesn't make sense. Occam's Razor and all that.
Originally posted by AThousandYoung There seems to be a lot of political drama going on up there. Anyone nearby who has any insight? The closest representatives we have (from RHP Debates forum) are in Portugal and southern Africa from what I know. Any insight to share?
There are massive protests in Egypt, massive food imports in Algeria, political mania and hunting for a fugitive ex-President in Tunisia...
What's going on up there? Anyone know?
Increased wealth and communication makes it much harder for dictators to keep their populations under control.
Originally posted by KazetNagorra Why not? It's not like it was a rose garden during the previous dictators.
Where is this "increased wealth" in those countries that is, according to you, making it "much harder for dictators to keep their populations under control"? The demonstrations/riots in Tunisia that took down their dictatorship was not because of "increased wealth" but because of high unemployment:
Unemployment is officially around 14 percent but is believed much higher in rural areas and among youths.
Originally posted by KazetNagorra Why not? It's not like it was a rose garden during the previous dictators. For example the life expectancy in Tunisia is 74 years.
It sounds like you're suggesting peoples' daily needs are being met such that they are healthier, but they haven't accumulated wealth. Is that right?
Originally posted by AThousandYoung It sounds like you're suggesting peoples' daily needs are being met such that they are healthier, but they haven't accumulated wealth. Is that right?
No, that's not what I am suggesting. Many Tunisians can afford computers and mobile phones, which makes it much easier to organize protests and spread dissent, and makes it much harder for the government to cover up corruption and oppression.
Originally posted by KazetNagorra No, that's not what I am suggesting. Many Tunisians can afford computers and mobile phones, which makes it much easier to organize protests and spread dissent, and makes it much harder for the government to cover up corruption and oppression.
So all the unemployed Tunisians, including the ones in rural areas, got on their computers and mobile phones and organized these demonstrations?
Originally posted by no1marauder Where is this "increased wealth" in those countries that is, according to you, making it "much harder for dictators to keep their populations under control"? The demonstrations/riots in Tunisia that took down their dictatorship was not because of "increased wealth" but because of high unemployment:
Unemployment is officially around 14 p ...[text shortened]... as and among youths.
Originally posted by KazetNagorra Where did I suggest increased wealth made people want to protest against the government? Why would I make such ludicrous suggestions?
UMM, a few posts ago:
Increased wealth and communication makes it much harder for dictators to keep their populations under control.
Why you make such "ludicrous suggestions" should be between you and a mental health professional.
Originally posted by KazetNagorra No, that's not what I am suggesting. Many Tunisians can afford computers and mobile phones, which makes it much easier to organize protests and spread dissent, and makes it much harder for the government to cover up corruption and oppression.
This article, though it fawns over the Tunisian' governments moves to increase internet access in its country, concedes that only 13 percent of Tunisian households have a computer. http://www.africa-investor.com/article.asp?id=6931
One would think that in the households of the unemployed and rural poor the percentage is even lower.
Originally posted by no1marauder So all the unemployed Tunisians, including the ones in rural areas, got on their computers and mobile phones and organized these demonstrations?
KN Ivory Tower Land.
No, they took their spears, put on their warpaint and marched on their armoured camels towards the tent of Ben Ali and his harem.
Many of the unemployed are college graduates unable to find jobs even with their education. Advanced communication technology enabled the unrest to spread from rural areas quickly.
Originally posted by no1marauder This article, though it fawns over the Tunisian' governments moves to increase internet access in its country, concedes that only 13 percent of Tunisian households have a computer. http://www.africa-investor.com/article.asp?id=6931
One would think that in the households of the unemployed and rural poor the percentage is even lower.
13% doesn't seem like a lot, but if you take into account internet cafés and people who use the computers of friends or family, a large percentage of the (urban) population has access to computers.
Originally posted by KazetNagorra No, they took their spears, put on their warpaint and marched on their armoured camels towards the tent of Ben Ali and his harem.
Many of the unemployed are college graduates unable to find jobs even with their education. Advanced communication technology enabled the unrest to spread from rural areas quickly.
Do you have any actual evidence to back up these assertions?
North Africa
26 Jan '11 19:56
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