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Dangerous Man?

• See why Mitt Romney doesn’t care about the poor. Full Story • Will Africans be poorer under Mitt Romney? See Page 6

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By Moses Asare, African Leader Remember Sarah Palin? The former Alaska Governor and John McCain’s Vice-Presidential candidate in the 2008 U.S election was allegedly reported by the media to have said something to the effect that Africa is one country. Unbelievable! Those kinds of political gaffes and other controversial comments have almost reduced her to a low profile status. It is hard to tell how she will regain top dog status in American politics. Now America may be on the verge of having yet another Sarah Palin type personality on their hands in the person of Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney, the front-runner in the Republican presidential race said in a recent CNN interview that he was “not very concerned about the very poor” because they have an “ample safety net.” What he really meant by the “safety net” was that because the poor in America receive food stamps, welfare benefits, subsidized housing and other benefits, he is not interested in helping them because they are okay. But most people know that such government benefits are hardly enough to survive on. Romney later reportedly said he misspoke. But as Michael Kinsley, American journalist and commentator said, “A gaffe is when a politician tells the truth”. And in Psychology 101, a verbal slip is a good indication of what the person is really thinking about. No Sir. I don’t believe you. You’re just trying to spin it because a lot of people have condemned it. It’s like saying sorry because you got caught. In many respects, I admire Mitt Romney. He is good looking. He appears to be a nice guy. I admire his family. He also appears to have strong faith. I admire his wealth and his ability to build great companies - after all, I’m now working to grow businesses including AFRICAN LEADER Media Group. But when it comes to matters of lifting up people who may be down, we are worlds apart. Is he coming for the top one percent? Is he coming for the few rich friends on Wall Street? If he is then clearly hard times may be ahead and Occupy Wall Street will be a picnic. Global Implications for the Poor The truth is, billions of people around the world fall under the category of the very poor. Over 70% of Africans live on less than $2.00 a day. This is the heart of the world’s very poor. So in this case

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African Leader Cover Story / Special Report

Mitt Romney: Dangerous to Africans? may spin it.

If Romney is the turnaround guy as his wife claims, why doesn’t he aspire to turn around the lives of America’s poor into a vast army of productive and wealth creating workforce? The “live and let die” (or is it “live and let rot?”) world of James Bond is no longer acceptable in the world. Wall Street’s Hatchet Man? Romney made about $45 million in 2010 and 2011. He’s reportedly worth over $250 million. In the original movie Wall Street, the most popular line is “Greed is Good”. Who knows, maybe coming from Wall Street himself, Romney may be getting inspiration from this movie.

Mitt Romney: Will he cut social services and benefits for the poor? ‘forgetting’ the world’s poor could be interpreted to mean ‘not caring about’ Africans and the poor in general. According to Bloomberg news reports, more than 46 million Americans received food stamps in November 2011, nearly a sixth of the U.S population. According to a December 2011 USA TODAY report based on Census data, “a record number of Americans, almost 1 in 2, have fallen into poverty or are scraping by on earnings that classify them as low income” Worst still, record numbers of Americans are mired in debt. If you begin to strip down these debts, it would be mind blowing how many people will fall into the category of the very poor. Throughout the world, poverty is much more painfully prevalent. According to a recent World Bank report, almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day, most of them with no access to running water and electricity. Nearly a billion people alone are believed to be acutely hungry on a daily basis. One billion children live in poverty. That’s one in two children living in the world today. Contrast Romney to billionaires like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and George Soros. Buffett says the rich must share more of their prosperity. He’s also leaving much of his estate to charity. Gates is funding global health projects and expanding opportunities

worldwide and leaving much of his wealth to charity. Soros is also funding progressive projects worldwide and expanding opportunities to make the world fairer. Romney’s thinking like this is bad for America and bad for the world. In the above analysis, Buffett, Gates and Soros look like Robin Hood while Romney is behaving like Shylock. America is still the world’s most dominant Superpower and the clear leader of the free world, influencing the world’s most powerful institutions and enterprises. If he has his way, Romney will use this same thinking to negatively influence the World Bank, the IMF, OECD, NATO, the UN and the CIA and he will be a clear and present danger to the progressive world. Different from President Obama Again, contrast this to Obama’s strong belief in creating a world in which everyone has a fair shake or a fair chance to succeed, trying to lift up the poor. The world of economic exploitation, injustice, economic and political suppression is what the pioneers run away from to start a new life in the new world: a world of opportunity and equality. History has shown that any time America deviates far from this fundamental ideal, the nation pays a heavy price. Clearly, Obama’s philosophy is more in harmony with the ideals of the founding fathers than Romney’s extremist right wing ideology. Obama is on the right side of history and his spirit is right, no matter how hard the Republicans

So in the final analysis, is anyone wondering what Romney’s chances are in the upcoming U.S presidential election in November? To get the answers, we’ll turn to President Bill Clinton, a brilliant mind hated by core conservatives but genuinely loved and virtually worshipped by billions of people around the world. Remember, Bill Clinton balanced the U.S budget, turned a surplus and created perhaps the greatest global wealth in the post World War 2 era. Bill Clinton has a great philosophy. He says that in contests like the U.S election, the one who is on the right side of history is the one who will win. With thinking like this, Romney will get a real shocker come Election Day. This is because the world is changing fast and the world of live and let die is gone forever. Forget the White House? With thinking like this, Romney can forget the White House, barring any catastrophic event. With his dangerous anti-poor comments, Romney has already lost the moral high ground to be president. Obama on the other hand clearly occupies the moral high ground. Tell the Obamas to go grab a cup of coffee and relax. The Republicans can stick any label on Obama and spin all they want but if Romney continues to think like this, Obama would have won the presidential race even before it starts. If Romney runs on this kind of platform, his $250 million fortune will only be enough to score a few Electoral College votes. It will not be enough to save him from the coming historic electoral humiliation.

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Local News

Manhattan District Attorney meets Africans in sign of growing clout By African Leader

In a sign of growing influence of the African community, the Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., in partnership with The Senegalese Association of America and the NYC Council of African Imams, hosted nearly 40 city agencies and community organizations at a forum for African immigrant families in Northern Manhattan. The purpose of the event, which is the latest in a series of events the District Attorney is holding All inclusive: DA Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. (5th from left) gets cozy with Africans for immigrants throughout the borough, is to provide important community. The Manhattan lation, the majority of whom information on services avail- District Attorney’s Office, along have settled in Central Harlem. able to the African community. with our partners in the city and The African immigrant populalaw enforcement agencies, com- tion in Central Harlem, which “New immigrants are particu- munity organizations, and the hails primarily from West Aflarly vulnerable to fraud, which African community, is commit- rica, makes up 23 percent of the is why it is important for law ted to empowering immigrant immigrant population in the enforcement and city agencies communities and families with Community Board 10 district. to reach out to our growing im- tools and information to fraud.” That makes it the second largmigrant communities and make est immigrant community, after them aware of available servicThe forum addressed members the Latin American population. es, programs, and resources,” of the borough’s burgeoning Afsaid District Attorney Vance. rican community on three main Last November, the Manhattan “For the first time, the Manhat- topics: crime prevention, educa- District Attorney’s Office hosted tan District Attorney’s office is tion, and resources for the com- a roundtable discussion on dohosting a series of events specifi- munity. Manhattan is home to a mestic violence and the criminal cally for the African immigrant large African immigrant popu- justice process for African clergy

and members of the African media, providing them with vital information and statistics on these topics so that they will be better able to educate their community. In October, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office conducted a Fraud Prevention Seminar for more than 200 people to provide the African community the tools and information they need to prevent them from falling victim to immigration fraud and other type of abuses. It must be noted that African influence in the Harlem area of Manhattan is significantly growing. From 116th Street all the way down to the South of Bronx, African-owned businesses and organizations are opening their doors and contributing to the strength and prosperity of the United States. It is in recognition of the growing African influence that the Manhattan DA held this forum. The Manhattan District Attorney is one of the most powerful executive positions in New York.

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Calls grow louder for urgent and progressive immigration reforms An African Leader special feature written by Mike Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City and Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan What do Jeremy Lin of the Knicks and Nicklas Lidstrom of the Red Wings have in common? Both owe their success to immigration – and both are creating jobs and strengthening our economy. Lin, whose parents came from Taiwan, and Lidstrom, who was born in Sweden, are helping their teams sell tickets and merchandise, while also helping tavern owners sell burgers and beers. But they are also helping the NBA and NHL to expand in overseas markets – something every major corporation in America is trying to do. The more a company expands its overseas exports, the more jobs it can create here in the U.S. – and the more tax revenue it produces for local, state, and federal governments. In a presidential election in which both sides are debating economic growth and immigration separately, all parties should emphasize the

relationship between them. The fact is the link between legal immigration and job creation couldn’t be stronger. Immigrants, especially those with advanced degrees, play a vital role in helping U.S. companies create jobs, as a recent study by the conservative American Enterprise Institute and the bipartisan Partnership for a New American Economy has shown. The study found that each foreign graduate with an advanced degree from a U.S. university who stays and works in the innovation-rich fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (“STEM” fields) creates on average 2.62 jobs for American workers. Yet right now, even though many of the world’s brightest STEM students train in our universities, the federal government forces many of them to leave as soon as they are handed a diploma. When these graduates return to their home coun-

Mayor Bloomberg tries, they go to work for foreign companies that compete against us – or they found companies that will create jobs overseas, rather than here in the U.S. This is the federal government at its most frustrating. And it is doing real damage to our economy. Immigrants also drive new business creation. More than 40% of our Fortune 500 companies were founded by an immigrant or a child of an immigrant – companies like Google, Yahoo, and Intel. In Michigan, major companies like Dow, Masco and Meijer were found-

Gov. Rick Snyder ed by immigrants, as were major New York City companies like Pfizer, Foursquare and Nathan’s Famous. Yet the longer we wait to fix our broken immigration laws, the more these innovative companies will be founded overseas. If that is allowed to happen, we will do enormous damage to America’s future and our standing as the world’s economic superpower. Economists are in agreement that our broken immigration policies hurt our economy and make it harder for our companies to compete. And interest-

ingly, so are the candidates for president. All the major candidates in both parties have come out in support of reforming our immigration laws to attract the world’s brightest minds. (Learn more at www.NoDebate.org). The trouble is that the debate around immigration is too often focused on politics, not economics. If both parties would pass legislation based on their points of agreement, rather than engage in endless debates over their points of disagreement, we could create thousands of jobs all across the country at a time when so many out-ofwork Americans need them. America needs more superstars like Jeremy Lin and Nicklas Lidstrom – in every industry. And we need our leaders in Washington to stop blocking sensible legislation and start scoring some points for the American worker. (Detroit Free Press & Mayor Bloomberg)

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Local News Obama re-election more likely as U.S economy improves By African Leader and Bloomberg News The economy is looking better to the American public and with it President Barack Obama’s re-election prospects. Claims for jobless benefits unexpectedly dropped last week to the lowest level in almost four years, providing fresh evidence the job market is on the mend, and reports released recently on housing and manufacturing also beat forecasters’ expectations. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index climbed for a fourth straight week to reach the highest level in a year. Sentiment is rising even among those who have yet

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to benefit from the recovery, as payrolls expand and the unemployment rate drops. Jobless Americans are the most optimistic since April 2008. “Political independents have a markedly better view of the prospects for better times than they did just a few months ago, and Obama is running much more strongly among independents than he was a few months ago,” Andrew Kohut, president of the nonpartisan Pew Research Center in Washington, said. “Reports such as those out (recently) will only reinforce this notion that things are getting better.”

Great job: Pres. Obama Economic confidence among independents, a voter group targeted by both parties, surged to a four-year high earlier this month, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index (COMFBTWR) showed.

U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services opens new office in Queens NEW YORK—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today celebrated the official opening of its newest immigration field office in Queens, N.Y. USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas and USCIS’s New York District Director Andrea Quarantillo were joined by U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (14th District, N.Y.), U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (7thDistrict, N.Y.) and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Opening the Queens office furthers our effort to become a part of the community and provide services where our customers live,” Director Mayorkas said. “We are confident that this

new office will improve customer service and accessibility, and create new opportunities for the Queens community to engage with our agency.” The new office, located at 27-35 Jackson Ave., consists of waiting rooms, an Application Support Center (which offers fingerprinting and photographic services as part of the application process), a naturalization ceremony room, and interview and file rooms. The building was formerly a warehouse and has been renovated to create a modern and efficient office space. The Queens office is expected to serve about 500 people each business day. The office’s hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Fresh Direct to create 1,000 jobs in Bronx

Call 1.800.432.1000. www.bankofamerica.com

Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., have announced that Fresh Direct, a leading fresh food internet grocer, will invest $112.6 million to build its new headquarters and operations center at the Harlem River Yards, retaining nearly 2,000 existing jobs and creating almost 1,000 new jobs. The construction of the new facility will also result in the creation of approximately 684 construction jobs in the city and an overall economic impact to the city of nearly $255 million. “Making sure that companies like Fresh Direct can grow and invest in

New York City is a key part of our strategy to rebuild and diversify our economy,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “A thousand new jobs at the Harlem River Yards is great news for the Bronx and a welcome boost to our city’s economy.” “Fresh Direct is a home-grown success that will now continue to grow and create jobs in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “Creating almost a thousand new jobs is a real victory for the Bronx and a clear sign that leading New York companies see this state as the place to start, stay and strengthen their businesses.”

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Local News Deportation could mean death for gay Ugandan

Above: Not welcome? Joseph Bukombe SAN DIEGO, Calif.— Joseph Bukombe spent his entire life hiding his sexual orientation from friends and family in his native Kampala. Today he is fighting an American immigration system that doesn’t believe he’s gay. In March 2011, the Board of Immigration Appeals—which decides appeals based on paper reviews of cases—denied Bukombe’s petition for asylum based on his sexual orientation, saying he failed to provide credible testimony attesting to the fact that he is gay. Bukombe is fighting his deportation order. The 35-year-old chef-in-training in San Diego says he fears for his life if he’s deported because Uganda is not a safe place for gays. “If I’m sent to Uganda, I fear I will be tortured, imprisoned or killed,” Bukombe explained.

-- of homosexuality in his native country. Earlier this month, Uganda’s Ethics and Integrity Minister Simon Lotodo called for the arrests of the organizers of a gay rights conference, saying gay people should go home “and suffer their illness from there,” according to news reports. Bukombe’s saga illustrates the trouble of gay immigrants from the Middle East and Africa who flee persecution back home because of their sexual orientation. Upon arrival in the United States, many fall outside the stereotypical boundaries of gay life in this country and thus struggle to prove their homosexuality in court. Ugandan society is violently opposed to gays. Many gay people have been killed or attacked. (Credit: Ajabumedia and New America Media)

Such fears are grounded in personal experience and public scorn – at times violent

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Colorful celebration held in New York to mark Ghana’s Independence Anniversary

Dominion Temple, Bronx

Location 4500 Park Avenue Bronx, NY 10457-1332 Tel: (347) 431-3780

By African Leader

Ghana: Freedom for all

Spirit of a nation

The National Council of Ghanaian Associations in New York has held a colorful celebration dubbed Scholarship and Recognition Bnefit Gala in honor of Ghana’s 55th Independence. The event was held on March 3 in Yonkers, at the Polish Center, 83 Waverly street.

which was sponsored by MoneyGram, Western Union, Arik Air, Devtraco,etc.

In attendance was were the cream de la cream of Ghanaian and African high society in the Tri-State area. His Excellency Ambassador Ken Kanda, Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, graced the occassion. Over 700 people were thought to have attended the event

The incoming executive team were officially inaugurated, led by Samuel Sowah-President; and Mr. G ofori AnorVice President.

In her welcoming address, Ms.Ivy Rose Quarshiee, the outsgoung Executive Secretary congratulted all Ghanaians on this great occasion and wished all well.

For more pictures, please see page 17.

Come Worship With Us.

SHALOM!

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Election 2012: America Votes

Obama: “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon”

President Obama spoke out for the first time on Friday about the fatal shooting of an unarmed 17-yearold African-American boy in Florida named Trayvon Martin, calling it a “tragedy.” “I can only imagine what these parents are going through,” Mr. Obama said from the White House Rose Garden, “and when I think about this boy, I think about my own kids, and I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this and that everybody pulls together, federal, state and local, to figure out how this tragedy happened.” Mr. Obama said he is glad the Justice Department is investigating the shooting and that Florida Gov. Rick Scott formed a task force in response to the incident as well. The president suggested he was sympathetic to suspicion that the shooting may have been racially motivated. “You know, if I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon,” Mr. Obama said.

“All of us have to do some soul-searching to figure out how does something like this happen,” he continued. “And that means that we examine the laws and the context for what happened as well as the specifics of the incident.” Gingrich, Romney, Santorum discuss Trayvon Martin Mr. Obama was asked about the shooting on Friday during an event at which he announced the nomination of Dartmouth College President Jim Yong Kim to be World Bank president. Martin was shot in Sanford, Florida, nearly a month ago after a confrontation in a gated community with a neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman.

Zimmerman called 911 and told an operator an unfamiliar African American was in the neighborhood. The 911 operator told Zimmerman to stop following him.

Thousands of people rallied in Sanford on Thursday to push for his arrest, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill have also decried the fact that Zimmerman remains free.

Zimmerman maintains he shot Martin in self defense, and a Florida selfdefense law has so far let Zimmerman remain free. But Martin’s girlfriend, who was on the phone with him when it happened, says Zimmerman was the aggressor. Before he shot Martin,

In spite of the ongoing investigations, outrage over the incident continues to grow.

Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson of Florida took to the House floor on Wednesday to call for justice for Martin, calling the incident “a classic example of racial profiling quickly followed by murder.” - CBS News / Newsone

Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton said on “CBS This Morning” on Friday that she wants Zimmerman arrested.

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Business News

Number of Black-owned businesses triples From 2002 to 2007, the number of black-owned businesses increased by 60.5 percent to 1.9 million, more than triple the national rate of 18.0 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners. Over the same period, receipts generated by black-owned businesses increased 55.1 percent to $137.5 billion. “Black-owned businesses continued to be one of the fastest growing segments of our economy, showing rapid growth in both the number of businesses and total sales during this time period,” said Census Bureau Deputy Director Thomas Mesenbourg. These new data come from the Survey of Business Owners: Black-Owned Businesses: 2007. The survey provides detailed information every five years for black-owned businesses, including the number of firms, sales and receipts, number of paid employees and annual payroll. Data are presented by geographic area (nation, state, county, city and metro area), industry and size of business. Preliminary national and state data were released in July 2010. In 2007, nearly four in 10 black-owned businesses operated in the health care and social assistance; and repair, maintenance, personal and laundry services sectors. The retail trade and health care and social assistance sectors accounted for 27.4 percent of black-owned business revenue. Among states, New York had 204,032 blackowned businesses and accounted for 10.6 percent of

New York makes stronger recovery

New employment data show that New York State’s economic the nation’s black-owned businesses, followed by Georgia, with 183,874 black-owned businesses (9.6 recovery is stronger than first estimated. After federal revisions, percent) and Florida, with 181,437 (9.4 percent). private sector job gains during the state’s recovery, which started

Among counties, Cook, Ill., had the most blackowned businesses, with 83,733, accounting for 4.4 percent of all the nation’s black-owned businesses. Los Angeles followed with 59,680 (3.1 percent) and Kings, N.Y., with 52,705 businesses (2.7 percent). Among cities, New York had the most black-owned businesses, with 154,929 (8.1 percent of all the nation’s black-owned businesses), followed by Chicago, with 58,631 (3.1 percent), Houston, with 33,062 (1.7 percent) and Detroit, with 32,490 (1.7 percent).

in November 2009, totaled 245,400 through December 2011. As of December 2011, the state had recouped 76% of the private sector jobs lost in the 2008-09 recession. By way of comparison, as of December 2011, the nation had recouped 29% of the private sector jobs lost during the U.S. recession. Previously, we estimated that the recovery had added 180,400 private sector jobs through December 2011.

Between 2010 and 2011, New York State’s annual average private sector job count grew by 139,400, or 2.0%, to 7,195,300. This was the state’s strongest annual private sector job growth since 2000, when it increased by 2.2%. Private sector jobs in the U.S. grew by 1.7% in 2011. At the same time, total nonfarm jobs, Otherhighlights:Of the 1.9 million black-owned including government, in New York State grew by 116,400, or businesses in 2007, 106,824 had paid employees, an 1.4%, to 8,683,400, while the national number increased by 1.1%.

increase of 13.0 percent from 2002. These businesses employed 921,032 people, an increase of 22.2 percent; their payrolls totaled $23.9 billion, an increase of 36.3 percent. Receipts from black-owned employer businesses totaled $98.9 billion, an increase of 50.2 percent from 2002. In 2007, 1.8 million black-owned businesses had no paid employees, an increase of 64.5 percent from 2002. These nonemployer businesses’ receipts totaled $38.6 billion, an increase of 69.0 percent.

The number of black-owned businesses with receipts of $1 million or more increased by 35.4 percent to 14,507 between 2002 and 2007. The Survey of Business Owners defines blackowned businesses as firms in which blacks or African-Americans own 51 percent or more.

World Class Flight To West Africa.

“Our new figures show that New York State’s economic recovery has been more robust than first calculated. We’ve added back more than 75% of the private sector jobs lost in the recession. In addition, our state’s economy outperformed the nation with stronger job growth in 2011,” said Bohdan M. Wynnyk, Deputy Director of the Division of Research and Statistics.Jobs data are revised at the end of each year for all states and the nation, as more complete information comes in from Unemployment Insurance tax records. This process is called “benchmarking.” It is federally mandated. Monthly labor force data, including unemployment rates, are also revised at the end of each year, using methods set by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. After revision, the average annual unemployment rate in New York State fell from 8.6% in 2010 to 8.2% in 2011.

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Nigeria News / Special Feature

Vladimir Putin: My Hero....What can Nigeria and Africa learn from Putin? By Moses Asare, African Leader In the history of mankind, there comes a time when the vision of one man transforms the lives of millions of people and forever changes the course of history. It is said that in every 100 years, only a few of such people are born. They are the few, the brave and the visionary. They are simply called geniuses. These are the world changers. Those that immediately come to mind include George Washington, Albert Einstein, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Bill Gates, Mahatma Ghandi, Kwame Nkrumah, Mark Zukerberg, Winston Churchill and David Ben Gurion. In my time, one of such game changers is Vladimir Putin, my hero. And my God, he never ceases to impress me. In what can be described as a visionary, compassionate yet fiercely nationalistic, Putin was Time Magazine’s Man of the Year 2007. Of course, he did not become Time’s Man of the Year for nothing. At the time of his rise to power, the man from St. Petersburg, a city founded by Peter the Great, Russia, the world’s largest country and once a proud super power was on the verge of becoming a beggar nation, a “failed state” as Time Magazine put it. At one of their darkest hours, in the wake of the debt default, Vodka-induced suicides and homelessness were a common sight on the streets of Russia. In fact, at one point, a significant number of Russians were surviving on mass produced chicken donated by the United States. The Russians called it “George Bush’s legs”. It took a man of vision, a strategist, a passionate leader, Vladimir Putin to turn things around in less than 8 years. Amazing! In Time Magazine’s

citation declaring Putin as Man of the Year 2007, Time said Putin “chose order before freedom”, put Russia “back on the map”, and helped it “emerged as a critical linchpin of the 21st century”, and ultimately “brought Russia back to the table of world power”. Today, Russia and Saudi Arabia have the largest foreign reserves in the world, after China and Japan. Even in the recent global financial crisis, Russians were relatively okay. Russian billionaires continue to grow on Forbes list. Today, fresh from the shadows of communism, Moscow has more billionaires than any other city in the world. There is a lot more that the world in general and Africa in particular can learn from Vladimir Putin. And this is something I’d love to shed light on. As a young student in England, I remember watching a documentary called Blood of the Vikings on English TV. The documentary traced the journeys and conquests of Vikings many centuries ago and suggested that some Viking ancestors may have settled in England, meaning the English probably have Viking blood. In the history of Russia, it is believed that Russia was founded by Viking ancestors around the 9th century. The Vikings feature prominently in history’s pages as some of the bravest and biggest conquerors. From descending thousands of miles below the sea to riding in the supersonic TU-160 strategic bomber and shooting tigers, perhaps who knows, Putin has Viking blood. Putin himself echoed this blood line when he stated in his recent victory speech that it is in their DNA for Russians to win and that this winning DNA is passed from

generation to generation. But Viking blood or not, that doesn’t matter. What is important is that Vladimir Putin has a strategic mind, he is a bold, charismatic, shrewd and visionary leader. Now let’s have a little bit of presidential humor. It is no secret that many presidents want to be like Putin. For example, French President Sarkozy wants that tough guy Putin image, trying to learn Judo from Putin, trying to overachieve, etc. In the end, he overworked himself and almost passed out due to exhaustion. I think Sarkozy is a great leader but as a presidential joke, I will say that perhaps who knows, Sarkozy just doesn’t have Viking blood. He is just not Putin. It’s hard work to be Putin. It’s like, “my friend, you’re not genetically configured to be like Putin, so you better stay in your line”. Within a short period of time, Putin has totally transformed the lives of over 140 million Russians.Militarily, the Russians have resumed their role as a global military power. Perhaps, the greatest achievement of Putin is that he lifted the spirits of the Russians and today Russians believe in themselves again and are proud again. Who knows, maybe Putin is a natural born leader who has a clear and deep understanding of the complexities of the global game. He simply understands how the complex world works. I remember during an interview regarding the selection of his possible handpicked successor, one of the critical leadership qualities he singled out was that his successor must be a “modern” leader - one with a clear and deep understanding of the world of intelligence, military-

industrial complex, international economics, international business, commercial espionage, technology, international law, diplomacy, political deal making and other important areas. As a young KGB agent stationed in East Germany, where he learnt to speak fluent German, at the height of the cold war, he was inserted deep into the world of espionage, which helped him build mental courage, thicken his skin and ultimately refined him for leadership. As mayor of St. Petersburg, he sharpened his art and science of political deal making and horse trading. So when in 1998, Boris Yelt-

sin was looking for a successor, Putin was a perfect choice. Putin’s global insights guided him to make the right strategic choices for Russia and it paid off big time. So in today’s fast changing world, Africa for instance cannot afford to have “old school” leaders neither can it afford to have internationally ignorant leaders to compete against internationally experienced leaders some of whom were groomed in Harvard and refined on Wall Street. I remember a cartoon that appeared in Newsweek Magazine in the 1990s during the Chechen war, back when I was a young university student.

EU gives Nigeria N20 billion to fight corruption Federal Government on Monday received 98m euros (N20bn) grant from the European Union to assist Nigeria in its fight against corruption. The money is also to be used for supporting the judiciary and the fight against drug trafficking. Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, signed the document for the grant at a ceremony in Abuja on behalf of the Federal Government while the Ambassador/Head of Delegation of the EU to Nigeria, Dr. David MacRae, signed on behalf of the EU. Speaking at the ceremony, Usman said the project would be implemented by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime. According to him, the project is a continuation of the 9th European Development Fund supporting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the judiciary.

The main beneficiaries of the project are the Bureau of Public Procurement, Code of Conduct Bureau, Public Complaints Commission, the EFCC, National Financial Intelligence Unit, Special Fraud Unit against Money Laundering and the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti Corruption Reforms. MacRae said the intervention would help promote good governance, transparency, accountability and combating corruption in Nigeria. He also said the move would contribute to the reforms in the justice sector and address drug related issues in the country. He said, “This project is one which the EU is so much concern to seeing succeeding. The justice sector is a long term programme because if you consider the processes of justice which begins with the law enforcement agencies and for this sector to be effective, all the links and chains must be working properly. - African Leader and Punch

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It featured the proverbial Russian bear, a big one shedding skin and becoming small, and then again shedding skin and becoming even smaller. What the cartoon really meant to say was that the Soviet Union had broken up, and that its main successor Russia was also breaking up into pieces. Thus, Russia was on the brink of total collapse – Russia was almost finished! And that brings to mind the second master move that Putin made. He knew that Russia needed scale and strength so he had to keep Russia together at all costs. In a decisive campaign, he smashed the Chechen separatists and led Russia to victory. Some of his tactics may have been ruthless, but passing judgment on his war record is not the subject of this article. Today, Putin and Medvedev lead a relatively stable, united, strong and prosperous Russia. Again, Africa can learn a lot from this experience. Without scale and strength, you are vulnerable to “shark attack” in the sea of globalization. It’s all about strategic interests and competition. As billionaire Mo Ibrahim said, only an Africa with scale and teeth built along the lines of the European Union can compete and prosper on the global scale. Any other way is the way of suicide. With a united and peaceful Russia assured, Putin’s next assignment was the Russian economy. And to do this, he turned to Russia’s biggest and most readily available resources – oil, gas and metals. I remember a Bible story as told by Pastor Randy Morrison of Speak the Word Church International, one of my favorite Pastors. It goes like this: And Moses cried, “God! Save us! The Egyptians are coming, mountain on one side and the Red Sea on the other side” And God said to Moses, “Moses, why do you cry to me? What do you have in your hands?” Moses said, “The Rod”. And God said, “Use it!”. Moses then used the rod to split the Red Sea into two, and the Israelites escaped into freedom in the Promised Land, leaving their Egyptian enemies trapped and dead in the Red Sea. In relation to global economics and especially with African economies in mind, what this means is that in times of crisis, at a point of make or break, especially when there is little time to react, the best thing to do is to use your biggest asset – what you already have in your

Vladimir Putin ... Continued from page 14 hands. That’s precisely what Putin did. He immediately turned to Russia’s vast oil, gas and metal resources, assets even Hitler sought as a tool for his world domination. Meanwhile, previous Russian leaders had been sleeping on these huge resources all along and did almost nothing about it. Putin figured that the Chinese economic giant and other Asian tigers heavily relied on reliable and huge supply of energy. So did Western Europe. And so Putin decided to pump more oil and gas and boost other natural resource production as well. It worked like magic. And Putin is still using the same strategy today and still trying to diversify away from natural resources. Still, nobody closes more deals than Vladimir Putin. In every month or two, his foreign trips help Russia rake in billions of dollars in strategic investment deals. Europe gets about 40 percent of its energy supply from Russia. Some countries have accused Russia of energy imperialism and are trying to break Russia’s virtual energy monopoly with opposing pipelines especially the Nabucco project. And even that Putin is countering with more pipelines, including the South stream and the North stream, and also trying to form a gas OPEC. No continent on earth can match Africa’s natural resources in terms of quality and abundance, yet Africans live in terrible poverty. Africa can positively learn from Putin’s strategic use of natural resources. A Putin strategy executed in a strategically prudent way could get Africa out of the woods by making use of Africa’s natural resources. After Russia was back in the black, it was time for Putin to boost the Russian military. To build a strategic defense posture against Russia’s perceived enemies, Putin strengthened the Shanghai Co-operation Council , an alliance grouping Russia, China and many ex-Soviet states and also with India, Pakistan and Iran as observers. Putin understands that when it comes to conventional forces and resources, Russia’s potential enemies may be numerically superior. So he needs strong ‘allies’. With what he called “grandiose” plans, he rebuilt the Russian military and equipped it with the latest weapons able to fight and win local, regional and global wars with conventional or nuclear weapons. Just before Russia’s elections on March 4, 2012, Putin revealed that within

10 years, Russia would have over 400 nuclear missiles capable of striking anywhere in the world in minutes. Also, he consolidated Russia’s key companies in a brilliant move to transform them into global giants. Companies without huge capital and resources cannot compete on a global scale because expanding worldwide, hiring the best brains, building reserves and doing research and development cost a fortune. That’s why in the global civilian aircraft industry for example, only Airbus and Boeing are the big players. Putin understands this game very well and set out to consolidate Russian companies in key industries like aircraft, oil, military, metals, banks, nanotechnology, gas, auto and many more. Now, just as the Chinese, the Koreans, and the Japanese have done to compete with western global giants, Russian companies like Gazprom, Lukoil and Rusal are going global. So the bottom line is that Putin has built over half a trillion dollars in foreign reserves. With this, unlike the previous times when a currency crisis for instance brought Russia to its knees, Russia will be able to withstand long haul financial crises, as it successfully did in the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, and even wage economic wars. The truth is, Putin is not perfect. He would be the best man to say that he has probably made some mistakes. However, he is becoming more pragmatic and tolerant. First of all, I believe Putin won the Russian election in a fair and honest contest, and being the most popular man in Russia, he will win again if another election is held tomorrow. Having said that, Putin is continually reinventing himself in a brilliant way. For example, he is already taking measures to restore diplomatic relations with Georgia, after the 2008 war. On the issue of democracy, he is already moving steadily from ‘managed democracy’ to Western-style democracy - campaigning personally in front of thousands of people, doing regular media interviews and showing genuine willingness to dialogue with the opposition. I believe Putin will enhance democracy and become even more tolerant of the opposition and make more concessions in his next term. Continued on page 27

80 years and still in love: “At 80, I still kneel to great my husband” Olori Sabinah Oyetunji is the wife of Oba Nathaniel Oyedeji Oyetunji, Ariwajoye11, Olu of Araromi-Owu, Osun State. An octogenarian, she speaks with TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE on her role, challenges and what has changed about her. Excerpts. Do you have a background which prepared you for the role? Yes, my mother is from a royal family at Ipetumodu while my husband, Kabiyesi has been a baale since 1983, before he was elevated and crowned oba in 2006. As the wife of a baale then, I was carrying out duties expected as a wife of a leader and these were in a way similar to that of an olori. Did you have an inkling he would be made an oba some day? No. And how did you receive the news? I initially thought it was a joke. The reality dawned on me on the day of his coronation. It was a colourful event which had many obas in attendance. He was crowned the first oba of the town. What would you say is the difference between being the wife of a baale and an oba? Kabiyesi as baale was dealing with obas and this gave us an idea of what was expected of us when he was made

an oba. There’s a wide difference between been wife of a baale and an olori. I now operate at a higher level looking at the duties I now handle. More responsibility is bestowed on me as an olori. As the mother of the people, I see to the welfare of the community while I’m expected to give everyone attention regardless of age or class. Again, I serve as a role model for women and the young ones, so I ensure whatever I do or say must be be that which will impact lives positively. I don’t have a time of my own. Whatever time I have is to ensure the palace is well run and the kingdom is peaceful through the support I give to kabiyesi. What has changed about you since you took up your role? In the past, I used to call him by the name of our children, but now, I address him as kabiyesi anywhere and at anytime. In addition to this, I now have to kneel down to greet him. How old are you? I would be 81 years this year

completely dressed up while at home. But now I have

How easy do you find it kneeling at your age?

to.

It’s not been easy, but I have to do it.

Do you have a set rule guiding how you wear your hair?

What other things have changed about you? I now avoid open quarrel with people while my manner of dressing has changed. In the past, I might not be

No. I can plait, perm and set or do whatever I like with my hair so far as it’s decent. - Tribune

Feb 28-Mar 28, 2012

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Welcome to Ghana

On March 6, 2012, Ghana celebrated 55 years of Independence. In celebration of this important event, African Leader is proud to bring readers a Special Advertising Supplement in honor of Ghanaians and friends of Ghana worldwide.

Ghana: Facts and Figures • Ghana is located on the beautiful Atlantic coast of West Africa. • Population: 24 Million (2010) • Population Growth Annual: 2.4 • Gdp: 26.2 Billion Usd • Gdp Per Capita: 1,098 Usd • Gdp Growth Annual: 4.7 Usd • Life Expectancy Total Year: 63.4 At Birth *African Leader / World Bank • Infant Mortality Rate: ( Per 1,000 Births ) 51.3 • Literacy Rate, Youth: (Female Ages 15 – 24 78.9 • Total Land Area: ( 92456 Sq M) (239460 Sq Km) • Ghana Has Ten (10) Administrative Regions • Ghana Has 170 Districts • District Assemblies Are The Political Authorities • Ghana Has 230 Electoral Constituencies • For 2012 Elections There Are Plans To Increase Constituencies (20 More) • Ghana is a thriving Multiparty Democracy and a Member of the United Nations

Pres. Rawlings

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Nana Addo: Main Opposition Leader

Ghana’s Most Popular Four

1.Gold: Producer of the world’s finest gold. 2.Cocoa: Grower of world’s finest cocoa. 3.Football: Ghana is famous for football. 4. Kofi Annan: Former UN Sec-Gen Monument of Founder and First President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah

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The Elders: Ghanaian Community Leaders in America The National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA) is the leading Ghanaian association in the United States. Based in New York, NCOGA is a recognized powerful, innovative, and responsive umbrella organization comprising various associations of Ghanaians living outside Ghana. NCOGAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture and advocacy for peaceful co-existence, better lives, political equality and economic emancipation is not limited to Ghanaians but extends to all people of color and others who share our vision. NCOGA is a recognized liaison between Ghanaians and the Governments of Ghana and the United States of America or any other nation where it operates. NCOGA is a respected supplier of best talent and resources for governmental and private programs. The organization is independent and not affiliated to any political party. NCOGA MEMBER Associations Ada Okorbi Akpe Akan Association Akyem Association Asanteman Association Brong Ahafo Association Ga Adangbe Kpee Association Ghana Veterans Association Ghanaian Association of Westchester Kwahuman Association New Juaben Association Nzema Association Okuapeman Fekuw Teshie Akroh Dev United Volta Association Yankasa EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Fred A Dwamena Vice President Stephen Y Papa Brifu Treasurer Emmanuel Asante Public Relations Director Kwabena Manu (aka Pancho) Asst PRO Alfred Amoyaw

SECRETARIAT OF NCOGA Executive Secretary General Ivy Rose Quarshie Deputy Executive Secretary General Hajia Ramatu Ahmed

Photos: Executives of NCOGA and other community leaders at the Ghana Independence event in New York. A new executive committee led by Mr. Ofori Annor and others has been sworn in to replace outgoing executives. Immediate Right Photo: Ms. Comfort Edusei of African Leader with Ambassador Ken Kanda at the Ghana Independence event in New York

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Ghana President Mills’ Visit to the U.S

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Bound by destiny: President Mills with President Obama at the White House two weeks ago (middle). Top right: Secretary of State Clinton and US Ambassador to Ghana, Amb. Donald Tietelbaum. Top left: Ghanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassador to the U.S, Amb. Daniel Ohene Agyekum (top) and Amb. Ken Kanda, Consul General to the U.S est in starting operations in the country. MinBound by destiny, history and friendship, the ing companies and agri-businesses from the U.S. United States has enjoyed good relations with Ghaincreased their investments in Ghana recently. na at a nonofficial, personal level since Ghana's inPolitical stability, overall sound economic mandependence in 1957. Thousands of Ghanaians have agement, a low crime rate, competitive wages, been educated in the United States. Close relations and an educated, English-speaking workforce are maintained between educational and scientific have increased Ghana's potential to serve as institutions, and cultural links, particularly between a West African hub for American businesses. Ghanaians and African-Americans, are strong. U.S. development assistance to Ghana is imThrough the U.S. International Visitor Program, plemented by the U.S. Agency for International Ghanaian parliamentarians and other government Development (USAID), the African Development officials have become acquainted with U.S. congresFoundation, Millennium Challenge Corporation, sional and state legislative practices and have particand others. USAID-managed development assisipated in programs designed to address other issues tance to Ghana in fiscal year 2011 totaled more of interest. The U.S. and Ghanaian militaries have than $153 million, supporting the country in incooperated in numerous joint training exercises. In creasing food security improving basic health care, addition, there is an active bilateral International enhancing access to quality basic education, and Military Education and Training program. Ghana strengthening local governance, to benefit all Ghaalso is the site of a U.S.-European Command-fundnaians. Ghana was the first country in the world ed Exercise Reception Facility that was established to accept Peace Corps volunteers in 1961, and the to facilitate troop deployments for exercises or criprogram remains one of the largest. Currently, sis response within the region. The facility is a dithere are more than 160 volunteers in Ghana. Alrect result of Ghana's partnership with the United most half work in education, and the others in States on a Fuel Hub Initiative. Ghana is one of few agro-forestry, small business development, health African nations selected for the State Partnership education, water sanitation, and youth developProgram, which will promote greater economic ties ment. Ghana's $547 million compact with the Milwith U.S. institutions, including the National Guard. Serving the community together: Moses Asare, left, lennium Challenge Corporation is the most recent The United States is among Ghana's principal Special Writer and Director of African Leader with Amachievement in the U.S.-Ghanaian development trading partners. There is an active American Chambassador Ken Kanda, Consul General to the U.S partnership, with a second compact in discussion. ber of Commerce in Accra. Major U.S. companies The recent official visit to the White House by operating in the country include Newmont, Cargill, President Mills has enhanced US-Ghana partnership ADM, Kosmos Energy, Anadarko, DHL, FedEx, and Ghana in particular is set to benefit from increased UPS, KPMG, ACS, Coca Cola, S.C. Johnson, Ralston The discovery of major oil reserves in deep wainvestment inflows running into billions of dollars. Purina, Star-Kist, A.H. Robins, Sterling, Pfizer, IBM, ter in the Gulf of Guinea has led numerous inter- African Leader with US State Department 3M, Motorola, Stewart & Stevenson, PriceWaternational petroleum exploration firms to enter the houseCoopers, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ghanaian market, and many other firms involved General Electric, and National Cash Register (NCR). in oil and gas auxiliary services express an inter-

African Leaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special coverage of the Ghana Independence Events was sponsored by The US Africa Center, New York

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Ghana : Land of Hope and Glory By Moses Asare and The Central Intelligence Agency As the Republic of Ghana celebrates 55 years of freedom, Ghana’s future looks bright. For over 30 years, Ghana has enjoyed peace and stability with three ethnically diverse Presidents freely elected from the country’s main ethnic groups. The December 2012 election is therefore expected to pass peacefully. Ghana’s economy has been strengthened by a quarter century of relatively sound management, a competitive business environment, and sustained reductions in poverty levels. Ghana is well endowed with natural resources and agriculture accounts for roughly one-quarter of GDP and employs more than half of the workforce. The services sector accounts for 50% of GDP. Gold and cocoa production and individual remittances are major sources of foreign exchange. Oil production at Ghana’s offshore Jubilee field began in mid-December, 2010, and is expected to boost economic growth. President Mills faces challenges in managing new oil revenue while maintaining fiscal discipline and resisting debt accumulation. Estimated oil reserves have

jumped to almost 700 million barrels . Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact in 2006, which aims to assist in transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector and is also benefiting from the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative that took effect in 2006. In 2009 Ghana signed a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF to improve macroeconomic stability, private sector competitiveness, human resource development, and good governance and civic responsibility. Sound macro-economic management along with high prices for gold and cocoa helped sustain GDP growth. In 2011, the Ghanaian economy grew more than 14%, one of the highest in the world and Ghana also banked in more than $400 million in export revenue from her newly found oil. In the years ahead, Ghana can therefore look forward with hope and glory. VFMAfrica

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Nigeria News

“Actresses are not whores” – Tokunbo Fayomi Nollywood actress, Tokunbo Fayomi, laments that actresses are often seen as prostitutes and not as professionals in Nigeria. She says that in the course of interpreting their roles, actresses end up being mistaken as representing reality. She notes that in a world where women seem to be perpetually fighting for equality with the men folk, they are not treated as well as their male counterparts in the industry. She wonders why actors are never seen as prostitutes, but showered with praises instead. The light-complexioned actress, who has appeared in movies, such as Uncle Adisa, Gbolahan, Oni’ko and produced, Gbonjubola in 2009, is currently putting finishing touches to her new film titled, Simisola Akanfe. - African Leader and Punch

Boko Haram bomb scare in Lagos There was panic in Lagos on Friday evening over suspicion that an explosive device had been planted in a building in the Ikeja area of the state. The bomb was allegedly planted in Awolowo House, a glass house on Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikeja, one of the busiest parts of Ikeja Central Business District. The area, which is located close to the popular Ikeja bridge, was thrown into pandomium as thousands of people scampered for safety. Recently members of the Boko Haram sect had issued a threat to bomb major cities in the Southern part in the country including Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Enugu. This had prompted the Lagos State government to beef up security at the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. Part of the security measures was the introduction of stickers on

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vehicles entering the secretariat, as well as conducting thorough search of vehicles.Some vigilant passers-by were said to have raised the alarm over the discovery of the suspected bomb and alerted the authorities. Consequently, the building was immediately evacuated, with the vicinity cordoned off, while pedestrians and motorists were told to make use of alternative routes. But the spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Jaiyeola Joseph, said there was nothing to worry about, adding that the ‘rumour’ started after a man dropped a carton around the building and left.He said some people raised the alarm that it was a bomb, hence the panic. The Police Bomb Disposal Squad was immediately despatched to the scene.Nothing deadly was found, Joseph said. - African Leader and Tribune

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Mr. President, stand and fight harder for America. Fight for Healthcare.

Do you have any comments or questions about the African Leader media brand? Do you have any comments or questions about our news stoWe say again, Mr. President, stand and fight harder for Americans. Your fights are ries, features, ads or anything? Do you have news tips, business opporbearing fruits. You are winning. The American economy is turning around. Things are looking brighter. Many Americans are still quietly dissatisfied with the state of the tunities, events or anything you feel we may be interested in? Are you a American economy. Top of the worry list is the issue of jobs. Nearly 24 million Ameri- good writer? If your response to any of the above is ‘Yes’, please send us cans are out of jobs or have simply given up looking for some. Many people in the U.S an email to: theafricanleader@gmail.com. Or write to us: African Leader, African communities are hurting. Another unfulfilled promise is that of immigration reforms. After a long wait, nothing has changed and many African immigrants’ dream of 1211 Brook Ave, Bronx, NY 10456. As our readers, customers, partners becoming full U.S citizens still hangs in the balance. The only way out is to fight harder. and advertising clients, we truly value your comments and questions. The stakes in the 2012 election could not be higher. The time for cutting deals with the Republicans is over. President Barack Obama must fight for his core principles. This is not the time to cut and run. President Obama must stand and fight harder for America.

Vladimir Putin.....Continued from Page 15

Why is Putin my hero? In my analysis of global issues, my mind and heart are always on humanity. And this clearly shows through in everything I do. It’s all about human progress and this triumphs over everything else. During Britain’s darkest hour in World War 2, Winston Churchill defied Hitler’s blitz and united and inspired his countrymen to never, ever give up. In the same way, David Ben Gurion had a vision of a strong Jewish state and he inspired his people to fight and ultimately succeeded in founding the State of Israel. I’m thinking about the monumental catastrophe that would have befallen mankind if Winston Churchill had failed and Hitler’s Nazis had succeeded in their quest for global domination. I am thinking about the eternal sorrow that would have been endured if David Ben Gurion had failed and how the long suffering Jewish people would have been tragically stateless. I am also thinking about how the course of human history would have

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changed if George Washington had failed and the flame of freedom had been extinguished. In the same way, I am contemplating how Russia, a nation of over 140 million would have gone down and the river of blood that would have flowed. I am glad Putin helped to avert this human tragedy. It is a primary human desire to transform. Families want to transform to become the millionaire family they have always dreamed of. Companies want to innovate and transform to become the Apples of global business. Countries want to transform into another Switzerland or Singapore. For me personally, I am working to transform African Leader Media Group, www.africanleader.net and Convergence International into a multimillion dollar global business. It takes a beautiful mind to make it happen. So it is almost divine for Putin to have transformed Russia, the largest country in the world and with over 140 million population all within a short period of time. These days, I am thinking more about how Africa is largely

missing out on the vast wind of prosperity brought by globalization. Over 135 million people have been scooped out of poverty mostly in Asia and Latin America. Africa’s potential is being underutilized. Vast chunks of the most fertile land on earth and other natural resources still remain untapped. Over a billion people still remain underutilized and underachieved. All in a world in which Africa could be used as a new frontier market or growth engine for increased global prosperity. Regardless whether that hero is African, Westerner, Asian, or from wherever, a Putin-like mind could help transform Africa into a booming frontier market or new engine of global economic growth. Perhaps the most important of all is that, for Russia, a nation that was almost brought down to its knees, power, pride, spirit and prosperity have been relatively restored. And for Russia and the world, Putin has already reserved his glorious place in the history of mankind.

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Big hotel chains rush to Africa as business booms The world’s big hotel chains and airlines are rushing to serve new corporate customers in Africa, as Chinese and Middle East investment boosts business interest in the resource-rich region. “Africa is becoming the next frontier, perhaps the last frontier,” Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Tewolde Gebremariam told Reuters at the ITB travel fair in Berlin, saying its planes were full of Chinese investors. Hotel chain Marriott, for example, is opening new sites this year in the Rwandan and Ghanaian capitals of Kigali and Accra, and it plans to double the number of hotels it has in Africa and the Middle East to 100 over the next five years. “We’ve been trying to get into Africa for 15 years, but

the issue was financing,” Ed Fuller, international director at Marriott, told Reuters, saying that the wave of investment from China and elsewhere was making opening new hotels much easier.

It’s not just about oil, though. The underdevel oped African market is also of interest to western retailers, with U.S. group Wal-Mart having bought a majority stake in South African retailer Massmart.

Rival Carlson has just opened a new Radisson Blu hotel in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, the seat of the Africa Union and therefore a hub of political activity. “We are looking more at investing in sub-Saharan Africa, especially the oil- Hotels like Marriot Orlando (above) now going to Africa producing countries,” Chief Executive Hubert Joly Tourism Organization. seeking new investment told Reuters, citing Ghana as the country rebuilds itand Nigeria as examples. Overall African arriv- self after the fall of Qaddafi. als were flat, though, as the International arrivals in Arab Spring revolutions Joly said the group’s Tripoli sub-Saharan Africa grew caused a drop in travel to hotel was doing extremely North African countries well, while Marriott’s Fullby 7 percent in 2011, out- such as Libya and Tunisia. er described the potenpacing global growth of tial for the hotel industry 4 percent, according to Oil-rich Libya, however, in Libya as phenomenal. the United Nations World has been a hotspot for those

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Ethiopian’s Gebremariam said investors in the infrastructure and agriculture sectors were flying in from all over the world, and the growth opportunities were tempting airlines, too. “With the economic slowdown in Europe and the United States, more and more European and American carriers are focusing on Africa,” Gebremariam said, citing Air France-KLM and Lufthansa. -Reuters/Alarabiya

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By Moses Asare For all the Wall Street analysts who have long predicted China’s hard landing or the end of China’s economic miracle, think again. China’s economic juggernaut is not about to cool down anytime soon. This is simply because the Chinese are operating from a fundamentally revolutionary blueprint. China sees the world as a customer. And because the customer is king, China then becomes the kingmaker of the entire world. This is why China has become the biggest trading partner of virtually every region of the world. Their strategy is working like magic. Much of the other major powers see the world not from the stand point of a customer, but from the lens of politics and direct domination. Much of the other major powers are still operating from the World War 2 mentality. Not China. China is playing a completely different ballgame. It’s not just Soft Power, It’s what I call Soft Power Plus: customer centric thinking. The reality is that a significant part of the strategic posture and architecture of the United States seems to have been built from the lessons of World War 2. The old guards at the Pentagon, the CIA, State Department, FBI and other strategic institutions are mostly products of World War 2, the Cold War, Vietnam War or some combination thereof. It is understandable that the U.S’s strategic posture was necessary to defend freedom and helped to create great prosperity which we are still enjoying today, including me. This strategic posture helped to win the Cold War. While much of the world appreciates that, the modern world has changed and the rules of the game are changing. The geostrategic landscape is changing as new military and economic powers are entering the global theatre. It is true that this same strategic architecture helped to preserve relative global peace and built vast prosperity

Feb 28-Mar 28, 2012

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China’s global domination strategy red lines are crossed, China still responds cautiously and with restraint. However, let the world be warned that if the fundamental national security interests of China are threatened in a big way, China will unleash hell to aggressors.

across the globe through the spirit of free enterprise. But after nearly seven decades of preserving global peace and prosperity, analysts are becoming increasingly convinced that America’s geostrategic architecture needs significant refinement. It is simply unsustainable. During the Great Recession, systemically important American corporations were compelled to receive a vast infusion of government bailout money. Prominent Wall Street experts are now calling for some kind of system change. From a former Goldman Sachs president to university Professors. Now even the Financial Times is running a special series called ‘Capitalism in Crisis’. The point is, if there was no China, then perhaps America and the West could afford to relax. But the Chinese are a strong, wise and nimble competitor. Now, the whole world is using China as some kind of benchmark. In any project bidding game, the Chinese could just go in, offer juicy terms and walk away with it. China is now offering very competitive trade terms. You just can’t ignore this. America has no option but to either match the Chinese or beat them. According to the Global 2025 Report, published by the CIA-affiliated National Intelligence Council, by the year 2025, the threat of a nuclear war will hang on the world every day. Many countries would possess Nuclear weapons or the know-how to produce them quickly in the event of profound threats to their national security. The world would become a dangerous place, with nuclear Armageddon closer than ever. For example, just about

five days ago, Russia’s Chief of Defense Staff warned that Russia will use nuclear weapons “to stave off threats” in any possible future war with NATO. In a world of nuclear proliferation in which many nations will keep their finger on the nuclear trigger, the World War 2 gun-ho mentality will be too dangerous and ineffective. Who wants nuclear conflagration especially when the other side also has nukes? Rather, it is strategic diplomacy that will prevail. The world will now have to spend more time at the negotiation table taking into consideration each other’s core interests. This is what China is already doing very well. In this case, Hillary Clinton’s Smart Power policy is a brilliant move. However, since the U.S has been systemically configured on the basis of the conventional World War 2 era posture, it may take about 25 years for the U.S to fully reconfigure her strategic policy and posture to outfox the Chinese. For example, during China’s isolationist years of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, China and the U.S were staunch enemies. Today, it is clear that the U.S is perceived by some analysts to be strategically encircling China and building regional alliances against the communist nation just as it did against the Soviet Union. In spite of all that, China still treats the U.S as a customer, dealing with her wisely and patiently as last week’s visit by Vice President Xi proved. Because China knows the U.S is a mega export market for China. The U.S is….a customer. Yet, everybody understands that China will robustly defend her core interests. Even sometimes, when

Much as China is using what I call Soft Power Plus, or customer centric thinking, it is building a super modern army and is prepared for all global contingencies. China is mastering strategic technologies including space, satellites, missiles, telecoms, aircraft, submarine warfare, electronic warfare, stealth technology, innovative auto manufacturing, supercomputing, laser, biotechnology, deep sea exploration, arctic exploration and more. Even China knows that Soft Power Plus is not perfect. China has been accused of ignoring democratic values and not having conscience in its dealings with the world, particularly in emerging and frontier markets. Sometimes, hardliners in the Communist Party also call for the use of aggressive measures. For example, recently, some communist hardliners called for sanctions to be slapped on the Philippines for allowing its territory to be used as a military post for America’s new ‘Look East’ strategic military posture. In the end, at least for now, the Chinese choose the path of diplomacy and peace. Even in the heat of tensions, instead of China sending a naval destroyer to threaten the Philippines as the U.S, Russia or Britain would have done, the Chinese hosted Filipino President Benigno Aquino III for talks in Beijing. Smart move. There is a rumor making the rounds that at the height of the Great Recession, one nation allegedly believed to be Russia is reported to have urged the Chinese to pull the plug on the U.S by halting purchases of U.S Treasury Bonds or something to that effect. The wise old Chinese never listened to that garbage because the Chinese fully understand that the U.S is their single biggest export

market. Again, smart move. They also fully understand the heavy collateral hits they would take in any possible economic meltdown in the U.S. Now, instead of the Chinese waiting for the EU to be caught up in embarrassing serial defaults, they have taken pre-emptive action by bailing out the EU and saving the Euro. After all, the EU is now China’s biggest regional market. The Chinese are looking at the world as one giant market with many customers. Probably the Chinese have figured out that they need the world more than the world needs them. After all, it is a big challenge to feed 1.2 billion mouths. Why would they set fire on their market or bite the hand that feeds them? As I pointed out, China has become the biggest trading partner of virtually every region of the world. Their strategy is working like magic. Of all the predictions made about China’s rise, the most powerful so far is the one made by American Nobel Laureate Robert Fogel. Writing in the January/February 2010 edition of Foreign Policy, Fogel predicted that China’s GDP will hit $123 trillion by the year 2040. China’s success story is the result of sheer determination, a strong central government, smart thinking, huge investments in education, market reforms, financial sector improvements and many other factors. In spite of these solid achievements, and even though the Chinese are trying to build a strong domestic economy, the fundamental truth is that China is essentially a trading nation and it is global trade that has made China prosperous. The Chinese understand the strategic importance of global trade to their prosperity and they have also learnt from the mistakes of Europeans, the Soviet Union and the United States. The world is their marketplace. The world is one big customer. So China’s foreign policy has been crafted with great wisdom. It’s been designed the old fashioned way from the good old adage: the customer is king.

Feb 28-Mar 28, 2012

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Mali’s coup dilemna is now becoming a big test for African democracy. It’s also shameful. The disgruntled soldiers have turned their mutiny into a coup in the once stable West African country. The soldiers said a nationwide curfew was in force and that the constitution had been suspended. The troops, who staged a mutiny on Wednesday, say the government is not giving them enough arms to tackle a rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs. West African regional body Ecowas has condemned the actions of the troops. In a statement, it said it had followed the situation with “dismay and mounting concern”, describing the behaviour of the mutinous soldiers as “reprehensible” and “misguided”. Continue reading the main story Mali troop mutiny Mutiny leader Capt Amadou Sanogo (pictured above) has imposed a national curfew It follows anger among troops at the government’s handling of a Tuareg rebellion in the north The whereabouts of President Amadou Toumani Toure are unknown. A number of ministers have been arrested The country has had democratic rule for 20 years. It comes after the renegade troops had staged a mutiny traded gunfire with soldiers loyal to the government. A source told the BBC that the foreign minister and a number of other ministers have been arrested. On Wednesday the mutineers had taken over the state radio and TV broadcaster in Bamako and took it off air. After several hours of footage of traditional Malian mu-

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Africa and World News

hand over to a democratically elected government. There has not yet been any reaction from President Toure to the announcement. The BBC’s Martin Vogl, in Bamako, said the exact whereabouts of the President Toure were not known. It

is yet to be seen how the world will condemn this unnecessary coup.

Liberian President under Fire WASHINGTON — The Obama administration chastised one of its most favored world leaders Tuesday, expressing “surprise and concern” Above: Former President Toure- Must be reinstatated over reports that Liberia’s Nobel Peace Prizesic and dancing, a group of soldiers appeared on screen winning president was defending a law crimiearly on Thursday morning, with a caption identifying nalizing gay acts. them as the “Committee for the Re-establishment of DeLiberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s remocracy and the Restoration of the State”. marks come as the impoverished African counThe leader of the mutiny was revealed to be Capt Ama- try’s legislature considers toughening homodou Sanogo, who appeared briefly to announce the impo- sexuality punishments to include jail time. sition of a national curfew, although he did not specifyIn an interview with Britain’s Guardian newsing the time. A spokesman for the rebels, identified on screen as Lt paper, Sirleaf was reported to have said, “We’ve Amadou Konare, said they had ended the “incompetent got certain traditional values in our society that regime” of President Amadou Toumani Toure. we would like to preserve.” On the law crimiLt Konare condemned the “inability” of the government nalizing homosexual acts, she said: “We like to “fight terrorism”, and said the soldiers would look to ourselves just the way we are.” - The State

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Mali’s coup, Africa’s shame.

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Ghana News

President Mills - Top candidate for the $5 million Mo Ibrahim prize?

By Moses Asare, African Leader

Africa is a continent of natural wonders. But that’s not all. Africa also has plenty of leaders whose styles and conducts make Africa even more unbelievable….in a not so positive way. In Africa, you find the Yahya Jammehs who have vowed to rule for generations, the Paul Biyas who have already ruled for decades and the old guards like Mugabe who simply won’t go away. Then there are the Omar Bongos of Gabon, the Kabilas of D.R Congo and the Eyademas of Togo who have turned their countries into paternal dynasties.

ever, as the NPP transitions to a younger generation of leaders around age 50 just as the UK and China are now wisely doing.

Then on the opposite side of the fence, you have a new generation of leaders who are determined to pursue good governance and to help make a difference in the lives of their peoples. One such new generation leader is President John Atta Mills of Ghana, a rising star in a tough and unpredictable African political landscape. On the issue of oil management which is perhaps the most strategic of all, the president has delivered. He has shown prudence in the management of Ghana’s newfound oil wealth. Already, Ghana earned over $400 million from oil exports last year. Inflation has been tamed. GDP growth is off the charts and at over 14% it is one of the highest in the world. Foreign investments are pouring in. Ghana is enjoying relative peace and security. Another smart move by President Mills is that he has kept former President Rawlings at bay. He is his own man. If Mr. Rawlings, a man obsessed with controlling people, thought President Mills would be another walk over, he has made a big mistake. Mills has proven that he is the president and is totally in charge. Fact is, if President Mills had listened to Rawlings, perhaps Ghana would have been on fire by now. He ignored Rawlings’s call for revolution-style witch hunt and prosecution of former officials of the Kufour government and Ghana is better for it. Thank God, Mills chose to follow the wisdom of Nelson Mandela in not being vengeful. He has also shown great patience and tolerance for his most avowed critics. For example, President Mills ordered the

release of an opposition NPP activist who accused him of being gay, among other serious charges. He just let the accuser go free. If it was some other leader, he would have put the fear of God in him by teaching him a lesson he would never forget. At worst, he would have ‘disappeared’. And at best, he would have received a black eye. In between, he could have easily done some serious jail time just as Kofi Coomson, Kweku Baako, Kwesi Pratt and Haruna Atta sadly were reported to have been subjected to under former President Rawlings. Nana Addo better take notes. Because if Nana Addo could not beat him even when Nana’s party had incumbency advantage, then Mills has become more difficult to beat than in 2008. To beat him, Nana Addo has to work ten times harder than before. He has to sharpen his strategy ten times better. He has to improve on his PR ten times better. It would be a very close election, but as the incumbent, President Mills has a slim advantage over Nana Addo. If the NPP does not work ten times harder, four more years of life in the wilderness await them. And for Nana Addo, having come so close and yet so far, his long held dream of becoming a president would be sadly lost for-

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While it may not be easy to do so, it is very important to distinguish between President Mills as a person, the NDC party as a whole and the current government. These are three distinct players even though they may be interconnected. Most Ghanaians agree that President Mills is a great leader: selfless, kind, God fearing, disciplined and passionate about serving the people. Here is a leader who is not arrogant and always puts the people first. Here is a leader who has great relationships with the leaders of the opposition NPP despite almost daily insults by these same opposition leaders. The fact remains that the NDC may not be the most popular party in Ghana. We know that. We also know that some people in the Mills government may be ganging up to loot the nation. Mills is now cracking down hard on these corrupt officials. His decisive action which forced out former Attorney General Martin Amidu and Education Minister Betty Mould Iddrisu have put fear in his friends and foes alike that the man is a no nonsense leader. He is also taking strong action against Woyome personally. Several similar issues allegedly came up during the Kufour and Rawlings governments and some of these cases were swept under the carpet. Mills has taken decisive action and he must be praised. It is no wonder that President Mills has been judged by the East African Magazine as one of the best leaders on the continent. The President received grade A with a score of 70.1% for his performance as a leader in 2011. Kenya’s Nation Media Group, publishers of the East African Magazine is probably the largest and most respected media group in East Africa. If the NPP and Nana Addo think they would cruise to an easy victory in the upcoming December elections, they better think again because they would have a tough fight. But whatever happens, President Mills will be forever remembered as a great, selfless leader. And perhaps, who knows, the $5 million Mo Ibrahim prize may be added to that.

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Ghana News

Ghana buys four warships to protect oil from enemies

Pastor’s Wife Charged for Stealing

By African Leader and Daily Graphic President John Evans Atta Mills has commissioned four new vessels for the Ghana Navy, the first in 32 years, and underscored the need for the country to secure its maritime domain for its future socio-economic development. He said the nation’s maritime environment abounded in diverse resources, including minerals, oil, gas and various species of fish, which needed to be protected for the economic development and livelihood of the present and future generations. Commissioning the vessels at the Home Port of the Western Naval Command in Sekondi, President Mills said with the increasing incidents of piracy and other related maritime crimes, “we have no option but to equip our Navy to be able to guarantee a secure environment where all legitimate entities can operate freely without hindrance.” Other threats, he said, include drug trafficking, arms smuggling, dumping of toxic waste, illegal bunkering, illegal fishing and pair-trawling. The vessels are fast patrol boats fitted with equipment to carry out various operations. They were built by Poly Technologies Incorporated Group in the Quindao Shipyard in China according to specifications by the Ghana Navy. The ships have been named after venomous snakes in the country’s local languages. They are the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Blika (Blika is a Ga-Dangme word for the cobra), the GNS Garinga (Garinga is a Dag-

A pastor’s wife was Tuesday put before the Accra Circuit charged with stealing 158 assorted cellular phones, worth GH¢55,100.

bani word for the venomous viper), the GNS Chemle is an Ahanta word for the black mamba, the longest venomous snake in Africa), and the GNS Ehwor (Ehwor is an Ewe word for the python.) As part of the commissioning ceremony, the President boarded the GNS Blika and went on a one-hour sea trip. The President was accompanied by some Members of Parliament and other guests. President Mills said with the addition of the four ships, the Navy should be in a position to maintain continuous presence at sea. It may be recalled that the Ivory Coast is claiming part ownership of Ghana’s oilrich maritime assets along Ghana’s southern sea boundaries. Ghana has rubbished Ivory Coast’s claims but it is believed that some form of communication remains open on the issue. Thus, the acquisition of these wasrhips would send the warning signs to Ivory Coast and other potential enemies to back off.

Leticia Ayensu Akoto, a trader, was alleged to have stolen the cellular phones belonging to Eric Abrah, her husband, who is a pastor, in August 2011.She pleaded not guilty to one count of stealing and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢15,000, with two sureties, to reappear on March 8, 2012. Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mrs Sarah Acquah told the court that the complainant allowed the accused person to take full responsibility of his two cellular phone shops in November 2009 while he concentrated on his pastoral duties. According to the prosecution, the complainant took full stock of the asHis Excellency President John Evans Atta Mills left Accra on Tuesday 6th March, 2012 for a state visit to the United States of America. The visit was at the invitation of President Barrack Obama and the United State government. This was contained in a press release signed by the Head of Communications at the Presidency, Mr. Koku Anyidoho. As part of the itinerary, President Atta Mills was the guest of President Obama at the White House on March 08, 2012, where inter alia, both

sorted cellular phones in his shop before handing over the shop to Leticia. About 2 p.m. on August 2, 2011, the complainant went to his shops and realised that both shops had been closed down. He later received information that the accused person had packed all the cellular phones in his shop and absconded. Following that revelation, the complainant rushed home and found that the accused person had packed her belongings, together with his cellular phones, and was about to leave for her home town.The police managed to retrieve 205 assorted cellular phones from Leticia during initial investigations but she could not account for the remaining 158 phones. She was later charged and put before court after investigations. (GNA/AFRICAN LEADER) Presidents held bilateral talks on Ghana/ USA relations. President Atta Mills also interacted with, Senators, Congressmen/ women, Captains of Industry, as well as members of the Ghanaian community in the Washington catchment area. President Atta Mills was accompanied by, First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills, some Ministers of State, and a high powered business delegation.His Excellency President Atta Mills returned to Accra on March 13, 2012.

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Opinion

A Time for Peace ........By MosesAsare, African Leader Media Group

Is another war brewing in the Middle East? Is the U.S or Israel preparing for a spring or summer strike on Iran? And could Putin’s Russia enter this possible war and turn it into a huge, messy regional war? War seems to be in the air. All you have to do is turn on your TV and not a day goes by without a debate about war with Iran. This is not a picnic. It’s deadly serious. But the real question is: has the world suddenly developed an appetite for a new war? Has the world readied its stomach for a bloody war? Is war becoming the first option rather than the last resort? Most importantly, is the world drifting from the path of wisdom and peace? Talking about wisdom, I remember my first days in America as a young man. This was many, many years ago. I had just come from Ghana (I’m American now). In Ghana there is a saying that “strangers have big eyes”. On this fateful day, my eyes were truly huge. It was Columbus Day and here I was at the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, New York City. The parade was spectacular. I was enchanted by the beauty of Manhattan. Almost everywhere I turned, I saw magnificent high-rise glass buildings. For the first time. But there was more to come. On the main building at Rockefeller Center, I saw the writing: “Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy

times”. Again, I turned right and another writing quickly caught my eye: Isaiah Chapter 2 versus 4;“…They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore”. My soul connected to these words and I felt as if I had seen the light. I was mesmerized. Being in America for the first time, with the beauty of the city and the Rockefeller center, and my spiritual connection to these ancient words of wisdom, it felt like the classic hope and glory in the eyes of a child. I stood amazed at what I saw. I felt like Alice in Wonderland.

It is true that America was built on the wings of strength. It may be true that strength won the Cold War as the Reaganites love to say. But it is also true that values, wisdom, principles and great ideals are the fundamental pillars on which America is built. With talks of spring or summer war in the Middle East, is the world drifting from the path of wisdom, knowledge and stability and precipitating into an apocalypse of human destruction the scale of which may not be immediately imaginable? Where are the cool heads? A new war in the Middle East? Is the world moving from one war to another? Is this a return to the World War 2 era? Another cold war? It appears nations are now giv-

ing priority to the barrel of the gun, not the conference table. War is now becoming the first option, not the last resort.

War mongers and ultra-conservative hardliners are calling for war all over the place… Iran, North Korea, China and sometimes even Russia. I remember my student days in England. In England, World War 2 documentaries are shown on TV nearly every day. Sometimes, I felt some people were so obsessed with Hitler that they want to watch him every day! I remember watching one documentary called “The Color of War”. The whole point of the documentary is that war brings unimaginable horror and suffering. It is ruthless and destructive and hardly does it produce winners. I also remember watching Fox News and one commentator or analyst allegedly said something to the effect that if war breaks out in the Korean Peninsula, it will be finished very fast… meaning tons of hydrogen bombs will be dropped on North Korea and the war will be won quickly! Well, I don’t know in whose name those bombs will be dropped, and for what? Now, it appears some hawks want the world to see the color of war all over again, perhaps in the horrific colors of World War 2. For what? Have we reached that point? The world can and should end gen-

erations of war and mistrust in the Middle East. Is war the only thing that can be imagined? If , God forbid, war breaks out and thousands are killed on both sides, who will benefit? And who will win?President Obama came to power on a platform of peace. He promised America a clean break from war and a clean break from the hawkish policy of the former Bush administration. Is he now going to rule on the back of war? It appears he may be preparing to pick new fights, fights that even the hawkish Bush chose to let go. Despite centuries of warfare and bitterness, a more peaceful world is possible for the Middle East. I believe Israel has the right to protect and defend itself. After all, the Jews are living on a tiny piece of land. Isn’t there enough land for everyone? While it is understandable for Israel to protect and defend itself, I believe Israel will benefit more than any other country if peace is achieved in the Middle East. Imagine a peaceful Middle East guaranteed by peace treaties signed by all parties. And imagine a Middle East Free Trade Union bringing together over 500 million people, similar to the European Union. In peace time, Israel will be a clear leader of this bloc because of her competitive economy and sophisticated financial system. It’s time for cool heads. It’s time for peace.

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