· October, 2010

Stories about Development from October, 2010

China: Debate on Rare Earths Export

  29 October 2010

With the rise of nationalistic sentiment in China, a majority of mainland Chinese support the government's policy in restricting the export of rare earths to Japan and other western countries.

China and the U.S: Fuss about rare earth

  29 October 2010

Adam Minter from Shanghai Scrap looks into the data of China agricultural trade and points out that the recent intimations of a ban on the rare earth elements has been overstated. On the other hand, the Chinese experts have underestimated the importance of low-cost soy beans and wheat to social...

South Africa: Dear Government

  28 October 2010

Controversial South Africa radio personality Gareth Cliff writes a letter to the South African government: “OK, I get it, the President isn't the only one in charge. The ANC believes in “collective responsibility” (So that nobody has to get blamed when things get screwed up), so I address this to...

Bermuda: Ahoy There!

  27 October 2010

Elaborate plans are afoot for the development of “a pirate-themed waterpark”; New Onion asks: “Who has deep pockets and is that bad of a businessperson other than the Bermuda Government?”, while Vexed Bermoothes says: “There has not been a well thought out business plan…there should be limited development on this...

Poland: Krakow

  26 October 2010

Polandian follows the construction of Krakow's new pedestrian bridge and reports on the process in this photo post. Greetings from Kyiv visits Krakow, finds the city “gorgeous” and posts some pictures – here and here.

Bangladesh: Land Grab And Protests

  25 October 2010

In Rupganj, Bangladesh land-owners protested acquiring of land for an army housing project and they clashed with the security forces leaving 50 people injured and one dead. Bloggers react angrily.

Zimbabwe: When Will Zimbabwean Diaspora Return?

  25 October 2010

“When will Zimbabwean diaspora return?,” Glow asks: “…there is a niggling part of me that wonders how real change can come in Zimbabwe when such a large part of its wealthiest, most skilled and educated populace live and invest in faraway places.”

South Africa: Musings on Inequality vs. Poverty

  25 October 2010

Andries du Toit muses on inequality vs. poverty in South Africa: “The central and most urgent issue facing South Africa is not poverty but inequality… our economy, while generating wealth for a few, is also a poverty machine, perpetuating and exacerbating steep and deeply rooted inequalities that threaten the basis...

Africa: Africa Rural Connect 3.0

  22 October 2010

Lisa reports that African Rural Connect 3.0 is live: “After months of hard work, the National Peace Corps Association's Africa Rural Connect team has launched additional interactive tools and features in order to maximize the collaborative experience for members of Africa Rural Connect.”

D.R. of Congo: Mobile Phone Light Saves Life of a Mother

  20 October 2010

Mobile phone light saves life of a mother in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo: “Everyone is healthy in the end, but she was required to undergo a C-section. Apparently during the operation, the electricity at the hospital went out, and there was somehow no petrol on hand to run...

Zimbabwe: What does Zimbabwe have to offer children?

  20 October 2010

What does Zimbabwe have offer children?: “Away from personal experience, the law protecting children or, more accurately, the lack of law protecting children in Zimbabwe is shocking. Looking at the current constitution as of February 2009, there is no particular area where the needs of children are addressed.

Brazil: Day by Day in a Favela School

  20 October 2010

Follow Tia Dag's stories on violence, poverty and drugs, in a school in one of Sao Paulo's favelas, Casa do Zezinho, where she educates children, aiming to prevent them from joining Brazilian criminal gangs.