Positive News from South Africa

SA President Zuma has acknowledged that HIV causes AIDS and not ARVs and is ready to commit SA to fighting the disease. I know, it doesn't sound like much, but in fact 10 years ago President Mbeki said the opposite and proceeded to undermine efforts to control and address the HIV epidemic in his country, with a health minister who believed ART caused AIDS (it most certainly does not). So good news for South Africa, as political will (here we can define it as having your president admit HIV exists) is usually quite helpful in acquiring the funds, permissions, and government support and involvement to do something about it.

Crap

Uganda wants to pass MORE laws against homosexuality - now so they could execute people convicted? Really? The Ugandan establishment is that threatened by homosexuality? If it wasn't so very hateful, it would be pitiful. I'm sure Uganda doesn't have any bigger problems than homosexuality to address. Like maybe the LRA?

The Rains Have Come

Afternoon Rain 1, originally uploaded by l'exterieur.

It finally started raining here a couple weeks ago. It was so hot in the run up (though not really hot by West African standards, I suppose). Lately there's been a cooling rain most afternoons. It's been a great relief to the heat and dust of June through September.

Dinner Party

Baby L and Mom, originally uploaded by l'exterieur.

A couple of weeks ago we had some friends over for dinner. One of our friends brought their 13 month old, who is named after Josh's mom. She was adorable, though kind of frightened of Josh and I and terrified of the cat. Of course, the cat was terrified of her as well - he ran and hid in the bushes for the entire evening, despite there being chicken on the floor.

Ohh, Guinea

Bernard Kouchner is particularly unhappy about the situation in Guinea. And now rumors are circulating that a Liberian paramilitary organization might be involved - or at least providing support to the military coup leader's troups.

The US has brought it up in the Security Council and Secretary of State Clinton has made statements, too.

Here's more about Guinea

This is the most international coverage on Guinea in a long while. The New York Times has even done a piece on the sexual violence experienced during the crack down last week. The piece is pretty depressing.

I've never heard of this sort of thing happening in Guinea - the sexual violence not the military dictatorship crackdown.

Guinea...not so good

Here's some New York Times coverage of the Guinea situation. It's sad. The leader sounds awful. I hope civil war is not looming. The scariest thing, and why the rape with rifle butts is probably only the beginning, is that much of the forces - military, mercenary - in Guinea got their chops in the brutal, terrifying civil wars in their neighboring countries - Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire.

I hope that's not the path they're on. I like it better when they're not making it into the American press.