Worldfocus  

Chinese President Hu Jintao ended his tour of four African nations this week, having promised to deepen ties with the continent. A lot of chatter has surrounded China’s interests in Africa. Media have branded China’s role in Africa as an invasion or an era of neo-colonialism with ulterior motives of pillaging Africa’s raw materials. Rhetoric from Chinese and African leaders includes words like “friendship,” “partnership” and “brotherhood,” stressing a shared history and common experience. Some of this trade, however, involves countries like Sudan and Zimbabwe, where human rights abuses have been cited. Some also criticize the flood of cheap Chinese goods because it has eliminated Africans’ jobs. Worldfocus.org’s weekly radio show examined the roots of the China-Africa relationship dating back 50 years, exploring what it means for Africa and China and whether the U.S. has become an uncomfortable third wheel.

Just over a year ago, many in Iceland praised Prime Minister Geir Haarde for strengthening the country’s economy and Iceland was rated the “best place to live” by the United Nations. Then the global financial crisis hit, and the country’s three largest banks failed in October. In late January, Haarde resigned following weeks of public pressure and the coalition government collapsed. Up to 32,000 people have participated in protests – more than 10 percent of the country’s population.

In a phenomenon known as reverse brain drain, highly skilled immigrants and foreign students in the U.S. are returning to their home countries — nations like India or China whose industries might seem attractive as U.S. unemployment rises and visa restrictions come into effect.