To the Point
Is China Becoming the Next Colonial Power in Africa?
Why did the Pentagon choose to announce a new focus on Africa while Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of the continent? Does China's increasing economic attention there a threat to US interests in the region? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell looks at the Chinese approach to investment in Africa, human rights and economic development, as well as Pentagon concerns about China's growing influence there. Also, Iraq's Deputy Health Minister arrested for supporting Shiite militias, and on Reporter's Notebook, Nancy Pelosi's plane. How big is too big?
By Lawrence O'Donnell • • 1h 0m ListenWhy did the Pentagon choose to announce a new focus on Africa while Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of the continent? Does China's increasing economic attention there a threat to US interests in the region? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell looks at the Chinese approach to investment in Africa, human rights and economic development, as well as Pentagon concerns about China's growing influence there. Also, Iraq's Deputy Health Minister arrested for supporting Shiite militias, and on Reporter's Notebook, Nancy Pelosi's plane. How big is too big?
In this episode
3 storiesIraqi Health Official Charged with Supporting Shiite Militias
Iraqi Deputy Health Minister Hakim al-Zamili was arrested in a raid today on charges of supporting Shiite militias. Charged with supplying weapons to the Mahdi Army, led by Muqtada al Sadr, his is the latest arrest by US and Iraqi forces in a new strategy to crackdown on sectarian violence in Baghdad.
Read the story6 minChinese Economic Investment in Africa
While Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of Africa , the Pentagon has announced the formation of a new command structure focusing on that continent. Trade between China and Africa has more than quadrupled in the last 4 years. Angola has overtaken Saudi Arabia as China's largest source of oil.
Read the story34 minRepublicans Make Hay over Pelosi's Plane Request
The Speaker of the House is the most protected and most coddled member of Congress. She's the only one gets Secret Service protection and who never has to fly commercial. Nancy Pelosi , unhappy with the plane her predecessor, Dennis Hastert , used, has asked the Air Force for a new, bigger one.
Read the story9 min