Africa Bureau Chief, Christian Science Monitor
Africa Bureau Chief for the Christian Science Monitor, based in Johannesburg, South Africa
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Scott Baldauf
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FROM Scott Baldauf
Which Way, L.A.?
World Cup Preparations in South Africa With roughly a billion fans expected to watch on TV, the World Cup will be living up to its name. It's been held every four years since 1930, with two exceptions during World War II. The first was in Montevideo, Uruguay, and this is the first on the continent of Africa. South Africa, the host nation, has spent almost $4 billion on preparations.
To the Point
World Cup Preparations in South Africa The World Cup has been held every four years since 1930, with two exceptions during World War II. The first was in Montevideo, Uruguay, and this is the first on the continent of Africa. South Africa, where soccer is the sport of the black majority, has spent almost $4 billion on preparations. But, in a country of widespread deprivation, there’s some resentment over the billions spent to build facilities that could become white elephants. Other than South Africans, Americans have bought more tickets than anyone else. How will the US team do in Saturday’s big test against England?
To the Point
Twenty Years Since Mandela Was Released from Robben Island Today marks another anniversary that rocked the world: it was 20 years ago that Nelson Mandela was released from a prison on Robben Island. The most famous political prisoner in the world was held for 27 years by a South African government built on apartheid. Mandela's release signaled the end of apartheid and ushered in an era of change. At the time, everything seemed possible for a new South Africa. Scott Baldauf is Africa Bureau Chief for the Christian Science Monitor .
To the Point
ANC Retains Power in South Africa Despite reports that South African blacks and whites are disenchanted with their government, turnout for yesterday’s election was massive. Two other parties challenged the African National Congress of Nelson Mandella. The Democratic Alliance (DA) appeals to white liberals and the Congress of the People (COPE) is composed of former ANC members. Not all the votes have been counted, but it’s a resounding victory for the ruling party. Does that mean more of the same? Scott Baldauf is in Johannesburg for the Christian Science Monitor .
To the Point
Warrant Issued for Arrest of Sudan's President The President of Sudan has been indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. It's the first such action ever against a sitting head of state. Omar al-Bashir is not accused of genocide. The ICC says there's not enough evidence. He is charged with ordering murder, extermination, rape, torture and the forcible transfer of civilians suspected of supporting rebel factions in the western province of Darfur. Scott Baldouf covers Africa for the Christian Science Monitor .
To the Point
Can Nigeria's New President Bring Reform and Stability? Nigerians witnessed an historic first this week, the peaceful transfer of power from one civilian president to another. Despite this first after the nation 's long history of coups and military rule, the election process that brought Umaru Yar'Adua to power has been widely criticized as fraudulent and will most likely result in legal challenges to his victory. What will be on his agenda as he tries to govern the second-wealthiest country in Africa, where half the population lives in poverty? Can he build on the anti-corruption successes of his predecessor? Will the new president be able to persuade rebels in the oil-rich south to stop their attacks, which have cut the country's oil production by one-third? What about the expectations of average Nigerians? Sara Terry guest hosts.
Which Way, L.A.?
China 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. Yesterday, in South Africa, Hu said his country will not do anything harmful to the interests of Africa and its people, but he hasn't spoken out forcefully for human rights during his trip. Should the US be worried about China's influence in the region? Is China trying to become the new colonial power on the continent or just a helpful partner in economic development? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell weighs the benefits and dangers of China's growing influence.
To the Point
Chinese 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. Yesterday, in South Africa, Hu said his country will not do anything harmful to the interests of Africa and its people, but he hasn't spoken out forcefully for human rights during his trip. Should the US be worried about China's influence in the region? Is China trying to become the new colonial power on the continent or just a helpful partner in economic development? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell weighs the benefits and dangers of China's growing influence.
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To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?