What We’re Reading 8/14/09

Aug 14th, 2009 10:55 AM UTC
By Chris Scott

Secretary Clinton in Africa

New York Times: Clinton Supports President of Liberia
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent a strong message of support to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf yesterday. Since 2003, the United States has spent more than $2 billion trying to stabilize Liberia, a country of 3.5 million people. Secretary Clinton promised more, saying the United States would help fix up Monrovia’s airport and train police officers. She called President Sirleaf a “very accomplished leader” and said that the administration believes Liberia is “on the right track.”

Washington Post: Clinton Lauds Cape Verde on Final Tour Stop
Sec. Clinton wrapped up her seven-nation tour of Africa today with a brief stop in Cape Verde, which the U.S. government has hailed as an African success story. In recent years, the country has had a string of democratic elections and surging economic output. Secretary Clinton is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira Neves this morning before returning to Washington.

Washington Post: Clinton Dismisses Flap, Calls Africa Trip ‘Great’
Sec. Clinton said yesterday that she has had an “absolutely wonderful trip” through Africa, despite a flap over her angry retort to a student’s question about her husband’s political opinions. Clinton made remarks following a speech on democracy to a joint session of the Liberian congress that brought legislators to their feet cheering, one of the warmest receptions she has received on her Africa visit. The trip, which ends today, is aimed at improving relations with Africa and urging to fight corruption and improve democratic processes.

Other news

Reuters: Climate Talks Risk Failure Unless Accelerated: UN
U.N. talks on a new climate treaty due to be agreed in December risk failure unless negotiations accelerate, a senior U.N. official said on Friday after a sluggish week-long session among 180 nations. Negotiators made scant progress towards breaking deadlock on sharing curbs on greenhouse gases among rich and poor, or raising funds to help developing nations adapt to climate changes.

Financial Times: Deft Amid Difficulties
South African President Jacob Zuma – who on Monday completes his first 100 days in office – still struggles to contain a wave of community protests and labor disputes. Richard Lapper argues that until now Zuma has been politically pragmatic and quietly effective as President and has taken “a more open and inclusive approach” with his cabinet than is traditional for the ANC. However, Lapper says, the tensions of recent weeks have begun to stain the solid beginning of the Zuma government.

-Grace Lamb-Atkinson

TAGS: What We're Reading