Knowing the pain adultery causes....I understand the punishment. However, becoming uncivilized to punish such a personal crime (which it is, even if not in this country) is unnecessary in modern society.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704398804575071173912460414.html

Opportunity in Niger

The Niger military has deposed their president and suspended the Constitution. Leading up to this was the president's dissolving of the parliament, and replacing the entire court system with his own personal picks. He also gave himself an extended term. Basically, the Constitution was thrown out before this coup.

There is a unique opportunity here. Prior to this power grab by the president and now the military there were two very stable (by African standards) elections. Hopefully the military will put in place a process for democracy within a year, if not then I suggest the world end all Uranium shipments out of the country until such a commitment is made by the new leadership.

One of the reason's this country has some importance is because it is the third largest source of Uranium in the world. Niger also has the highest population growth.

One side note in case you mention this topic to others when referring to Niger citizens they are Nigerien, not Nigerian which refers to the people of Nigeria.

The State of The World

Islam is hard lining in Malaysia:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704398804575071173912460414.html

Russia is still blurring the lines between Russia and Abkhazia:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iA_q3mcvbweZYWMyw31KrW30EvUwD9DU34E01

And Iran will stand by a terrorist organization against Israel:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iiAqp623vjfmpTTtpnmsKnG_hHEAD9DUK2H00

Syria is saying Israel will drive them to war:
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-04/israel-creating-climate-of-war-syria-minister-says-update1-.html

Mexico's Drug War Spills Over

Humanitarian crisis in Texas? 30,000 people have fled Mexico's Ciduad Juarez in the past 18 months into El Paso. 200,000 total have fled the city.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1819528920100218

Cooperation in War

Pakistan has helped capture three top Taliban leaders recently. Saudi Arabia is now doing its part as well:

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-17/saudis-arrest-al-qaeda-militant-on-most-wanted-terrorist-list.html

Riots in Vancouver

Anarchists, indigenous people are angry about the Olympics.

http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20100vancouver-riots

COUP in Niger

The president and cabinet of Niger is being held hostage.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8522227.stm

Weapons in Somalia

"Hi I'd like an AK-47, used or new please."
"Oh Hey! I'm looking for the same thing."
"Awesome man. You Shebab or TFG?"
"Shebab, you?"
"I'm TFG. Hopefully I'll be shooting you in the back tomorrow!"
"Same to you man, same to you."

The reason for this exchange is the following:
Islamist insurgents and fighters from Somalia's government forces mingle peacefully at Mogadishu's main weapons market, but both sides are stocking up ahead of a major government offensive.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g5_ZfMDe4JyDbBN6cRS_HzPKOGOg

Kurdistan Elections

This could get ugly.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hbv1WbydkhNOxPCSGlM-sjtRbqiQ