Parenting News
American public universities tend to be larger, offer more courses
iCademy Middle East's fees starting from Dh19,373
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Zawya
Africa's minerals are being bartered for security: why it's a bad idea?
A US-brokered peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda binds the two African nations to a worrying arrangement: one where a country signs away its mineral resources to a superpower in return for opaque assurances of security. The peace deal, signed in June 2025, aims to end three decades of conflict between the DRC and Rwanda. A key part of the agreement binds both nations to developing a regional economic integration framework. This arrangement would expand cooperation between the two states, the US government and American investors on 'transparent, formalized end-to-end mineral chains'. Despite its immense mineral wealth, the DRC is among the five poorest countries in the world. It has been seeking US investment in its mineral sector. The US has in turn touted a potential multi-billion-dollar investment programme to anchor its mineral supply chains in the traumatised and poor territory. The peace that the June 2025 deal promises, therefore, hinges on chaining mineral supply to the US in exchange for Washington's powerful – but vaguely formulated – military oversight. The peace agreement further establishes a joint oversight committee – with representatives from the African Union, Qatar and the US – to receive complaints and resolve disputes between the DRC and Rwanda. But beyond the joint oversight committee, the peace deal creates no specific security obligations for the US. The relationship between the DRC and Rwanda has been marred by war and tension since the bloody First (1996-1997) and Second (1998-2003) Congo wars. At the heart of much of this conflict is the DRC's mineral wealth. It has fuelled competition, exploitation and armed violence. This latest peace deal introduces a resources-for-security arrangement. Such deals aren't new in Africa. They first emerged in the early 2000s as resources-for-infrastructure transactions. Here, a foreign state would agree to build economic and social infrastructure (roads, ports, airports, hospitals) in an African state. In exchange, it would get a major stake in a government-owned mining company. Or gain preferential access to the host country's minerals. We have studied mineral law and governance in Africa for more than 20 years. The question that emerges now is whether a US-brokered resources-for-security agreement will help the DRC benefit from its resources. Based on our research on mining, development and sustainability, we believe this is unlikely. This is because resources-for-security is the latest version of a resource-bartering approach that China and Russia pioneered in countries such as Angola, the Central African Republic and the DRC. Resource bartering in Africa has eroded the sovereignty and bargaining power of mineral-rich nations such as the DRC and Angola. Further, resources-for-security deals are less transparent and more complicated than prior resource bartering agreements. DRC's security gaps The DRC is endowed with major deposits of critical minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese and tantalum. These are the building blocks for 21st century technologies: artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, wind energy and military security hardware. Rwanda has less mineral wealth than its neighbour, but is the world's third-largest producer of tantalum, used in electronics, aerospace and medical devices. For almost 30 years, minerals have fuelled conflict and severe violence, especially in eastern DRC. Tungsten, tantalum and gold (referred to as 3TG) finance and drive conflict as government forces and an estimated 130 armed groups vie for control over lucrative mining sites. Several reports and studies have implicated the DRC's neighbours – Rwanda and Uganda – in supporting the illegal extraction of 3TG in this region. The DRC government has failed to extend security over its vast (2.3 million square kilometres) and diverse territory (109 million people, representing 250 ethnic groups). Limited resources, logistical challenges and corruption have weakened its armed forces. This context makes the United States' military backing enormously attractive. But our research shows there are traps. What states risk losing Resources-for-infrastructure and resources-for-security deals generally offer African nations short-term stability, financing or global goodwill. However, the costs are often long-term because of an erosion of sovereign control. Here's how this happens: - certain clauses in such contracts can freeze future regulatory reforms, limiting legislative autonomy - other clauses may lock in low prices for years, leaving resource-selling states unable to benefit when commodity prices surge - arbitration clauses often shift disputes to international forums, bypassing local courts - infrastructure loans are often secured via resource revenues used as loan security. This effectively ringfences exports and undermines sovereign fiscal control. Examples of loss or near-loss of sovereignty from these sorts of deals abound in Africa. For instance, Angola's US$2 billion oil-backed loan from China Eximbank in 2004. This was repayable in monthly deliveries of oil, with revenues directed to Chinese-controlled accounts. The loan's design deprived Angolan authorities of decision-making power over that income stream even before the oil was extracted. These deals also fragment accountability. They often span multiple ministries (such as defence, mining and trade), avoiding robust oversight or accountability. Fragmentation makes resource sectors vulnerable to elite capture. Powerful insiders can manipulate agreements for private gain. In the DRC, this has created a violent kleptocracy, where resource wealth is systematically diverted away from popular benefit. Finally, there is the risk of re-entrenching extractive trauma. Communities displaced for mining and environmental degradation in many countries across Africa illustrate the long-standing harm to livelihoods, health and social cohesion. These are not new problems. But where extraction is tied to security or infrastructure, such damage risks becoming permanent features, not temporary costs. What needs to change Critical minerals are 'critical' because they're hard to mine or substitute. Additionally, their supply chains are strategically vulnerable and politically exposed. Whoever controls these minerals controls the future. Africa must make sure it doesn't trade that future away. In a world being reshaped by global interests in critical minerals, African states must not underestimate the strategic value of their mineral resources. They hold considerable leverage. But leverage only works if it is wielded strategically. This means: - investing in institutional strength and legal capacity to negotiate better deals - demanding local value creation and addition - requiring transparency and parliamentary oversight for minerals-related agreements - refusing deals that bypass human rights, environmental or sovereignty standards. Africa has the resources. It must hold on to the power they wield. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Today
13 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Japan's Upper House poll spells trouble for PM
The Sunday poll to the Upper House of the Japanese Diet is projected to end as a rebuff to the ruling coalition of Liberal Democratic Party-Komeiti coalition led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The ruling coalition is set to lose its majority in the Upper House according to media projections. The television channel NHK is predicting that the LDP coalition could win between 32 and 53 seats. Though the government of Ishiba does not have to quit, the prime minister will be under greater pressure than ever to resign, and the LDP will be forced to choose a new leader. Ishiba has acknowledged the setback but he has told a television news channel that the country is facing a crucial trade dialogue with the United States, and that the responsibility of his government is to focus on the bilateral talks, with the US under President Donald Trump, threatening to impose reciprocal tariffs between 10 per cent and 25 per cent. Like many other trading partners of the US, Japan too is worried because the American tariffs would hit the export-based economy harshly. Political commentators say that Ishiba referring to the trade talks is an indirect way of saying that he would not be stepping down. But it seems most likely that after a trade agreement is finalized with the US, Ishiba might be forced to step down. His public ratings have been very low because of rampant inflation and the decision of the government to impose a consumer tax. This has been vigorously opposed by all the opposition parties though any other party in office would face the same policy dilemma about inflation. Ishiba is proposing cash handouts to all, including foreigners residing in Japan. It is the far-right Sanseito which is billed to gain the most in these elections. It is projected to win 10 to 15 seats. It holds a single seat in the upper chamber now. The party with the slogan of 'Japanese First' was born on the YouTube in 2020 during the Covid pandemic. It has won three seats in the Lower House. Party leader Sohei Kamiya has tried to explain what is meant by 'Japanese First'. He told Nippon Television, 'The phrase Japanese First was meant to express rebuilding Japanese people's livelihoods by resisting globalism. I am not saying that we should completely ban foreigners or that every foreigner should get out of Japan.' But the anti-immigrant plank is part of the party's political doctrine. The foreigners in Japan form just 3 per cent of the population but their presence has become prominent because of the increase in tourism. The tourist arrivals in Japan this year had crossed the 20-million mark. Political experts feel that the opposition parties are only taking advantage of the stressful economic condition and that they have nothing different to offer to address the existing challenge. Political science professor Yu Uchiyama of the University of Tokyo said, 'The Ishiba administration has received a harsh verdict. It seems the public believed that the government and ruling parties failed to respond effectively to various issues, including rising prices. The opposition's call for a consumption tax cut appears to have appealed to voters more than the ruling party's proposed cash handouts.' And he pointed out, 'Moves to oust Ishiba may emerge. However, under these difficult circumstances, it will be hard for anyone – regardless of who becomes prime minister – to turn the situation around.' Japan has been experiencing trouble since the 1990s, starting with stagnation despite the Bank of Japan reducing interest rates to zero and below. It is only last year that the central bank has pushed the interest rate into positive territory.
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Chambers to Host Dubai Business Forum – USA in New York This November
Dubai Chambers has announced that the Dubai Business Forum – USA will take place in New York City on 12 November, marking the fourth international edition of its high-level global business event. The forum will spotlight the strategic investment opportunities emerging from the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and strengthen bilateral ties between Dubai and the United States. Targeting key stakeholders from the American business community, the event aims to attract capital inflows and forge strategic investment partnerships by showcasing Dubai's strengths—including advanced infrastructure, pro-business legislation, and a thriving innovation ecosystem. U.S. companies will be introduced to Dubai's potential as a gateway into high-growth markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Positioned as a premium platform for policy and business dialogue, the forum will feature prominent business leaders and policymakers. Sessions will explore mutual economic priorities, highlight emerging investment sectors, and offer valuable insights into global business trends. His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, stated: 'Dubai is continuing to strengthen its position as a global model for business empowerment and strategic partnerships that contribute to economic growth. Hosting the Dubai Business Forum – USA in New York will enhance bilateral trade and pave the way for collaboration that supports sustainable development.' New York was chosen as the venue due to its stature as a global financial and commercial hub, making it the ideal setting for fostering connections between the U.S. and Dubai. The event reflects Dubai Chambers' broader mission to expand its international network, promote foreign direct investment, and establish Dubai as a go-to destination for global business expansion. The forum follows successful editions in Beijing, London, and Hamburg, and is expected to reinforce Dubai's position as a global partner for trade, investment, and innovation-driven collaboration. News Source: Dubai Media Office
