Africa's second pinch from the Chinese textile industry

The multi-fiber agreement expired last year, and it was as if we, Africans, didnt see it coming -- we were too comfy exporting duty-free to the EU and the US within our quotas, so comfy that we didnt even manage to take advantage of them and we sometimes were unable to fill those quotas. Ha.
On the other hand, some other main textile producers, India and China primarily, have been waiting for the agreement to expire, and were quietly building up their production capacities to be operative at full strength on January First at 00:00:01'. The result of this: India and China swept away the european and american markets, and crowded out the Africans who were still on their way to deliver their meagre production and were startled by the quantities and prices of their competitors.

So we went home, didn't worry to much because after all, we have other things to worry about. And it's too hot there anyway to worry about stuff. We kinda declared the game over and submitted our defeat without anyone asking, and we marvelled at the production capacity of the chinese.

Pfff.

So, were you irritated by the previous little story? Yes? Then you haven't seen anything yet. Because in the previous, everyone played by the rules.

However, the lastest complaint from African textile producers, who had decided to satisfy themselves with their local market, is not one against the rules of international trade - it's against messing up the rules. BBC ran a story about it.

China has been actively copying designs of traditional african motifs, mass producing them, and smuggling them into the countries. Imagine that.

Ghana's textile producers, who design and copyright their designs, are on the verge of nervous breakdown.

THREE QUARTERS of the traditional cloth sold in Ghana is smuggled. It is one third cheaper than the local production (which would raise a few eyebrows, i think...). Ghanians who were hoping that their designs and their quality would allow them to stand the competition of cheaper costs are finding their advantage eroded, as they are being ruthlessly stolen by chinese firms.
To end, the testimony of a Ghanean producer:
"It is not easy at all," he says. "You get to a market and the design you have made has been copied, you feel like crying"

The looming question for me now is: can Ghana take China to the WTO dispute settlement court (mechanism, to be politically correct)?
And, since Ghana doesn't have the cash for it - can another country do it?
Is there a lawyer out there willing to take the case for the Ghanean textile producers?

A new height of paranoia

Okay, now this is becoming absolutely ridiculous.

That t-shirt says 'We will not be silent'. Yes, it is also written in english underneath the arabic. It is the slogan of a campaign against the war in Iraq, says BBC News.

That didnt stop some passengers in Washington DC from complaining and asking that the guy wearing the t-shirt, an american of iraqi descent (i.e. a brown chap) actually TAKE OFF HIS T-SHIRT.
Because it had writing in Arabic.

The fact that people would worry because of that is beyond my belief.

I mean, seriously, what would the t-shirt be saying? "Beware - terrorist inside"?

That the people objected is sheer racism. That the company - JetBlue, for that matter, everybody, boycott the racist pigs!! - asked the guy to take his shirt off is a matter of utter disrespect. What if the t-shirt was written in Chinese or in Russian? Better yet, what if it had a Mao ZeDong head of a Soviet flag on it?
Nothing, of course.

I am so disgusted I want to vomit.

It is in moments like this that I know for sure that I know that I will never be home outside my good ol' Muslim Brown people countries.
It is in days like that that I feel that someone slapped me on the face, saying "there is an us and a you".

I always tell myself that we are a generation that should be able to rise above the lines of ethnic divide.

I am so fucking wrong. Thank you for reminding me, Land of Freedom, of Equality, and all that bullshit.
Ye7ra2 abouko.

Salam ya 3am Mahfouz

Naguib Mahfouz, one of the greatest and most prolific writers in the Middle East, and more importantly the spiritual grandfather of all Egyptians, died today in Cairo. That he also happens to be the Nobel prize for Literature Laureate of 1988 - the only Arab to have obtained this disctinction - is, to us, secondary. He has always been.. bigger than any distinction or award anyone could ever give him.
He was just... Mahfouz, and that was enough.

There is more to his death than just a celebrity passing away. He was 95 years old, and had suffered from chest ailments for a while.

But Naguib Mahfouz was, to me at least, a sort of certainty. He's always been there. He's been in the living memory of my generation ever since we were learned what books were, and his quiet presence, despite his old age and his much reduced literary production after his assassination attempt (a decade ago, was it?) which damaged nervous terminals in his neck and impaired his sight and hearing.
We haven't been seeing him too much lately. He was less and less seen in his favourite cafe downtown to have a tea with his friends, chat with young writers, and offer a smile and exchange a few words with the readers who couldn't contain themselves and had to go shake his hand...

But his cafe has always been there. The Cairo he described, people's Cairo, has always been there. And so have his books. Few books have been integrated in the egyptian collective identity: he wrote most of those. People would reference his character in their speech, quote the lines they learned from the films made of his books, as if they were talking of a common friend, without being accused of playing it pretentious or intellectual.

Ramses square will remain Ramses square, even now that they removed the gigantic statue from its centre.
And Cairo will always be Naguib Mahfouz's, even if his quiet smile and his deep, wrinkled eyes no longer look after it.
Somehow, great men never leave.

Good bye, Grandpa.

New-age university advertisement!

Lakehead university, a tiny 7600 students college in Ontario, Canada has launched a new advertisement campaign, with this as the masterpiece:



and the caption below reads:

Graduating from an Ivy League university doesn't necessarily mean you're smart.
If you agree click here.


I think it's funny but pretty childish. That's not the way to sell a university to the public... and it will surely not be stealing students from Yale! Sorry Lakehead Uni (seriously, with a name like that, i think they should refrain from making fun of people... :) but i think the campaign has failed miserably..

I mean, come on, they're not just trashing Yale - which, in my crimson t-shirt, can totally live with :o) -- but they're trashing Ivy League schools in general.. which is, well, quite dumb.

Jeffrey Sachs for President!!!

Found that on Greg Mankiw's blog.

Apparently, there is a campaign to get Jeffrey Sachs (Columbia Uni star economist, director of the Earth Institute) to run for president in 2008.

Here is what Prof. Mankiw has to say about it:

"I don't know anything about the Jeff Sachs for President movement, but it's got a website, so it must be serious.

This gets me thinking about who might fill various roles during the administration. Bono for veep? Angelina Jolie for Secretary of State? Brad DeLong for Press Secretary? Bill Easterly for the loyal opposition?

One thing I'm sure of is that Jeff's wife, Sonia, would make a great first lady. ""

Hehehe. Funny. And there's a bit of a debate about the issue on the blogosphere, too.
My two cents: It wouldn't hurt to have a president that has a good idea about economics. At least, he would fulfill the promise taken by the US (and other developed countries) to dedicate 0.7% of the GDP to international dev assistance. But he might also see the world through the eye of economics - which, let's face it, is the way the world works.

The main criticism to JS is that he's too much of a dreamer (a 'planner', in Easterly's lingo: someone who puts a masterplan in advance and then tries - and fails - to achieve it, rather than a 'searcher' who works bit by bit).

Wouldn't that criticism simply fall if you put under his hands the resources of the richest country in the history of mankind? Criticise a man for looking beyond his means, I can understand that. But give him the means.

Come to think of it: I'd vote for the man. Surely not for Senator Clinton...

I don't know what heaven looks like...

... but if it's anything like this, count me in.

Gapang, Pulau Weh Island, Aceh, Indonesia.

Mahmood Ahmadinejad on CBS' 60 Minutes

This man is definitely one of the most interesting leaders of the Middle East. Smarter than Qaddhafi, better looking than Saddam Hussein, less of a tyrant than most of his neighbours and probably a better speaker than them all, meet Mahmood Ahmadinejad as he gave an interview to CBS' 60 Minutes programme. Mike Wallace, the show's former star presenter, returned to his job just for this interview.
The son of a blacksmith, he was a commando during the Iran-Iraq war; has a Ph.D. in civil engineering, and became president a year ago by running as a populist man of the people.

Quotes (From the transcript of the show on CBS' website) I promise i won't burn the interview for you :)

On energy:
"We want to have access to nuclear technology. We want to produce fuel. Do you not think that the most important issue of the world of tomorrow that is will be energy?

"We think that Mr. Bush's team and the parties that support him want to monopolize energy resources in the world. Because once they have that they can impose their opinions, points of view, policies on other nations and, of course, line their own pockets."

On his quote:

After Ahmadinejad answered the question, an assistant handed the president a note. Asked what he was telling him, Ahmadinejad said he had been told to rearrange his jacket.

"Why are they worried about your jacket? I think you look just fine," Wallace said, laughing.

On the United Nations Security Council:

Ahmadinejad told Wallace the United Nations Security Council has not passed an effective ceasefire resolution because the Security Council is in America's pocket.

"Tell, the reason is, that the United Nations Security Council is there to safeguard the interests of the British and the Americans. They are not there to provide security. It's very clear," the president said.

"The UNSC, the United Nations Security Council, is there to protect the interests of the United States and the British. That's what you say?" Wallace asked.

"It has been created to help with peace and justice. But we see that it is not responding to atrocities. If we search for the root causes we see the hand of the British and the Americans," Ahmadinejad said. "People, innocent people are being killed. … And houses are being destroyed. Where is the UNSC? Also, the draft resolution which has been circulated only serves the interests of one party. And it is not just."


My favourite bit of interview:
(after a lengthy reply of Ahmadinejad about how the Palestinians had no role in the Holocaust and therefore were not supposed to have their country occupied)

"Look if you could — if you could keep your answers concise. Concise. I beg you. We'll get more questions in," Wallace requested.

"Well, one of your questions required — all of your questions require a book-long answer. If you want me to just finish the interview, please tell me and we can wrap up right now," the president said.

"No, no, no, no, no," Wallace said.

"Do you, perhaps want me to say what you want me to say?" Ahmadinejad said to Wallace.

"No, no," Wallace insisted.

"If that is the case, then I ask you to please be patient," the president replied. "Maybe these days you don't have a lot of patience to spare. Maybe these are words that you don't like to hear, Mr. Wallace."

"Why? What? What words do I not like to hear?" Wallace asked.

"Because I think that you're getting angry," Ahmadinejad said.

"I couldn't be happier for the privilege of sitting down with the president of Iran," Wallace said.

And, on how to end an interview:


"I am told that your aides want us to wind up our interview. But you kindly promised to answer my questions," Wallace said. "And I still have just a few left."

"Well, you might have five more hours of questions now," Ahmadinejad said. "Well, I have other appointments to get to. It's time for the night prayer, sir."

Asked if the Americans have threatened him, Ahmadinejad said: "I do hope that the Americans will give up this practice of threatening other nations so that you are not forced me to ask such questions. I wish you well."

----------

Hehehe. Am not a fan of the dude, but he cracks me up. And on a political speech scale, he gets an A for this interview.
Although I sometimes feel that his declarations, which I believe are mostly 'ga3ga3a' (how do you translate ga3ga3a? Let's say.. blabbering?) and for local consumption, he may not be aware the impact they may have. Saying that George Bush is terrorising nations is one thing, saying that the holocaust is a myth is another, and they deliver very different reactions within the western public.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaanyways, if you can't get enough of Hamada Ahmadinejad, check out his blog. Yes, i'm not joking.
And if your Persian skills are a little rusty, weep no more: Mahmood has it translated in English and in Arabic, and French is on its way.

And if you really like his blog, you can leave him a comment, which will be displayed on the homepage. And with your country's flag.
So if you are American, you may be able to put a little American flag on his webpage.
I'd be really curious to know if an Israeli could as well.. :)

Homosexuality in Egyptian cinema - Maskhara..

Came accross this article by accident. It's hilarious - though it doesn't mean to:) It was primarily supposed to extract and comment on gay and lesbian representation in Egyptian cinema. A very serious article indeed.

But the author - a "Garay Menicucci" - ends up writing fabulously ill-placed comments about comedy classics which, surely, did not "employ cross-dressing as a plot device do so within a comic context in order to introduce sexual, gender or social issues that would be deeply shocking if dealt with in a serious manner".

For him, Ismail Yassine (right) has " institutionalized the role of drag queen" in Al-Anissa Hanafi (Miss Hanafi, 1953). And if that was not enough, he has Abdel Men3em Ibrahim, in Succar Hanem (Lady Sugar, 1960) be "a provocative and overtly sexual drag" whom, "with his feminized voice intonation and swishy mannerisms, is imitating and parodying stereotypical notions of feminine behavior as well as gay male behavior".

There are also references to serious films that have tackled homosexuality - including Zoqaq el Madaq and Iskendereya leih - but the article as a whole is more of a parody than any form of serious analysis.

Fun to read if you've seen the films he's talking about :o) But it might actually spoil 'Lel Regal Faqat' for the rest of your life (with the absolutely irresistible Nadia Lotfy and Soad Hosni, who are still hot even if they're dressed as guys :).

Airline Security Regulations

Below is a compilation of new airport security regulation in the US and the UK, may it be helpful to you.

Also, on the unofficial side of things, you may want to note that:


- word has it that other EU airports are planning on extending the British regulations. Be advised.

- don't know yet about transiting in EU airports, though -- in Heathrow there is a security check, Paris i'm not sure.

In any case, if transiting and more importantly if travelling on disconnected tickets (which mainly happens if you're travelling on different airlines or if you bought the legs of your flight separately) make sure you inform the crew of your airline (ground crew rather than flight attendants) that you have another flight and have them inform the other company that you might be delayed because of security measures -- most airlines probably won't delay the flight for you but at least they'll let you rush through even after check-in has closed.

- according to a friend who was travelling within the US this week, we can still carry laptops and liquids (juices, water bottles..) on local flights.

- same for intra-Schengen flights.

- i really don't mean to be cynical here, but certain nationalities take longer at security checks. And colours, religions, ethnicities, etc. Vous connaissez la chanson.

- So far, i've heard from passengers flying from Cairo, Jakarta, Singapore, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul haven't encountered any difference at all in security measures at departure.

- Carrying electronic devices into the US (laptops, cameras, phone chargers, whatever) in carry-on luggage didnt seem to be a problem at arrival, though. (as of last week).


- and for an unrelated reason, anyone flying through Amman, Jordan: all flights to and from Beirut (which are mainly diplomatic and humanitarian aid, but commercial airlines are resuming as well) are diverted to Amman to be searched there -- so Amman Airport is overcrowded and many flights are experiencing delays. (Just so you know, it's the Israeli army searching commercial flights for irani weapons. It's like a bad film).

---------------------------

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the British Airports Authority (BAA) have each announced new guidelines for passengers.

For passengers flying out of U.S. airports:

- Arrive very early. Allow at least 2 hours to get through airport security.
- Items prohibited from carry-on luggage:
-- All liquids and gels. Since the composition of some items is unclear, TSA has provided more detail. Do not pack any of these items in your carry-on:
-- All creams, lotions and sprays (both aerosol and non-aerosol)
-- Bubble bath balls (containing bath gel)
-- Gel deodorants (solid sticks are allowed)
-- Cosmetics. Note: While one TSA announcement prohibited only liquid cosmetics such as lip gloss and mascara, another suggested that even powdered cosmetics are only permitted at the discretion of the security officer. To be safe, pack all cosmetics in checked luggage.
-- Beverages (except formula and breast milk); make sure backpacks with water pockets are empty
-- Gel-like food, including yogurt, Jell-O, pudding and gel-based sport supplements
-- Baby teething toys containing gel or liquid
-- Other toys containing gel
-- Gel candles
-- Gel shoe inserts
-- Lighters
- Items allowed in carry-on luggage:
-- Small doses (up to 4 oz.) of liquid medications (including non-prescription liquid medications)
-- Formula, milk and fruit juices for small children
-- Low blood-sugar treatments such as glucose gel
-- Solid lipstick
-- Baby food
- Consider not bringing a carry-on if you want to expedite your passage through security.
- If you do bring one, pack as lightly and neatly as possible so screeners can inspect your bag more easily.
- All travelers' shoes will be X-rayed.
- Passengers flying to the U.K. will encounter even more security measures, including hand inspection of luggage at the departure gate.

For passengers flying out of the U.K.:

- Passengers are allowed to carry on one piece of luggage not to exceed the following dimensions: 45cm x 35cm x 16cm (approximately 17.7" x 13.7" x 6.2").
- The following items are prohibited from carry-on luggage:
-- Cosmetics.
-- Toiletries (including toothpaste, aerosol sprays, shaving cream, lotions, gels, perfume, etc.)
-- All liquids, except:
--- Baby milk and liquid baby food (but these must be tasted by the parent)
--- Prescription medications, which must be verified by a pharmacist at an airport pharmacy if over 50 ml
- Laptops and large electronic items (like hairdryers) must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray for separate screening.
- Pushchairs and walking aids must be X-rayed.
- Wheelchairs are allowed but will be inspected.
- To expedite your screening, do not pack items which look as if they could contain liquids, such as flasks, bottles, etc.)..
- Only airport-provided wheelchairs are allowed through the screening point.
- All passengers will be hand-searched, and their footwear and carry-on items X-rayed.
- Passengers should be prepared for a second search at the gate.
- Items purchased in the airport after passing through security may be carried onto the plane, except if you are traveling to the U.S.
- Passengers travling to the U.S. will encounter extra security measures.
-- There will be a second checkpoint at the departure gate.
-- Toiletries, cosmetics, drinks and liquids purchased in the airport may not be carried on—consume them or throw them away at the checkpoint.
-- Food, however, may be carried on.

All travelers:

- Check with your carrier before you leave for the airport. Airline toll-free phone numbers are available here.

- Some airlines have relaxed excess checked baggage restrictions in response to the new carry-on regulations. Contact your airline for more details.
- Please check international news sources such as CNN.com, MSNBC.com or BBC.co.uk as your flight time approaches, in case any more restrictions are introduced.