Understanding

The recent unearthing of a Bronze Age settlement, dating back approximately 4,000 years, at Kach Kouch in Morocco has sent ripples through the archaeological community. This discovery prompts a critical re-evaluation of long-held beliefs about the ancient Maghreb region, particularly the notion that it remained largely unpopulated prior to the advent of the Phoenicians around 800 BCE. How often do we allow assumptions to cloud our understanding of history? Excavations at this site have unveiled a tapestry of life that…

Al-Shabaab's Intensified Campaigns: A Closer Look at Somalia's Recent Conflict NAIROBI, Kenya - In the heart of East Africa, Somalia stands as a nation grappling with a relentless adversary. Al-Shabaab, a militant group with a tumultuous history, has recently escalated its attacks, particularly in the central and southern regions. This surge in violence has sparked a vigorous response from federal troops, the United States military, and African Union forces, unfolding a distinctive pattern over the recent months.…

Signal is widely regarded by security professionals as one of the most secure messaging applications available today. However, its recent use by senior Trump officials for planning military operations in Yemen has sparked some serious concerns. It was never designed to be the primary choice for such sensitive communications. So, what sets Signal apart from other messaging apps, and why does its utilization by top officials raise eyebrows? Understanding End-to-End Encryption End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures that…

Lagos, a city that pulses with life and opportunity, often carries a significant burden on its residents in terms of housing. Nestled in the heart of Africa, Lagos is known not just for its vibrant culture and economic potential but also for its rapidly rising population. Imagine a bustling city of over 22 million individuals. Patience is required to navigate the roads. But it's not just commuters feeling the pressure. Housing has become a lingering issue, casting a long shadow that seems to grow darker with each…

As Germany prepares for its impending federal election, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party finds itself buoyed by recent polling, showing support above 20%. This surge posits the AfD as a contender for the title of the second-largest party in the Bundestag, raising eyebrows and concerns alike. Yet, the prospect of the AfD wielding power remains remote. A longstanding agreement among the nation’s established parties forbids collaboration with the AfD, a stipulation deeply rooted in Germany’s complex historical…

The scene was thick with emotion as jubilant crowds gathered to greet a busload of Palestinians who had tasted freedom again, following their release from Israeli jails. This act was a poignant part of a complex and tenuous dance of ceasefire and prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, all under the January sunshine of 2025. Imagine the hopeful yet weary faces outside the Israeli military prison, Ofer, nestled near Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. They stood in anticipation, waiting for a reunion forged in the…

With just a week left before his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump is ready to unleash a torrent of executive orders aimed at overhauling U.S. policy. This bold move is set to create quite a stir on the political landscape. So, what exactly can Trump achieve through these executive orders, and where are the boundaries? To the uninitiated, an executive order might sound like just another piece of bureaucratic jargon. However, it's a powerful tool the president wields that carries the weight of law, executed…

Somalia's young'uns, especially those who sprouted just as the Siad Barre regime fizzled out, know naught but turmoil. Drama and chaos have been their babysitters. We’ve hung on for yonks, looking for some government worth its salt, but just when we think there might be some glimmer of silver linings, doubt crashes the party. Is change just a pipe dream? A smidgen of impatience ain't outlandish given that every step forward seems to come with a hop back. Walking amidst shattered pledges and dislocation, our enthusiasm…

Why Egypt is involved in Ethiopia-Somalia conflict CAIRO, Egypt – The Egyptian government finds itself tangled in the row between Somalia and Ethiopia, stirring unease in the Horn of Africa. This region is currently grappling with a brewing crisis and its potential fallout, desperately seeking viable resolutions. Northward Over the Weekend: Egypt decided to send more military aid to Somalia. Officials claimed this was in line with a defense pact between both nations. This transfers and the country's looming presence in the…

Back in 2006, Ethiopia was the big player in the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's leadership brought about a time of unprecedented political stability. The EPRDF held the reins tightly, and the economy was on fire with an average growth rate of 8% annually, thanks in no small part to Western aid. Ethiopia's robust military and economic boom made it a linchpin for the U.S. in the War on Terror, which gave it the green light to meddle in Somalia. Using its formidable military, Ethiopia thrust itself into Somalia…