links for 2006-11-03

Dennis Matanda’s interesting critique of the Mo Ibrahim prize for African government

Army specialist Alyssa Peterson, 27, an Arabic translator in Iraq, refused to participate in interrogation of Iraqi suspects. According to documents found via FOIA, she killed herself with her service rifle shortly after being remioved from interrogation

KNAU Flagstaff story that resulted from the investigation into the suicide of specialist Alyssa Peterson

Encouraging statements from Microsoft that the company may consider disengaging in countries with poor human rights records and inadequate protection of democratic freedoms.

Gary Bolles criticizes TED’s selection of Bill Clinton for a TED prize – Chris Anderson responds by explaining that the prize is less about honoring recipients and more about inspiring the TED community to action.

Al Jazeera International announces a launch on November 15. “A recent poll found 53% of Americans opposed the launch of the channel and two-thirds of Americans thought the US government should not allow it entry to the US market.”

India isn’t investing in Africa as aggresively as China, but the Indian model of foreign investment may be a better fit for African economies than the Chinese model