FT: Death of astute Gabon ruler marks end of 'Francafrique'

Matthew Green on the death of Gabon's Omar Bongo.

Full article may be read here.

Electricity Grid in U.S. Penetrated By Spies

By Sioban Gorham; full article can be read here.

Blogger Comment: An interesting article with implications for Obama's energy plan (with USD4.2mn going to smart grid development) and an intriguing revelation coming on the heels of cyber espionage sourced in China and aimed at the Dalai Lama and others in SE Asia.

South Africa Bans Dalai Lama Trip

By: BBC Staff corespondent. Full text can be read here.
South Africa bowing to Chinese pressure? So much for principles and justice...

Financial Times: China's Dollar Dilemma

By: Geoff Dyer. Full article may be read here.

Blogger Comment: China’s near $2,000bn (£1,380bn, €1,560bn) in reserves, the world’s largest, are often viewed outside the country as a great strength – an insurance policy against economic turbulence. But within China, they are increasingly seen by the public and even some policymakers as something of an albatross – a huge pool of resources not being used at home that will plunge in value if the US dollar collapses. Why, people ask, should such a relatively poor country bankroll such a rich one?

Bloomberg: Clinton Urges China to Keep Buying U.S. Treasury Securities

By: Indira A.R. Lakshmanan; Full Article May Be Read Here

Blogger Commetn: Hu? Hey, its Hill. If you could go ahead and keep purchasing our irresponsible debt, that would be great. See ya at the G-20, give my love to Wen Jaibao. Kisses, Hill

Washington Post: U.S. Has Dual Task On Climate Change

By: Juliet Eilperin, Full article may be read here.