The first time I picked up a Bradt Travelguide, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Another Rough Guide? Another Let’s Go? Footprint or Lonely Planet perhaps? What I found was a new style that had certain similarities to some of the others, but at the same time seemed to have a voice (and class) all of its own. (more…)

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Nigeria
Large areas of the Nigerian economic capital Lagos were enveloped in a dense cloud of mysterious fumes, triggering health concerns. Residents in the heavily populated inner city districts of Ikeja, Oregun and Gbagada complained of irritation to their eyes and stomach pains after what appeared to be smoke filled the streets. Lagos is Africa’s largest city; with more than 16 million residents living closely packed in what is often run-down slum accommodation. Pollution is a constant hazard. Television images of the latest leakage showed a dense, fog-like grey cloud lying over the city centre, reducing visibility in some areas to less than 20 meters.

Brazil
Authorities declared part of the Amazon River a disaster area after a drought left the levels of parts of the river too low for navigation. The government of the jungle state of Amazonas declared the disaster, freeing up money, food and medicine to scores of river communities that now can be reached only by air. Officials said the water levels in areas about 35 miles upstream from Manaus have dropped several feet to about five feet, making it hazardous for river boats and difficult for fishing, a key occupation. Workers have been sent to dig wells to supply isolated communities with drinking water, which previously was drawn from the river.

Israel
Hamas’ first female bomb maker (Samar Sabih) is a 22-year-old university graduate who was recruited in Gaza and sent to the West Bank to teach others to assemble explosives, Israeli security officials say, noting a sharp rise in the use of women by militant groups in the past two years. In the past five years, a total of 67 Palestinian women were recruited as suicide bombers, including eight who carried out their mission and 59 who were intercepted and arrested. In all, about 7% of actual suicide bombings were carried out by women.

I know I’ve already posted information on this subject, along with Dave Perkins’ article “The Hills Have Eyes” but I received this email just a day or two ago, from a Journalist in New Jersey, requesting certain extra information on SE Turkey and N Iraq. (more…)