When economic growth falters and people no longer see improvement over their past experience, the first comparison becomes more important and comes to be shared by millions of people.

If you want to know about Africa, read our literature and not just Things Fall Apart, because that would be like saying, I've read 'Gone with the Wind' and so I know everything about America.

That cooperation transcends nationality, race, ethnicity and religion, for this is a tragedy that is felt around the world, and providing for those who have been most savagely affected by it is the responsibility of all.

Maintaining this policy stasis is the great challenge facing Kim Jong un and Kim Kyong hui. For, although government is now clearly centered on the party, the regime could yet unravel, and perhaps collapse, if the food shortage is not resolved and other power structures decide to step into the breach.