In history, symbols matter. They possess a kind of subtle power that changes perceptions and thus influences outcomes. In a few days, the Palestinian Authority will request recognition of an independent Palestinian state at the UN. This is a bold move for it represents the first time in twenty years of negotiations that Palestinians have sought support from the world-at-large in ending the Israeli occupation.

Much pleading and bullying has been made by the Israelis and Americans to prevent this bid from going forward. They condemn it as a unilateral move that is, according to the US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, ‘not going to change anything.’

The memory is still vivid. I was just a teenager listening to Nas’ debut album on my walkman. “The world is yours” started playing and I immediately felt excited by a refrain that kept my head bopping.



Whose world is this?
The world is yours, the world is yours
It's mine, it's mine, it's mine
Whose world is this?
"It's yours!"

“Berlin of 1884 was affected through the sword and the bullet. But the night of the sword and the bullet was followed by the morning of the chalk and the blackboard.” - Ngugi wa Thiong’o –

In 1884, European imperial powers held a conference. This was no ordinary conference but one that decided the fate of a continent. Like children with too much candy, they gathered around a map of Africa and sliced it up between themselves. Partition preceded wars of conquest, resulting in the colonisation of virtually every corner of Africa. Europe had its cake, and it most certainly ate it too.

Over a century later and witness another scramble unfolding. The smoke in Libya has yet to clear yet vultures are already picking at the carcass. Five months of NATO bombing has opened the nation to a flock of foreign companies rushing for their piece of the proverbial pie. Italy, Libya’s old colonial overseer, is leading the charge with the British, French and Americans not far behind.

They made good time, and by sunset had come within half a day of the village. The canoes were lighter coming back, and flew over the water even against the current. For most of them, it had been the first trip to the city and the desire to bring their prizes and stories home lent them strength and speed.

And they had great success. Many villages had not survived the last few years, but they had listened well to the pale-faced doctors, were careful when dealing with outsiders, and learned what they could trade (and what they could get for it).