FARE THEE WELL MJ

Controversy, fame and indeed weird at some quarters. Perhaps we may not find all the best and bad words to describe Michael Jackson. He proved that it was possible despite prevailing circumstances.
'Michael was the King of Pop; Elvis Presley was the King of Rock N Roll', went the crown, though may be debatable, but it serves better.
Finally, the King as he declared bowed out at 50 sending the whole world into a state of awe and confusion and to others a state of sadness. Sometimes even the strongest are moved when some one of MJ's stature passes on. Indeed it was no surprise that Hugo Chavez could not fail to mourn MJ despite his negative view of the North.
Back in Kenya, even those who never knew MJ joined in the fray to mourn and celebrate a man whose view of Africa was bizarre and down trodden. MJ's disks and casettes resurfaced even after it may have been long forgoten.
Fare thee well MJ and greet Presley. Dont mind about your differences, perhaps you even married his daughter.

Air France Crash Pictures

Obama's Score in the Mid East

Obama's maiden tour to Egypt and a well designed address to the Muslim world served to give a rather clean bill of health to his administration and delink it with that of his predecessor.
Indeed the US has had a very bad record not only from the Muslim and Arab world but also other parts of the world which perceive the US as a ruthless aggressor and a verile expansionist.
Triples Origins
A triple orientation spanning from Africa, America and Asia gives him a more legitimate position to argue out his case especially on the two state solution in the Middle East. Given that Obama also has a history cutting across the Christian and Muslim divide, he seems to enjoy a more comfortable reception from his audience in the Middle East unlike his predecessor who was seen as partisan and with very radical views.
Though the Arab world still remains skeptical on any word from the US, Obama's speech seems to have given a new impetus to the region. Perhaps this was welll captured in Obama's speech when he intimated that he went to Egypt to seek new ties and give America a better treat from the East.
Stiff Challenges
Issues such as Student Exchange programmes and fiscal aid for women groups and other democratic institutions are very key towards forging a better and mutual understnding between the US and the Arab world. However, the acid test for Obama administration include the Arab-Israeli conflict, in particular the Palestine and Israel, the perceived double standards by the US on muslims such as the war on terrosism, the conflicts in Afganistan, Iraq and Pakistan.
The planned withdrawal from Iraq and Afganistan and closure of Guantanamo Bay may be some of the yardsticks used by the East to pass verdict on the Obama administration. It goes without mention that the speech fell on deaf ears in some quarters. Perhaps Obama could not please all.