this & that

• The UN and the Congolese are trading barbs over the disaster that is the FARDC and the future of MONUC. In the latest development, the Congolese government is threatening to kick out some of the MONUC leadership. Jason has the latest rumors from the UN side.
  
• "Unhappy thoughts" about Africa in NYT stories.
• Kate shares an absolutely moronic attempt to draw attention to the Congo crisis. I was invited to a fundraiser for this group in Austin earlier this year. The invite failed to mention that actual whistles were involved.
  
• Does development aid slow economic growth under certain circumstances?
• Tales from the Hood points out the gap between practitioners and the public in understanding how aid actually works.
  
• Here's a fascinating photo essay on the Chinese presence in Africa.
• Scarlett Lion has a link to some awesome historical postcards and photos from all over Africa.
  
• In case you haven't seen it already, here's a wonderful visual that demonstrates exactly how hard nation-building is.
• What a bargain! Abkhazia gets diplomatic recognition from (wait for it): Nauru! And it only cost Russia $50 million in aid.
  
• "Orphanages revisited."
• Texas Longhorn football coach Mack Brown now makes $5 million a year, and some of the faculty aren't happy about it. Is this a sign of my native land's messed-up priorities? Absolutely. But to be fair, the guy does bring in a considerable amount of revenue, including the money used to pay his salary. It's not like there would magically be $5 million available for faculty salaries or academic programs if his income were cut back.
  
• If anyone could get me into a private White House breakfast like these two random Georgians, I'd be much obliged. I'm not a veteran, but my father is.