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Articles by Charles Ray
Africa: Can the U.S. and Europe Cooperate in Africa?
opinion Africa's global role is constantly evolving. Demographically, Africa is poised to occupy a dominant position in the world over the coming decades. By 2050, Africa's share of the global population will have grown from its current 19 percent to 28 percent, reaching nearly 2.8 billion people. This growth will be concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its high fertility rates and youthful population, with its median age reaching about 25.
Making the swamp bigger
The slimy-green, algae-infested water of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall will be a meme forever associated with Trump’s second administration. See my story on it at https://open.substack.com/pub/charlie45/p/diverting-and-developing-the-swamp?r=eag0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa Vs Chiwenga - the Existential Battle for Power in Zimbabwe
2017: The Coup that Wasn't The November 2017 military move in Zimbabwe that marked the end of Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule opened a completely new phase in the southern African country's troubled politics. Although the military leadership insisted that its intervention was not a coup, the events were clearly a military-led transfer of power.
The Law of Unintended Consequences: How Trump’s Aid Cuts Helped Fuel the DRC Ebola Outbreak
In public health, neglect travels A public health crisis in Central Africa shows how transactional, short-term policy choices can produce deadly fallout far beyond their intended targets. Disease outbreaks emerge from a mix of ecology, weak infrastructure, conflict, and chance. The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has caused over 150 suspected deaths and nearly 700 suspected cases, didn’t begin because of a single decision in Washington.
A Conundrum: Strategic Minerals and a Peripheral Africa
The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy (NSS), publicly issued in early December 2025, focused primarily on the survival of the United States as a “sovereign republic, rejecting international obligations and alliances, other than restoration of American hegemony in the Western Hemisphere.” The NSS also emphasized expansion of American access to critical minerals and materials, while at the same time positing two conditions that seemingly contradict this access: independent and...
A Conundrum: Strategic Minerals and a Peripheral Africa
The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy (NSS), publicly issued in early December 2025, focused primarily on the survival of the United States as a “sovereign republic, rejecting international obligations and alliances, other than restoration of American hegemony in the Western Hemisphere.” The NSS also emphasized expansion of American access to critical minerals and materials, while at the same time positing two conditions that seemingly contradict this access: independent and...
Africa: The New U.S. National Security Strategy - a Transactional Document That Marginalizes Africa
The first official National Security Strategy (NSS) of the second Trump administration, dated November 2025 and publicly issued in early December 2025, is a document that some will hate and some will love. But many will scratch their heads in bewilderment as they try to determine what it means for global security for the next three years, and perhaps beyond.
The New US National Security Strategy: A Transactional Document that Marginalizes Africa
The first official National Security Strategy (NSS) of the second Trump administration, dated November 2025 and publicly issued in early December 2025, is a document that some will hate and some will love. But many will scratch their heads in bewilderment as they try to determine what it means for global security for the next three years, and perhaps beyond.
Is Gen Z Reshaping Africa’s Political Landscape?
In “Does Africa Matter to the United States?”, published by FPRI on January 11, 2021, it was argued that the youth of Africa, who currently account for almost half the continent’s population, could become recruits for extremist movements if they are not provided gainful employment and economic opportunities. What that article failed to address is the possibility that Africa’s youth, if denied opportunity, can also pose a direct threat to governments.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act is No More
In addition to a US Government shutdown at midnight on September 30, 2025, due to failure to pass a spending bill, an event largely ignored by America’s mainstream media was the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA was established by US President Bill Clinton in 2000, and gave preferential access to US markets for over thirty African nations for the past twenty-five years.
Ethiopia: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam - a Regional Destabilizer or a New Model for African Development?
opinion On September 9, 2025, the government of Ethiopia officially inaugurated Africa's largest dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This massive project was under construction from 2011 to 2023 and was in the process of being filled for the past two years. A gravity dam on the Blue Nile River, about twenty-eight miles east of the border with Sudan, its primary purpose is electricity production to relieve the country's energy shortage and to export power to neighboring countries.
9710 Jacy Creek Dr, Tomball, TX 77375, US
Operating Expenses Recurring costs required to maintain and manage a rental property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, utilities (if paid by the owner), property management fees, and other day-to-day expenses. Calculation: Insurance + Property Taxes + Property Management + Repairs & Maintenance + Capital Expenditures + HOA Fees
Congo-Kinshasa: Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - the Peace That Never Was
The June 27, 2025, signing of a Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda in Washington, DC and the Declaration of Principles, agreed to by representatives of the DRC government and representatives of the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) on July 19, 2025, in Doha, Qatar were much ballyhooed by international organizations and the media.
Sudan: Foreign Influence Is Fueling the War in Sudan
The current war raging in Sudan began on April 15, 2023, with violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Two years later, the conflict shows no signs of abating, primarily due to the involvement of international actors supporting both factions. A country with a turbulent history, Sudan has long been plagued by internal strife and civil wars.
Navigating turbulent waters: Does Zimbabwe have a future?
Zimbabwe, once hailed as the breadbasket of Africa, is now grappling with profound political and economic challenges. Recent efforts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reset relations with the United States and the internal political rift that seems to be developing between Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga raise questions about Zimbabwe’s future. Compounding these political uncertainties is the dire economic situation that has left many Zimbabweans destitute.
Zimbabwe: Navigating Turbulent Waters - Does Zimbabwe Have a Future?
Zimbabwe, once hailed as the breadbasket of Africa, is now grappling with profound political and economic challenges. Recent efforts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reset relations with the United States and the internal political rift that seems to be developing between Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantine Chiwenga raise questions about Zimbabwe's future. Compounding these political uncertainties is the dire economic situation that has left many Zimbabweans destitute.
Africa: The U.S.-South Africa Imbroglio, and Its Implications for U.S.-Africa Relations
US-South Africa relations have been tense and difficult for several years, but with the advent of the Trump Administration they have reached a critical juncture. The eventual outcome of this bilateral relationship is likely to impact US relationships with the rest of Africa, particularly the Great Lakes region and southern Africa.
Prospects Dimming for Democracy in the Sahel
Since 2020, the Sahel has experienced a string of coups and attempted coups from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. Six Sahel nations account for eight unconstitutional actions in a region that is the poorest in the world which has suffered from an increasing level of extremist violence. Russia has moved in to replace the vacuum caused by the withdrawal or ejection of US and French forces.
Gray Matters? Debating Presidential Age in Elections
Should Presidential Age Be an Important Factor in the 2024 Election? By Charles Ray, Former U.S. Ambassador; Chair of the Africa Program, Foreign Policy Research Institute, and Dunni Oni, Recent Graduate, George Mason University By Charles Ray – Former U.S. Ambassador; Chair of the Africa Program, Foreign Policy Research Institute As we move further into the 2024 election cycle, we must prepare ourselves for more things being turned into campaign issues.
Africa: Is It Time for a New Look At the U.S. Obsession Over Chinese Economic Influence in Africa?
Bottom Line The fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War left US foreign policy adrift until the rise of China in the early 2000s. This has been especially evident in sub-Saharan Africa where China's footprint has increased dramatically. The US-China rivalry has often shaped US-Africa policy in ways that are detrimental to US-Africa relationships. The United States has not offered a sufficiently concrete alternative to Chinese investment in African infrastructure development.
Zimbabwe as a Growth Hub for Southern Africa
The US Embassy in Harare has identified the potential for Zimbabwe to become a growth hub for Southern Africa. This is a curious conclusion to draw given the fact that Zimbabwe currently ranks near the bottom of the DHL Global Connectedness Index.
How Do We Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis?
Housing Must Be Made Affordable and Available for All Income Levels By Randal O’Toole, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute, and Charles Ray, Former U.S. Ambassador; Chair of the Africa Program, Foreign Policy Research Institute By Randal O’Toole – Senior Fellow, Cato Institute Since , the federal, state, and local governments have given billions of dollars per year to developers to build affordable housing for people who earn less than 60 percent of a region’s median income.
OPINION: Animals evolve - people, I’m not so sure of
While there are people who do not believe in evolution, meaning the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form, the scientific evidence makes it clear that most biological organisms once existed in a much simpler form than they do today. In short, biological entities evolve. Not only does the physical form evolve, but patterns of behavior as well.
Are we humans as smart as we think we are?
Calling people stupid these days is considered politically incorrect and socially unacceptable, and it raises the hackles of people on both the left and the right—perhaps one of the few areas where the left and right disagree. At the risk of being the target of brick bats from all sides I have to say that my observations of human behavior currently leads me to the unavoidable conclusion that a large percentage of our population is . . . stupid.
The Trump indictments will decide if we are still a ‘nation of laws.’
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Open space is not a guarantee in the Black Hills
OPINION — We’re all lucky to live in the Black Hills for its outdoor beauty. Those who enjoy driving through the Hills may not realize that in many cases the idyllic meadows, timber stands, and meandering streams on either side of the road are private land, very often designated as agricultural. Tree farms, or family owned and managed forests, comprise more than 20,000 acres in the Black Hills. This open space provides immense value to society.
Open space is at the mercy of development and tax policy in the Black Hills
We’re all lucky to live in the Black Hills for its outdoor beauty. Those who enjoy driving through the Hills may not realize that in many cases the idyllic meadows, timber stands, and meandering streams on either side of the road are private land, very often designated as agricultural. Tree farms, or family owned and managed forests, comprise more than 20,000 acres in the Black Hills. This open space provides immense value to society. Tree farms protect wildlife, by providing vital habitat.
Open space is not a guarantee in the Black Hills
We’re all lucky to live in South Dakota for its outdoor beauty. Those who enjoy driving through the Black Hills may not realize that in many cases the idyllic meadows, timber stands, and meandering streams on either side of the road are private land, very often designated as agricultural. Tree farms, or family owned and managed forests, comprise more than 20,000 acres in the Black Hills. This open space provides immense value to society. Tree farms protect wildlife, by providing vital habitat.
The Ugly American
(This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.) Saturday February 26, 2022 · 5:38 PM PST 2022/02/26 · 17:38
Tipping the Scales
Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.) Tuesday March 09, 2021 · 3:45 PM PST 2021/03/09 · 15:45
Daily Legal News
Probate Date Filed Tuesday, August 4, 2020 Case Number 2020WIL253535 Filing Code WOD Depositor Tom Roberts Testator Charles E. Ray Text 2020 WIL 253535—Estate of Charles E. Ray. Will on deposit. About your information and the public record.
Individutopia by Joss Sheldon
Simply reserve online and pay at the counter when you collect. Available in shop from just two hours, subject to availability. Thank you for your reservation Your order is now being processed and we have sent a confirmation email to you at This item can be requested from the shops shown below. If this item isn't available to be reserved nearby, add the item to your basket instead and select 'Deliver to my local shop' at the checkout, to be able to collect it from there at a later date.
It’s That Time Again! Property Tax Appeals In Connecticut: Know When To File
The deadline for appealing Connecticut local property taxes is again approaching. For many cities and towns, that date is February 20 unless the town has extended the deadline. If a property owner does not file a tax appeal application by the applicable deadline, the owner may have waived the right to appeal tax assessments for that assessment year.
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A good devotional book should turn you to the Bible. We know how difficult it can be to find a rich theological book that can be condensed into your daily reading. To help you, we’ve hand-picked some that will work for you; we only ask that you use your Bible as a companion to them! 40% OFF – for one week.
Susannah Spurgeon: Free Grace and Dying Love
Special Morning Devotions With the Life of Susannah Spurgeon 500 in stock Weight 0.58 lbs Dimensions 7.13 × 4.75 × 0.7 in topic 19th Century, General Biography Format Book isbn 9780851519180 Original Pub Date 2006 Banner Pub Date Jun 15, 2006 binding Paperback page-count 256 Book Description While much is known about Susannah Spurgeon’s famous husband C.H. Spurgeon, comparatively little is known about the woman who supported the great preacher through the many years of his long and fruitful...
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