Articles by John Lasker

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Of Blood and Gold: How Canadian Mining Companies Loot the Congo

John Lasker February 26, 2009 John Lasker

Mining in the DRC
In the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo where some analysts say a decade-long "resource war" has taken the lives of millions, a Canadian mining company has caught a fever over gold. Once again, the presence of a foreign mining company in the DRC offers a stunning example of disparity between the "have-mores" of the West and the local Congolese, who in turn seemingly have nothing but violence and struggle.

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Obama’s Troubling Stance on Missile Defense and Militarizing Space

John Lasker December 4, 2008 John Lasker

Patriot Missile
Missile defense is quickly becoming the most significant global arms race of the 21st century. This race may soon reach into space, what the US military has called the "ultimate high ground." President-elect Barack Obamam, during his campaign, pledged to cut "unproven missile defense" and never put weapons into space. Yet "Space Hawks" at the Pentagon are urging Obama to rethink his comments and keep the emerging US antimissile shield on track.

Photo from the Pulitzer Center

Inside Africa’s PlayStation War

John Lasker July 8, 2008 John Lasker

Children Mining Coltan in Congo
In the rugged volcanic mountains of the Congo the conflict known as Africa's World War continues to smolder after ten grueling years. The conflict earned its name because at the height of the war eight African nations and over 25 militias were in the combatant mix. But more recently the conflict was given another name: The PlayStation War. The name came about because of a black metallic ore called coltan, which is used to make cell phones, laptops and other electronics made by SONY. Extensive evidence shows that during the war hundreds of millions of dollars worth of coltan was stolen from the Democratic Republic of Congo.