Weekly Reading List [7.20.12]

1. THE VALUE OF TIME -  At what rate do you value your time right now? I mean, if you were to quantify what your time is worth in a dollar amount, what would it be and how would that impact your choices? This is a great article by the CEO of a start-up, sharing how he manages and prioritizes based on a monetary value of his time.

2. THE ATHLETE - Howard Schartz and Beverly Ornstein did a photoshoot of Olympic athletes. It's amazing to see the variety of body types, sizes, and shapes.

3. SOMALI REFUGEES TOP ONE MILLION MARK, SAYS UN AGENCY - The Somali government was toppled 21 years ago, and the country continues to be devestated by violence and power-plays. As the article says, this is "one of the world's longest and worst refugee crisis."

4. ETHIOPIA ROCKED BY MASSIVE MUSLIM PROTESTS - I find the tension between religious groups throughout Africa, very fascinating. The complex relationships between Christian and Muslim communities in particular, i.e. Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, etc. This article highlights some of the political power playing that happen.

5. JIHADISTS' FIERCE JUSTICE DRIVES THOUSANDS TO FLEE MALI & MALI: AVOIDING ESCALATION - Things are continuing to deteriorate in Mali this week. US counterterrorism groups continue to express concern that Mali is the next haven for terrorists. Great background article by the Crisis Group with foreign policy recommendations.

6. SYRIAN REBELS' CONFIDENCE GROWS AFTER BOMBING HITS ASSAD'S INNER CIRCLE & SYRIAN REBELS LAND DEADLY BLOW TO ASSAD'S INNER CIRCLE - Could it be a turning point?

**Today is the start of Ramadan. My thoughts and prayers are with Muslims around the world. May this be a time of seeking truth, "stimulating the mind, purifying the soul, and sympathizing with those who have not. (via LupeFiasco)**