Did Bush manipulate Iraq data?

[Occhidiangela]

Power centers are the poles that are typically referred to in the bipolar unipolar discussion.

South America, and Central America, are potential economic powerhouses. At present, their economic power and potential do not seem to translate into global influence and power, but that may change in the next generation. Hard to say.

Africa: Which part? Africa, over three times the land area of the United States, is made up of some 51 countries. The Magreb is tyipically viewed culturally as part of the Arab world. East Africa has very strong ties to the Islamic World. Western Africa suffers from a few decades of anarchy, and Southern Africa is currently in a state of transition. In short, Africa as a continent is not in the same league vis a vis Europe, or even east Asia or the Subcontinent insofar as cultural and economic strength. Far to many nations there are still 'foreign aid junkies' which is a shame, since that artificial infusion of economic blood creates its own political messes. (Somalia being but one very good example.)

I'd venture to suggest that 'Africa' will continue to evolve into three or four 'blocs' similar to the European Union in character, but that is going to take some time. WAU, the South African Development Council (Hmmm, don't remember that name correctly) and probably an East African bloc tied even more strongly to the Islamic World should more Arab nations adopt the 'Islamic Republic' model of Persian Iran.

My opinion, and subject to being a bit gross on the generalization side.