Entertainment is a leisure activity consisting of an event and an audience that views the event and participates. This participation can be subtle, as in Theatres: Film, Opera or stageshows, or Orchestral symphony concerts wherein the applause due the performance or performing artists would be bad manners. In contrast, the sports entertainment industry feeds off audience participation— who can imagine the strange event attending a pro-wrestling bout, basketball or baseball game without cheering or booing the participants would experentially being happy.

The industry that provides entertainment is called the entertainment industry, and one distinction between what is meant by the term is the voluntary participation of the party being entertained, which may be passive (Opera) or active (Frantic shoot-em-up computer games) and the whole gamut of industry supported diversions in between (Baseball, Concerts, Football, Books, Television, film , striptease, and events like Karaoke).

Recreation, play, reading, and art appreciation may in some instances be confused with entertainment, but the difference is elementary—entertainments take two or more— even if one of the participants is a programmer for the obsolescent Amiga computer system who now happens to be deceased. Without the 'performance' of the artist and the participation of the viewer the event would and could not occur.

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The Economist: Middle East and Africa

Zimbabwe:
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:35:36 -0000
The opposition scores a telling point IT WAS a humiliating week for Robert Mugabe. As the new parliament elected in March was convened for the first time, the chairman of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Lovemore Moyo, won the vote to become speaker, beating Mr Mugabe’s candidate. Then the veteran leader was booed and heckled during his speech, for the first time in his 28 years in power. Negotiations between the ruling ZANU-PF and the MDC are still suspended, after the two sides failed to agree on who should hold executive power. Mr Mugabe, not one to take humiliation well, looks set to harden his stance: prospects for an early deal look slim. But it was a rare and telling victory for the opposition.The Zimbabwean leader had violated ground rules, agreed on before the negotiations began, stipulating that the new parliament should not be convened, nor a new cabinet appointed, while negotiations were under way. Several MDC MPs have already been arrested, some as they were entering Parliament to be sworn in. Ahead of a regional meeting earlier this month, Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC leader, and his party’s secretary-general and chief negotiator were both detained at the airport and their passports confiscated en route to the meeting; they were allowed to continue on their way after South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki, mandated by the region’s leaders to mediate in the talks, apparently intervened. ...
Libya:
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:35:36 -0000
Change, if it is on the way, comes in most mysterious waysHOWEVER much of a mess it has made of Libya, the Qaddafi family certainly puts on a diverting show. Like a television serial with several sub-plots, the drama involving Muammar Qaddafi, who has run his oil-rich state since seizing power 39 years ago, and his eight children, manages to sustain suspense even as the story twists in different directions at once. For the past few years, a striking sub-plot has been Libya’s emergence from the international isolation brought by its involvement in terrorism in the 1980s. This story has now taken a final happy turn with the inking of an agreement with America to settle all outstanding legal claims between the two countries. A compensation fund, likely to be filled by a mix of Libyan oil money and “donations” from big American firms keen to do business with Libya, will now pay the remaining compensation to American victims of the PanAm aircraft blown up over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988 and for other Libyan-sponsored attacks, as well as for 40-plus Libyans killed by an American bombing raid in 1986 in retaliation for an earlier terrorist incident. ...
Nigeria:
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:35:36 -0000
The president shows who’s bossGIVEN Nigeria’s long record of military coups, President Umaru Yar’Adua’s dismissal of his top military commanders last week might have looked a bit risky—suicidal, even. And, indeed, there were rumours of rebellion in the air. But the fact that Mr Yar’Adua not only removed the officers but calmly left the country immediately afterwards for a pilgrimage to Mecca speaks of a growing confidence among Nigerians that the bad old days of military intervention have finally been laid to rest. Until recently Africa had a deserved reputation for violent military takeovers, and Nigeria was no exception. Half a dozen coups took place in the three decades or so from 1966 until elections restored civilian rule in 1999. Even then the new president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr Yar’Adua’s predecessor, was a former general who had previously run the country as head of a military junta. With their aviator shades and shiny epaulettes, the generals plundered Nigeria’s vast oil wealth, none more aggressively or brutally than Sani Abacha in the 1990s. ...
Angola:
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:35:36 -0000
An oil-rich country prepares to vote for the first time in 16 yearsAFTER recent election fiascos in Kenya and Zimbabwe, all eyes are on Angola. On September 5th, 8m-plus registered voters (in a population of some 17m) should cast their ballot to choose a new parliament. They have certainly had to wait for the privilege. Since independence from Portugal in 1975, Angola has had only one multi-party election, in 1992, and it led to a resumption of the horrific civil war that had ravaged the place since independence. The government has repeatedly promised and postponed fresh elections since the end of the conflict in 2002. Only now, it judges, is Angola finally ready. Decades of war, first pitting Angolans against their Portuguese colonial masters and then against each other, destroyed and traumatised a country that is rich in oil, diamonds and fertile soil. The two sides in the civil war are still the main political parties that will contest these elections: the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the opposition National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The latter, for many years a rebel movement, gave up arms after the death of its leader, Jonas Savimbi, in 2002. Now led by the articulate and urbane Isaias Samavuka, it has turned into a proper party. Though 14 groups are registered to contest the election, UNITA is still by far the largest opposition one. Incidents still occur in the oil-rich province of Cabinda, but a peace deal signed in 2006 has eased separatist tensions there. ...
The Gaza Strip:
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:35:36 -0000
Though a ceasefire is more or less holding, Gaza is still under siegeDESPITE warnings by Israel’s government that it would stop two boatloads of pro-Palestinian campaigners from “breaking the siege of Gaza”, the ships, carrying some 40-plus enthusiasts, were eventually allowed to dock safely in Gaza’s main port on August 23rd and to disgorge a cargo of medicine, hearing-aids and other items that the local Palestinians have sorely lacked. But, though a ceasefire signed in June is more or less holding and there has been a slight increase in an inflow of humanitarian supplies, Gazans still feel they are virtually under siege. Since a year ago, when the Islamists of Hamas clobbered their secular rivals, Fatah, in the Strip, the Israelis have restricted the supply of necessities in a bid to make Hamas stop firing rockets at Israel and encourage Gaza’s Palestinians to turn against their new rulers. In June, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire. Since then, the flow of goods has increased, but not enough. The boat campaigners intended to publicise the Gazans’ continuing plight. ...
Liberia:
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:47:15 -0000
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, halfway through her first term as president, is doing well IN HER inaugural speech in January 2006, Africa’s first female head of state set out the daunting tasks facing Liberia, citing her determination to heal the awful wounds inflicted during the civil wars of 1989 to 2003 by her various appalling predecessors, including Charles Taylor, now on trial for war crimes at The Hague. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Banker, also promised to reduce Liberia’s dire poverty and to consolidate democracy. On the whole, she has made progress—albeit with a lot of help from friends abroad. Liberia is more stable these days, thanks in part to a large force of UN peacekeepers, whose numbers are due to fall from 13,000 to just under 10,000 by the end of 2010. Security is gradually to be taken over by a revamped national police force and a new army, both being recruited and trained by an American firm, DynCorp, which is being paid by the United States. ...

L.A. Times - Middle East

Iran: new strides in uranium enrichment
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:42:00 -0700
Iran has increased the number of operating centrifuges at its uranium enrichment plant to 4,000, a top official said Friday, pushing ahead with the nuclear program despite threats of new U.N. sanctions.
U.S. arrests key Iraq official for suspected ties to militia
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Ali Lami, who oversaw the controversial purging of Baath Party members is alleged to have helped militias said to get training and funding from within Iran. A senior Iraqi official, who oversaw the purging of Saddam Hussein loyalists from government jobs, has been arrested for his activities in connection with a violent Shiite Muslim militia, his political backers and supporters said.
Ex-Marine acquitted in Iraqi prisoner deaths
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Jose Nazario, charged with killing four detainees, is found not guilty by a Riverside jury. His case marks the first time civilians decided whether an ex-serviceman committed a combat crime. In the first civilian trial in modern times of a former member of the U.S. military for alleged combat crimes, a Riverside jury Thursday acquitted a one-time Marine sergeant in the killings of four unarmed Iraqi prisoners in Fallouja.
Abie Nathan, 81; Israeli peace activist, founder of 'Voice of Peace' radio station
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Abie Nathan, the Israeli peace activist who made a dramatic solo flight to Egypt and later founded the groundbreaking "Voice of Peace" radio station, died Wednesday. He was 81.
China, Iraq to revive oil field development deal
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The project was canceled after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion China and Iraq have signed a $3-billion deal revising an earlier agreement for China's biggest oil company to help develop the Ahdab oil field, an official at Iraq's Oil Ministry said Thursday.
U.S. says review backs its reported toll in Afghanistan airstrike
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The U.S. military finding contradicts reports by the U.N. and Afghan officials, who say 90 civilians were killed. A review by the U.S. military of an airstrike last week in western Afghanistan corroborates its earlier report that 25 militants and five civilians were killed, Pentagon officials said Thursday, a finding that starkly contradicts reports by the United Nations and Afghan officials.

NPR Topics: Middle East

New Chief Aims To Restore Air Force's Reputation
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:25:00 -0400
Gen. Norton Schwartz is a man in line with Defense Secretary Robert Gates' vision of the Air Force. Unlike his fired predecessor, Schwartz isn't reluctant to send Air Force officers and more intelligence and surveillance to Iraq.
Treating Iraqi Children For PTSD
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:35:00 -0400
The war in Iraq has had a severe impact on the country's children. More than 650 children were reported killed there last year. Iraq's children also have been the victims of kidnapping, torture and rape. A clinic for children suffering post-traumatic stress disorder is opening this month in Baghdad.
'Three Cups of Tea' With Pakistan's Musharraf
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:30:00 -0400
Greg Mortenson, executive director of the Central Asia Institute, met with Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf during a recent trip to the region. Musharraf had read a book Mortenson co-wrote titled Three Cups of Tea, about his experiences building more than 60 schools in remote parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Lebanon Prime Minister Heads To Iraq
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400
Fuad Siniora is expected to arrive in Baghdad Wednesday. Relations are improving between Iraq's Shiite-dominated government and the Arab world's Sunni leaders.
Musharraf Resigns Amidst Growing Outcry
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:20:00 -0400
Pervez Musharraf has resigned as Pakistan's president under threat of impeachment. It may be the final act in a long confrontation between Musharraf and the political opposition that has accused him of illegally seizing power and mishandling the country's economy. Shuja Nawaz, a Pakistani journalist and author, explains issues facing that nation's government.
Middle East Diplomacy, Shrinking U.S. Involvement
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:41:00 -0400
Complex diplomatic negotiations are taking place in the volatile region. With the U.S. taking a back seat in the talks, smaller countries such as Egypt and Syria are stepping up and taking leading roles.

UN News Centre - Middle East

UN to undertake science and technology strategy review for Iraq
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced today that it will work with the Iraqi Government to map out a strategy for using science, technology and innovation to reconstruct its economy and accelerate its development.
Security Council extends UN force in southern Lebanon for another year
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The Security Council today extended until the end of August 2009 the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stating that the deployment of the mission together with the country's armed forces has helped to establish "a new strategic environment in southern Lebanon."
Iraq: UN envoy persists with efforts to promote dialogue over disputed city
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The top United Nations official in Iraq continues to work to promote political dialogue and national reconciliation across the country, including over the disputed status of the northern city of Kirkuk, a UN spokesperson said today.
UNESCO chief deplores murder of senior Iraqi cultural official
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The head of the United Nations culture agency today condemned the murder of a senior Iraqi Government official who had long worked to protect and preserve his country's cultural heritage.
Gaza: UN expert welcomes landing of ships carrying human rights activists
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
An independent United Nations human rights expert today hailed the landing of two wooden boats in Gaza carrying 46 human rights activists as a key symbolic victory.
Ban requests 12-month extension to UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked the Security Council to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by another 12 months until the end of August next year.

NYT > Middle East

Iraq Signs Oil Deal With China Worth Up to $3 Billion
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:36:14 -0000
The contract was the first major oil deal the Iraq government has made with a foreign country since 2003.
Israelis in Anguish Over the Abuse and Murder of a 4-Year-Old
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:32:39 -0000
Israel is in the grip of a nightmarish tale of a French girl named Rose, who police say was killed by her grandfather.
Ex-Marine Is Cleared in Killing of Unarmed Iraqi Detainees
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:14:19 -0000
The trial was the first in which a civilian jury had determined whether a former military service member had violated the law of war in combat.
Families of 12 Slain in Iraq File Lawsuit
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:14:18 -0000
The lawsuit, filed in United States District Court, accused the defense contractor KBR and a Jordanian subcontractor of human trafficking.
Abie Nathan, Israeli Peace Champion, Dies at 81
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:28:44 -0000
Mr. Nathan is best remembered for his quirky quest for peace in a 30-year campaign waged through a series of audacious escapades by land, air and sea.
World Briefing | Middle East: Lebanon: Army Helicopter Is Fired On
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:34:23 -0000
Gunmen fired on a Lebanese Army helicopter on Thursday as it flew over southern Lebanon on a training mission, killing an officer and forcing an emergency landing, military officials said.

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