Zanzibar - Terror, tourism and odd beliefs (from The Economist)

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Zanzibar

Terror, tourism and odd beliefs

Dec 11th 2003 | ZANZIBAR

From The Economist print edition

Superstition as a political barometer

FEW readers of The Economist, one would imagine, have seen a
one-eyed dwarf with bat-like wings, pointed ears and sharpened
talons. Even fewer are likely to have been sodomised by one.
Many of the people of Zanzibar, however, sincerely believe in
Popobawa, an incubus who supposedly rapes men who doubt his
existence. Isolated sightings are reported every year. Locals
say that Popobawa appears accompanied by a puff of smoke,
usually on Pemba, the smaller of the spice islands that make up
this semi-autonomous part of Tanzania.

At times of stress, Popobawa seems to go on a rampage. So many
people report seeing him that ordinary life in some villages
stops. Men sleep arm-in-arm outside their houses, in the belief
that not being in bed makes them less vulnerable. There were
said to be numerous attacks before and after Zanzibar's
president was assassinated in 1972, and again in 2000 and 2001,
coinciding with a rigged and violent election.

Popobawa may be mythical, but reports of sightings give a useful
insight into the Zanzibari mood. The incubus was seen in
November, prompting a local spiritualist to predict that “bad
men will do bad things here next year [and] people will die.�

It is possible. Tensions have been simmering in Zanzibar since
the police killed 39 opposition supporters in early 2001. The
island's mostly poor and Muslim population feels marginalised.
Secessionist mutterings are growing louder. Tanzania's
government has clamped down: last month it banned an independent
newspaper, accusing it of fomenting tribal and religious
divisions.

Economic woes may make unrest more likely. Too many young men
lost their jobs after terrorists attacked Jewish targets in
nearby Kenya a year ago. Tourist receipts in Zanzibar fell by
30% in the first three months of this year. Things have since
improved, but America says the threat of an attack on Zanzibar
remains high, pointing out that two al-Qaeda operatives were
born there. Zanzibaris, most of whom are moderates, disagree.
“Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar,� said one. “It doesn't
make us more likely to become pop stars.�

See this article with graphics and related items at
http://www.economist.com/displaystor...ory_id=2287258

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This is the most pathetic load of hogwash I have ever read. Odd beliefs yes,
but that the mood is sour and Zanzibar is dangerous, what a load of crap!
The author of this article seriously needs to get a life!


"Hans-Georg Michna" wrote in message
...
- AN ARTICLE FOR YOU, FROM ECONOMIST.COM -

Zanzibar

Terror, tourism and odd beliefs

Dec 11th 2003 | ZANZIBAR

From The Economist print edition

Superstition as a political barometer

FEW readers of The Economist, one would imagine, have seen a
one-eyed dwarf with bat-like wings, pointed ears and sharpened
talons. Even fewer are likely to have been sodomised by one.
Many of the people of Zanzibar, however, sincerely believe in
Popobawa, an incubus who supposedly rapes men who doubt his
existence. Isolated sightings are reported every year. Locals
say that Popobawa appears accompanied by a puff of smoke,
usually on Pemba, the smaller of the spice islands that make up
this semi-autonomous part of Tanzania.

At times of stress, Popobawa seems to go on a rampage. So many
people report seeing him that ordinary life in some villages
stops. Men sleep arm-in-arm outside their houses, in the belief
that not being in bed makes them less vulnerable. There were
said to be numerous attacks before and after Zanzibar's
president was assassinated in 1972, and again in 2000 and 2001,
coinciding with a rigged and violent election.

Popobawa may be mythical, but reports of sightings give a useful
insight into the Zanzibari mood. The incubus was seen in
November, prompting a local spiritualist to predict that "bad
men will do bad things here next year [and] people will die."

It is possible. Tensions have been simmering in Zanzibar since
the police killed 39 opposition supporters in early 2001. The
island's mostly poor and Muslim population feels marginalised.
Secessionist mutterings are growing louder. Tanzania's
government has clamped down: last month it banned an independent
newspaper, accusing it of fomenting tribal and religious
divisions.

Economic woes may make unrest more likely. Too many young men
lost their jobs after terrorists attacked Jewish targets in
nearby Kenya a year ago. Tourist receipts in Zanzibar fell by
30% in the first three months of this year. Things have since
improved, but America says the threat of an attack on Zanzibar
remains high, pointing out that two al-Qaeda operatives were
born there. Zanzibaris, most of whom are moderates, disagree.
"Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar," said one. "It doesn't
make us more likely to become pop stars."

See this article with graphics and related items at
http://www.economist.com/displaystor...ory_id=2287258

Go to http://www.economist.com for more global news, views and
analysis from the Economist Group.

- ABOUT ECONOMIST.COM -

Economist.com is the premier online source of global news, views
and analysis. Visit http://www.economist.com for worldly
insight as well as market information and exclusive resource
libraries.

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news and business publication offering clear reporting,
commentary and analysis on world politics, business, finance,
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If you enjoy this article here are two ways you can get mo

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