watched Anthony Bourdain's Democratic Republic of the Congo special last night

[steve2470]

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Congo

He paints a very grim picture of the Congo currently. He even went into the past colonial imperialism of the Belgians. Is it getting better there slowly ?

eta: I found this info at Wiki :

On February 24, 2013 a United Nations-backed accord aimed at stabilizing the Democratic Republic of the Congo called the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo was signed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa by eleven African countries – Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania (UN News Centre 2013).

eta #2: Congo Rebel Group M23 Threatens To Retake Goma As UN Peacekeepers Ramp Up Patrols

[quinnox]

1. I'm surprised he went there

I've read it is a very dangerous place, kidnappings and violence being common. I think I have seen it listed in the top ten most dangerous countries in the world to visit.

[steve2470]

2. he said he's always dreamed of going there

I thought it was very cool he went there and brought up the colonial past in his special. He seemed very sympathetic to their plight.

[Wait Wut]

3. The one in Libya was...

...depressing, enlightening, encouraging...all over the place. I haven't watched Congo, yet. I will soon.

'Parts Unknown' has given him the freedom to do what he wanted to. I like that. I miss the lighter side of him, but this is more important. Exposing the humanity of places that Americans are taught to fear, showing that the people still have joy and hopes in spite of the guys with guns (military, militia, and neighbors). It can be heartbreaking, but like I said...encouraging.

[steve2470]

4. yea I really liked the Libya one too

His special was more educational on Libya than anything else I've seen. I've watched most of his Parts Unknown specials and he does an excellent job overall.

[ZRT2209]

8. the best thing on CNN

[PoliticAverse]

5. Fascinating, saddening. n/t

[steve2470]

6. any other comments ? nt

[leftstreet]

7. DURec

Thanks for posting this

Not a tv watcher, so I miss most of this stuff

[steve2470]

9. you're most welcome ! :) nt

[davidpdx]

10. I watched all the episodes and he not only covers the food

but also what life is like in the countries he visits. It is a great program.

[theHandpuppet]

11. Bourdain's show on the Congo was Emmy worthy

Hard-hitting. Moving. The type of journalism we SHOULD be getting from the so-called "news" media.

[steve2470]

12. completely agree nt