Victoria, Seychelles - Preparations are underway to launch a new monthly magazine to be published in Mauritius/Seychelles beginning in August under the title of The Voice of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. This magazine will echo my sentiments that no country is small if it is surrounded or bordered by the sea.
Current issues include the controversial US base in Diego Garcia and the recent decision of the British to turn the rest of the Chagos archipelago into a world heritage conservation site despite Mauritius' claim to sovereignty. There is also the increasing threat to international shipping from Somalian pirates. The large island of Madagascar is discovering its wealth, and the Australian mineral giant RIO TINTO is pouring huge investments into it.
The region is also a stage for the geopolitical efforts of China, India, France, the USA, and others as well as the penetrating economic influence of the rich Arab nations from the North.
Briefly, The Voice of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea is an idea whose time has come.