The drought and famine in the Horn of Africa is obviously a major humanitarian disaster, and every effort should be made to minimize the suffering. The fact of this disaster should also be fully understood and steps taken to hold people accountable. Those that are in charge of governments and hold responsible positions in the major multilateral institutions should be identified and reasons given why the drought ... which has been a multi-year issue ... has ended up in famine. Far too many in big positions go to the office, present at conferences ... but do not do much to ensure that society does not have to face disasters like the one now going on in the Horm of Africa.

With 12 million people on the brink of starvation in the Horn of Africa, can Africa find a financial solution?

It is perhaps the worst drought and famine in East Africa in 60 years, taking in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. Three million Somalis are at risk of starvation, with thousands of them leaving their homes for Mogadishu, Ethiopia or Kenya.

The United Nations says it needs to raise at least $1.6bn, the World Bank has already given $500mn in food aid, and the US has stumped up $431mn in food and emergency assistance in the Horn of Africa this year.

But emergency assistance only goes so far - countries need to be able to fend for themselves. Can Africa find the money and a long-term solution to avoid drought and famine?

Also we are on debt-watch: is it such a bad thing for a country to default? Could Argentina and Dubai provide unlikely models for Europe and the US?

Although the ideas of sovereign debts and defaults have only really jumped into the headlines in the last couple of years, history is littered with defaults.

And Auckland's push to become the Dubai of the south. Is a plan for an air transit hub just pie in the sky?

Auckland could become a stepping stone to encourage stronger tourism and business ties with two of the fastest growing regions in the world.

Counting the Cost can be seen each week at the following times GMT: Friday: 2230; Saturday: 0930; Sunday: 0330; Monday: 1630.

Source: Al Jazeera