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Urban centres in the world are undergoing facets of changes, these changes are evident in developing countries and more divergent because urban transformation in developing countries is often accompanied challenges which include traffic congestion, overcrowding, pollution and continuous land use succession. This phenomenon is not different with the central area of Minna, Nigeria. Since 2008 the central area of Minna has had different changes meant to address the problems of overcrowding, on street trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and traffic congestion. Against this background, this study assessed the changes that have occurred with implications on human settlement, generally; by exامینing the levels of land use succession, and ascertaining its implications on Minna central area. Data employed in this study includes high resolution image of the the Minna central area and socioeconomic characteristics of Minna obtained through the use of questionnaires using purposive sampling techniques. The data were corroborated with Geo-spatial analysis. The study reveals that between 2008 to 2016 there was a significant change in urban transformations in Minna central area as 75% of the residential area were converted to commercial uses, although the Minna central market was also relocated to a new site in order to address the issues, little was however achieved as this only relocated the problems to another part of the town. This study recommends that urban management and monitoring (development control) of Minna city centre and similar cities should imbibe the current SDGs approach that emphasizes participation and inclusive planning approach to urban development. 

The existence of brownfields in cities, and their common disadvantages, such as pollution and their detriment to natural habitats, have damaged local communities and their environment over time. Whereas the renovation and regeneration of these brownfields and transforming them into centers of activity could assist the economy and society to flourish. At the same time improving the quality of the environment could allow us to attain healthier, more attractive and safer communities. A neighborhood is a social network with a social and regional identity and a place where social interactions occurs. Focusing on enriching the neighborhood, nourishing social life and meeting the social and intellectual needs of the individual. The renovation of the defunct strip of land where the Tehran-Tabriz railway existed and its transformation into a linear park does not only have a positive effect on the local economy and environment but also connects the northern and southern sections of Yaftabad, by increasing safety and social interactions and enriches the local community. This research aimed to answer the following questions: 1- What are the guidelines of improving urban development and the quality of life of the people in regarding restoration and renovation of useless lands? 2- Is the construction of a ‘Green’ Pathways on the borders of brownfields could integrate neighborhoods? In order to address these questions, a descriptive-analytical method was used. In addition to library research and analysis of previously tested procedures in this field, by the help of a questionnaires, which was distributed through local population to specify their requested standards and quality requirements. The results showed that the people greatly desired this brownfield regeneration to a new improved environment and community. In the planning segment, with attention to standards set by the people, suggestions were presented.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the complicated crises that traces back to nearly a century ago. It caused severe challenges and brought about disastrous consequences both for the Middle East region and the conflicting parties. Numerous attempts have taken place so far by different states, organizations and individuals to establish a lasting and comprehensive peace in this conflict, but given the intransigence positions of the conflicting parties, the attempts were futile and still there is no light at the end of this tunnel. The limitations of the realistic viewpoint that dominates the conflict and considers its signs rather than its root causes, made us tackle the issue through a proper, more appropriate approach.. To us, critical studies, particularly the emancipation approach which goes beyond the realistic limitations, deliberates the contemporary and historical conditions together with its nature and tries to remove situations leading to the conflict is a more viable strategy to achieve a lasting peace.