It won’t take American troops, but it will take an American “Africa” policy that looks towards long-term trends and developments rather than the reactionary policy we’ve had for decades. American/NATO nations training the militaries of African nations will help, especially if the training is not just a one-shot affair but a decade-long process with good, useful relationships established between both parties.

We cannot save everyone, but we must put a serious effort into doing what is possible and what is neccesary for our security.

Btw, if Clinton had not ran from Somalia, Somalia would likely be in a far different state than it is now. We staggered the warlords, but at the first instance of serious casualties, we pulled out.

Curzon at Coming Anarchy points to an Economist article on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I disagree with the article’s assertion that stability or the lack thereof in the DRC will make or break Africa (it seems too close to the pre-war c…

“….Africa’s centres of conflict ““ and Darfur remains what the United Nations has described as “the world’s greatest humanitarian catastrophe ““ hold the key to all other issues. The self-sufficient and self-reliant people of Darfur were never dependent on hand-outs and aid and were not in need of G8 Summits and the rest. It is man-made conflict that has dispossessed them and until that conflict is resolved progress of any kind is impossible…..”

There can be no hopeful future for Africa until the powers that be take strong, bold and forceful action to punish and wipe out these militias that terrorize the people and destabilize the various corridors of the continent.

Otherwise, its going to be hell on earth in Africa for decades to come, regardless of what one or three progressing countries accomplish.

This is alarming when addressed with our self-interest in mind, let alone morality. One or more failed states in Africa (or regions of unabashed chaos and mayhem) constitute a direct threat to the security of America, as terrorists can head there to reconstitute after their losses in the WOT.

You want peace in Congo, then get rid of all the people. I mean read this stuff! They are out of control. Without aid from the outside world Africa would depopulate within 50 years.

Another choice quote:

“. . . his men are alleged to have eaten people. Mr Bemba dismisses the allegation, but it is widely believed and will not endear him to voters.”

Really? No way, I thought cannibalism was something the voters would definately want in a Congolese president.