I am just wrote an article this morning on Sierra Leone on the west cape of Africa. Thought you might be interested...
Sierra Leone… a model we can use to rebuild Iraq?
In looking to resolve problems in Africa and countries such as Iraq and Iran, Sierra Leone on the West cape of Africa provides a very good example of a lawless, inhumane country that has been turned around since 2001 to have peaceful elections, reestablishment of democracy with focus on a strict policy on corruption. The reestablishment of political stability has attracted foreign companies to start trading again which is boosting the economy so the country can return to being self-supportive over time.
http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32742&SelectRegion=West_Africa&SelectCountry=SIERRA_LEONE/ http://www.sierra-leone.org/slnews0303.html/ This is where the country was for decades:
http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=31750&SelectRegion=West_Africa&SelectCountry=SIERRA_LEONE/ Sadly there are still rebel fractions outside Freetown who rape children on the streets and leave them to die, but at least the numbers have decreased drastically. Virgins are considered the "Brittany Spears" in Africa, hence some much abuse to children. They have a much different cultural view of beauty and what is sort after in Africa hence the ring necks or the extended ear lobes etc found in tribes throughout Africa. As a Western country we need to reserve all judgment because "we do not know that we do not know" with respect to the complexity of the situation. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes... Think for a moment what you would do if you and your family happened to be born in such a country instead of the country you were blessed to be born in. I am sure after I saw my 12 year old sister gang raped and cut to pieces with a hatchet that I would have a gravely different view of the world. Be very, very grateful to be in such a great country and work diligently to protect it.
Why it is important to support Africa? Besides the humanitarian reasons this is how it indirectly affects those who believe we should only look after America. The resources are being reaped from African countries to pay for al Qaida operations that empower people to run planes into our buildings and attack our foreign interests. The days are over for those of you think what happens in Africa does not impact us. Click on this link for brief overview of where al Qaida gets some of its resources.
http://www.globalwitness.org/reports/show.php/en.00041.html/ How it turned around? A combination of sanctions to stop the illegal diamond trade (which was being traded for weapons for the rebels and terrorists), the UN peace keeping force (this is what the UN is good for) and Tony Blair implemented a fabulous "over the horizon" plan to squelch any uprising. What this means is instead of the expense normally entailed to keep military units in place year round, these "quick action response" units can be on hand only when needed, but still offer the country good defense. Peace has been maintained since Blair implemented this strategy back in 2001. Blair has also assisted the government reestablish democracy, stamp out corruption and train their own armed force and police force. Blair combined both naval ships and the British Gurkhas in mid February this year to appease the fleeing of the coup leader and squash another small unrest in Freetown. Have a look at these to sites to see what Mr. Blair and his soldiers do around the world. America has also sent financial support.
https://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/1907.html/ http://www.army.mod.uk/brigade_of_gurkhas/qg_signals/ I hope this brings a realization that it is in our best interest to assist. Global stability will not be achieved without addressing the many issues in Africa.
Thanks very much for the article excepts and links- further information is always appreciated.