Aiding Africa

Liberia's descent into chaos is the latest chapter in the tragic history of sub-Saharan Africa. For decades, the world's poorest region has been battered by famine, AIDS and horrific civil wars that have killed or maimed tens of millions of people. Some Africa-watchers now contend that the continent's prospects are looking up, and that with increased Western financial help Africa will become more democratic and prosperous in the coming decades. But other experts say that even recent positive steps, like the shift toward democracy in the 1990s, have stalled. Moreover, they warn that sending foreign aid to Africa is a waste of money. Meanwhile, the deployment of U.S. troops in war-torn Liberia has sparked debate over whether America should intervene in nations of questionable strategic importance.