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news :: country profile :: Liberia Checks into Rehab by Matt Waugh |
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While the relationship between Liberia and the United States does
not fit perfectly with the above scenario, the punch-line is the same:
The United States has helped shape the difficulties that Liberia currently
experiences, and is right to assist in rehabilitation. Moreover, a stable
and prosperous Liberia is in the economic, political and strategic interests
of the United States. The situation in Liberia is pretty bleak: The final truth is inescapable: If Liberia is not stabilized soon,
it may enter yet another civil war with extreme consequences. American Responsibility for Liberia While the United States is not directly responsible for the actions
of Liberia’s leaders, a case can be made that the United States contributed
to the current state of the nation. Liberia was set up as a “free” colony for repatriated American
slaves, but freedoms and rights in the U.S.-based Constitution were not
experienced by the existing Malinke natives who were treated as 2nd class
citizens despite their large majority. The United States did not really
establish or promote a free society, but consistently supported a government
that evolved into being more totalitarian than anything else. America
cannot be totally surprised by Liberia’s internal struggles, and
should take some responsibility for them. American Opportunities in Liberia As Americans watch our reconstructive efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq,
many return to President Bush’s early statements regarding “nation-building.”
One can clearly see that we are now doing that which President Bush clearly
stated we would not…before 9/11. It has become a cliché, but
9/11 has truly changed many things. That fateful day and the months following
showed that weak and politically unstable nations are fertile places for
the seeds of terrorism to grow. Therefore, providing stability to nations
without is in the interest of American and global security. By nurturing political stability and strengthening infrastructure,
economic opportunities present themselves as well. Liberia has many natural
resources, which Western companies have tapped into before. This time
around, though, Liberia must be more pro-active in ensuring that foreign
investments are structured to uplift the people, not take advantage of
them. 7 Keys to a Stable Liberia 1. Security must be established. Abraham Maslow’s needs hierarchy
is very clear on this topic: if a people’s personal safety needs
are not met, then nothing else is relevant. 2. To that end, Liberia must be demilitarized. Of the estimated 40,000
combatants, 15,000 of them are children. However, once the arms are laid
down the people’s energy must be channeled into something positive
and productive. 3. Justice must be brought to war criminals. The number of people
that have died and suffered as a result of Taylor’s quest for local
power is intolerable. If Charles Taylor and his willing accomplices are
held accountable for their transgressions against the people of Liberia
and neighboring countries, it will bring forth a sense of legitimacy and
closure. 4. Economic growth is essential for the permanency of any changes
in Liberia. The infrastructure must be rebuilt; in fact,as of Feb. 7thmore
than $500 million has been donated by the international community to do
so. (where is this number from?) 5. Liberia must be recognized as a lucrative opportunity for responsible
foreign investment. The nation is rich in various natural resources, and
has a large pool of labor that needs something to do other than carry
AK-47s. 6. Trade barriers that hurt Liberia’s agricultural industry must
be addressed in the spirit of free and fair trade promoted by the World
Trade Organization. The agricultural industry employs 70% of those Liberians
fortunate to have found a job. 7. Finally, the world community, mainly the World Bank, should cancel
Liberia’s debt. The people of Liberia have suffered enough, and do
not deserve to pay the bills unjustly accrued under Taylor’s corrupt
regime. Liberia’s long-term prospects for success will be severely
burdened by a debt under which it cannot emerge. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has it right when he refers to Liberia as a "long-running nightmare that has disgraced mankind." All too often, inaction by the world community has permitted these nightmares and the incalculable suffering that goes with them…it’s time to act. Check out these links for more informatoin about Liberia :: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/li.html Map courtesy of http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/li.html 
2004 1-42 Online |
When
teen-age drug users finally admit to their parents that they have a substance
abuse problem, and then ask for help, a supportive response from Mom and
Dad is certainly in order. Turning our backs on them, especially if our
behavior has helped influence their choices, is not in anyone’s best
interest. The relationship will never be healed, and both sides suffer
(usually one more than the other).