Harsh words, especially when applied to all the plights in Africa, but I find it difficult to argue with the logic. Isn't it time the West dealt with Africa on the basis of respect rather than from a paternalistic guilt for past colonialism and slavery?

"Explain why "St" Nelson Mandela doesn't give a damn, while you're at it"

I can't. Africa is the blight of the world

This article is an excercise in over simplification. While I agree that we could stop the killing by stationing some troops in Darfur calling it an easy fix is laughable.

I suppose that the writer of this article would of called Somalia an easy fix prior to our stationing troops there. The issue is much more complex than this article lays out.

With that said I would like us to intervene. But, please lets not think that we can simply go in there, wave our magic sword, and make everything better.

I would agree that considering Africa "easy" is an oversimplification. Even so, no solution -- including military intervention -- is likely to succeed until the West moves past its patronizing attitudes.

People have a tendency to live down to expectations. How can one be surprised at the level of corruption and despotism on the continent when the subtle message the West sends is that they are not fit for stable self-government. Conversely, when one raises his expectations, it is amazing how often those who have lived down to lower levels in the past will now raise themselves up.

It is time to start treating Africans as adults and stop excusing current behavior on the basis of past transgressions by colonialism and slavery.