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.

David Masci specializes in social policy, religion and foreign affairs. Before joining CQ Researcher as a staff writer in 1996, he was a reporter at CQ's Daily Monitor and CQ Weekly. He holds a BA in medieval history from Syracuse University and a law degree from The George Washington University.