For over one decade Sierra Leoneans fought to survive. The world ignored them. I served in Sierra Leone from 88-90, and was there in 1993 during the war. My counterpart had to do some horrific things to keep his family alive. The international community waited too long to step forward and stop the insanity, much of which was ultimately fueled by greed for diamonds, gold and rutile (used to make titanium). The movie "Blood Diamond" raised awareness of how all diamonds lead to poverty, but people still crave diamonds. Ishmael raised awareness about child soldiers, but still they exist all over the world. Suddenly, the world is actually focusing, but on the wrong issues. They will attack Ishmael, but ignore the root causes of the war itself.
For over one decade Sierra Leoneans fought to survive. The world ignored them. I served in Sierra Leone from 88-90, and was there in 1993 during the war. My counterpart had to do some horrific things to keep his family alive. The international community waited too long to step forward and stop the insanity, much of which was ultimately fueled by greed for diamonds, gold and rutile (used to make titanium). The movie "Blood Diamond" raised awareness of how all diamonds lead to poverty, but people still crave diamonds. Ishmael raised awareness about child soldiers, but still they exist all over the world. Suddenly, the world is actually focusing, but on the wrong issues. They will attack Ishmael, but ignore the root causes of the war itself.