Madam, - Zimbabwe has the dubious distinction of being No 3 in the 2008 failed states index published by the Fund for Peace. Not surprisingly, Somalia and Sudan are Nos 1 and 2, respectively. In fact a total of seven sub-Saharan countries are among the "top 10" failed states.
The situation in Zimbabwe is truly appalling and getting worse by the day. However, Zimbabwe is just part of a much bigger global problem. Failed or failing states not only have devastating effects on the lives of those unfortunate enough to live within their borders, they also have destabilising effects on neighbouring countries.
What should be the response of the international community to failed/failing states? Understandably, there is little appetite for military intervention. However, hand-wringing or condemnation will not prevent genocides such as that in Rwanda in 1994.
Furthermore, the after-effects of the Rwandan genocide are arguably still reverberating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today (contributing to its ranking as No 6 most failed state).
I believe that the issue of failed/failing states must be confronted by the international community, or the plight of the poorest of the poor will never be eliminated. Humanitarian aid can mitigate some of the worst consequences, but provides no long-term solution. - Yours, etc,
Dr L.F. LACEY,
South Strand,
Skerries,
Co Dublin.