(March 6, 1999) Indifference, interrupted sporadically by spasms of satisfying moral outrage or luxurious compassion, characterises the general Western attitude to the African continent.

(May 2, 1999) Suddenly debt relief is all the rage. Everybody is trying to get in on the act, saying that not enough is being done to provide financial help to the poorest nations.

(December 31, 1998) There are increasing calls for creditor nations to cancel the foreign debts of Central American nations badly hit by Hurricane Mitch.

(May 22, 1998) The current call for international debt cancellation is welcome, but debt does not just go away.