The Prince By Niccolò Machiavelli

America Gives . . . . And America Takes . . . . is as much a story about the highs and lows of one man’s American Dreams as those of countless others who fled their countries of origin to pursue the promise they were certain to achieve in America. As the author finds out, because of unforeseen cultural conflicts, not all American Dreams which become reality may remain so for long. This book is non-fiction based on the life of the author and the actual events that took place to the best of the author’s memory and perception as they happened. The author’s account are based on his views, ideals, opinions, and understanding of those events and the people involved. Any reference to persons, agencies, governments, or any entity is the opinion of the author pertaining to the events which took place as they relate to him. The book provides no definitive statement or conclusion as to the character and intentions of each individual or entity mentioned in the book. The readers may make their own determination and opinion based on the information provided, as well as obtaining additional information concerning the facts, from their own further investigation.

This is the most authoritative study of the Sierra Leone civil war to emanate from Africa, or indeed any publications’ programme on Africa. It explores the genesis of the crisis, the contradictory roles of different internal and external actors, civil society and the media; the regional intervention force and the demise of the second republic. It analyses the numerous peace initiatives designed to end a war, which continued nonetheless to defy and outlast them; and asks why the war became so prolonged. The study articulates how internal actors trod the multiple and conflicting pathways to power. It considers how non-conventional actors were able to inaugurate and sustain an insurgency that called forth the largest concentration of UN peacekeepers the world has ever seen.