Africa, a stupid continent

There is no such thing as democracy in the entire continent of Africa.  Why?  Because it's all tribal.  Finally, Mugabe has been ousted from Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia when everything worked better under British rule.)  Naturally, as in every other case, the military had to do it -- never mind that annoying encumbrance known as "parliament", with its annoying voting and such.  No, tanks had to roll in to get the bum out.

But guess what will happen now?  The military will rule for a while and then another leader will be "democratically" elected who will be yet another dictator.  That's just the way it works in Africa:  dictator, military coup, leader....dictator, military coup, leader....dictator, military coup, leader.....and on and on.

Same thing in all the "stans", i.e., Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kurdistan, Uzbekistan.....whatever.  It's tribal and brutal and G-d help you if you're a woman.  And when I think of all the lives uselessly lost in various ridiculous wars in those places, it makes me weep.  I was once upbraided by a self-exiled African at a cocktail party for pointing out that his whole native continent was "tribal".  He took great offence, but I added, "If it were so wonderful and democratic and parliamentary back there, why are you still here 50 years after you left 'temporarily' for an education?  Why aren't you back there improving your country?" 

Didn't go over too well.  Ah well, the ugly stench of truth......