Thraeryn, first, I don't know how anybody can conclude that 30-50 years of inconsistent aid from Western countries can reverse 1. centuries of colonial oppression, and 2. deep-seated problems that predated colonialism. To say that we've tried them and they've failed only means that
so far what we've tried hasn't been effective. Doesn't speak to future or long-term effects.
Second, I'm not sure I see how those three options you list are the only options. There are a number of middle-road options that have been suggested but never implemented, at least not on a wide scale - everything from "trade not aid" programs to military occupation of the worst offenders.
A couple of suggestions have been made, here and elsewhere:
1. end farm subsidies that would allow African nations to compete with agricultural exports
2. establish free trade instead of giving away IMF funds
3. demand accountability for aid funds
4. send in U.N. peacekeepers where appropriate
5. international oversight of elections
It's a systemic problem, and it has to be tackled on a nation-by-nation basis.
Check out these articles from last weekend's News & Observer (Raleigh):
<a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/q/story/2902781p-2671721c.html">
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/q/s...-2671721c.html<a/>