2007 Failed States Index

Foreign Policy journal published its annual Failed States Index. The two most unstable countries are genocidal Sudan and 'liberated' Iraq. Mission Accomplished!

Many of the 'leaders' have been devastated by war. Others have been hampered by corruption and bad governance. Zimbabwe and Guinea are the most unstable countries that have not recently suffered through armed conflict. Both received poor marks for public services, factionalized elites and delegitimization of state.

Recent conflict zones Liberia, the DR Congo and Bosnia are among the most improved from last year. Elected governments and rebuilding efforts helped bring state legitimacy to the two African countries, though challenges still remain, especially for the DRC.

The two countries whose stability deteriorated the most were Lebanon and Somalia. Each was a victim of a US-supported military invasion against purported Islamists which destroyed burgeoning stability in both countries: Lebanon by Israel; Somalia by Ethiopia (hardly a paragon of stability itself as the 18th most unstable country).

The US also launched air strikes against Somalia. Some believe that the military action is linked to Somalia's potential oil wealth, which was just starting to be realized. The US-backed Ethiopian aggression against Somalia occured after a broad coalition with Islamist components took control of all of Somalia and was starting to bring stability to a country that's had little in the last decade and a half.

The aftermath of the Ethiopian invasion was described as potentially Somalia's 'worst crisis ever'. The invasion also provoked the world's worst refugee crisis, according to relief agencies.

Strong stuff when describing a country that's seen more than its fair share of bad times in the last 16 years.

Liberia is a great example of what can happen outside nations engage a fragile country with subtlety, respect and cooperation. Somalia is a great example of what happens when it's done with brute militarism and naked aggression.