It would be were it not for the overall French policy towards Liberia, which has been a scandal. Like much of French Africa policy. So, no. Cheers to the helicopter pilots I suppose.

Thanks to the helo pilots, but nothing but curses for the amoral French government, abusing the people of Africa for its own gain. Isn't it interesting to note that most of the former British colonies are better off then the former French ones? Zimbabwe is an exception of course, but overall...

Most historians would agree that, in general, the British Empire was run more efficiently than the French Empire. Could this be why the British Empire lasted longer than the French and Britain enjoyed more wealth and affluence than France ?

Yes... Nonetheless, I have the strange feeling that Liberia was not part of the French Empire... Ivory Coast was, yes, Congo was Belgian, but Liberia... I have doubts...

Liberia never was a colony, it was formed by freed slaves in 1839.

Liberia was sort of like the American version of Sierra Leone. Culturally there's more American influence than anything else. However, the French have been dipping thier toes in the pond quite significantly in the past few years, in spite of protests from Britain over the fact that French support to Liberia is going to aid Liberian backed insurgents in Sierra Leone (the Liberians back the RUF). France has granted entry for Liberia into the Francophonie too. There was a real stir when Charles taylor was last in France because he emerged with a trade and aid deal with the French government. His part of the bargain? To make French one of Liberia's official languages and to push for it's adoption in a wide variety of fields. The French also maintain thier own radio station in Liberia. Damn those Americans with their cultural imperialism!

I find it hard to blame the French for becoming involved in Liberia when everyone else wants nothing to do with that country. French involvement has probably saved more lives that it has cost.

Tell that to the Sierra Leonians who've had their hands and feet cut off by the RUF.

>I find it hard to blame the French for becoming involved in Liberia when everyone else wants nothing to do with that country. French involvement has probably saved more lives that it has cost.< If France would cut its support for Charles Taylor, the Bostonian gas station attendant turned African dictator, perhaps the Liberians could advance to the 20th Century. It's bad enough that the "freed slaves" which founded Liberia, upon returning to Africa, began enslaving the local tribes. So I guess, thanks France. Thanks for empowering an African dictator. It's so, atypical of you. Not.

Umm lets see, We saved the entire french country not once but twice in the past 100 years and alls we got was a lousy helicopter ride???? Gee thanks.