State of economy before the civil war and its grounds

Outline
Thesis: Politically-driven war proves tremendously injurious not only to economy and environment in general, but also to psychological and emotional states of living witnesses after the war.
I. Introduction
State of Economy Before the Civil War
II. Body
During Civil War — How the War Started and Its Grounds
III. Conclusion
Personal Reflections
Civil War in Liberia
Prior to the 14-year civil war in Liberia, Liberians used to look forward to an even improved quality of living with the knowledge and experience of an economy that flourished with the help of industries in iron ore mining and natural rubber (Background Note) which had since brought in enhanced standards even of cultural and academic aspects. The entire nation or at least the majority as far as I could recall, were rejoicing and were much capable of working with positive attitude, hopeful at attaining desired ends despite tough times in labor. No issue seemed more complicated than having to think of a family to raise and sustain with physical needs, moral support and a loving relationship.
It all went to neglect at a stage in history when political discontent emerged among American-Liberians who wanted and apparently claimed political dominion which could have possibly triggered Charles Taylor (Liberia – First) to pursue invasion of Liberia when he sought great opportunity at convincing two ethnic groups to redress the prevailing disorderly situation. This move initiated higher conflicts that involved certain tribes as the Gios and the Mandingoes (Liberia – First) who eventually became rebels whose misconception of grounds and events drove them to hatred and aggression that led to the waging of bloody Liberian civil war in Africa.
It truly saddens to realize that it was merely a politically generated war which was not even founded on a patriotic cause that should have taken the welfare of Liberian citizens, especially the innocent ones to account. I could not bear to ponder about the exploitation of natural resources by the warlords who were reluctant to negotiate and settle in peaceful terms with the enemies as they gained huge advantage over the fact that disputes had been able to cover their greed and corrupt intention toward the country’s revenues and vast resources of timber, iron ore, rubber, diamonds, and gold. Because of their selfish interest to stay in power, wickedness further maintained this status by utilizing the profits with resources to buy or produce more weapons or deadly tools that killed over 200, 000 excluding a million others (Liberia – First) who took refuge beyond Liberia.
According to the Bureau of African Affairs: “ The 1989-2003 civil war had a devastating effect on the country’s economy. Most major businesses were destroyed or heavily damaged, and most foreign investors and businesses left the country. During the administration of Charles Taylor, relations between Liberia and its West African neighbors became seriously strained. The outbreak of civil war in Liberia and the long dominance of Charles Taylor soured bilateral relations (Background Note).”
In my opinion and experience, this truly had been devastating considering the number of casualties and deaths which are largely tormenting every time I could not help imagining what exactly took place at least in my own area. War is never the answer to any unresolved conflict and taking interests in politics and power should never in any
way be anyone’s highest aims if one were compassionate enough to help boost the economy and find tremendous significance in life’s priceless worth.
Works Cited
“ Liberia – First Civil War – 1989 – 1996.” 27 Apr 2005. http://www. globalsecurity. org/military/world/war/liberia-1989. htm. 27 Feb 2011.
“ Background Note: Liberia.” U. S. Department of State – Diplomacy in Action. 3 Dec 2010. http://www. state. gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/6618. htm. 28 Feb 2011.