War On ‘Blood’ Diamonds Ramped Up

Civil war has ravaged countries like Sierra Leone and Angola for decades. These conflicts, as much about money as about politics, often center around one of the African continent’s most precious resources: diamonds. Rebel groups often sell the gems to developed countries and use the profits to fund their fighting. After years of benefiting from the cheaper stones, Western governments, led by the EU, are finally adopting measures to outlaw the purchase of the so-called ‘blood’ diamonds. Enforcing these laws, however, will prove a tall order, both in Africa and in the West. – YaleGlobal