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It seems to me that he quit the field when he noticed that reality failed to live up to his own expectations and ideas.

Yep, that is depressing!

The military and the State Department are both very concerned about Africa, as should all Americans. We spend an increasing amount of time studying Africa in our Military Schools, especially our War Colleges for senior officers. Many of us believe it is the follow-on site to the Middle East for international problems and concerns. Right now it is a breeding ground for both disease (especially AIDS related), and anarchism.

So sad. But what can or should be done about it is a whole different question. In many cases it is a damned if you do and a damned if you don't equation. Are we uncaring? Or are we imperialists?

Those who fantasize about their African roots as they relate to the great culture of the continent are living in a fantasy land. But I understand wanting to connect with and intellectually defend one's ancestrial homeland--even if you didn't know any of these ancesters. It is natural to do so, and keeps our lives interesting, whether we are Scots, Germans, Koreans, Tutu, or some mix of the above and more.

But those who make fun of and ignore the issues surrounding Africa are living in even a greater, and more dangerous, fantasy. They are the same people who were totally surprised by the export of radical Islam and terrorism from the Saudi Penisula.

One man's thoughts anyway.

That and he probably got bored with reading both books.