[Imperialist]

"Something about the way colonialism ended was terribly fouled up. I would argue that many African nations should again be subdued, and then, developed, educated, democratized, and then gradually released to a real independence." (xzins)

Great idea!

[BenLurkin]

Yes, the Europeans left before the continent was civilized. But to do so would have meant remaining for an indeterminate time after the colonies ceased being profitable. Maybe one hundred years or more.

The only reason for the West to remain in Africa, IMO is simply to keep Islam out. Islam, as a practical matter, would bring order more quickly (albeit brutally)but it would be an order with interests diametrical to ours.