Ridding Central Africa of Joseph Kony

One can use a number of metaphors to describe the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) today. It is like a wounded animal, less capable but still very dangerous. It is like a vulture, feeding off the existing misery it finds in countries otherwise troubled by conflict. The LRA is like a fire that is tamped down but not extinguished and can reignite at any time. However, the danger posed by the LRA is not metaphorical. It is very real to those who still live in fear in eastern and central Africa and certainly to the hundreds of child soldiers whose lives have been harmed by its work. The LRA is a vivid example of how ethnic strife can provide a cover for wanton viciousness. In the name of protecting the rights of Uganda's northern Acholi tribe, LRA founder Joseph Kony has brought only wretchedness to his people and their neighbors as well as the people living in surrounding countries. His terrorist group seems to want nothing more than chaos, murder, and destruction.