It's pretty hard to argue with the case made by Dambisa Moyo in Dead Aid. Moyo criticizes the Jeffrey Sachses and the Bonos of the world, and calls for a shift away from (and ultimately, a cessation of) the aid-based development model championed by Western policymakers and pop stars. Dead Aid is a quick read, but packs a powerful punch, demonstrating how aid has done more harm than good to Africa and Africans, and how the answer to SUSTAINABLE and substantial economic growth actually lies in market-based alternatives (foreign direct investment, trade, accessing debt capital markets, etc.) According to Moyo, Africa needs less aid, not more-- aid does nothing but help Westerners feel good about themselves (helping maintain the illusion that they're doing the "right" thing), while their checks support corrupt leaders and discourage meaningful, long-term growth. These are not easy truths to swallow, but there's no arguing with Moyo's facts— and her assertion that successful economic development in Africa isn't a pipedream, but a very real possibility, given the right (non aid-based) approach. Dead Aid is definitely a must-read for anyone interested in issues pertaining to global poverty and economic development.