Terry,

Much of the trouble that has started in post-colonial independent countries arises from divisions in the societies there which were fomented and exploited by the colonial power in order to help 'rule' the 'natives'. Someof these divisions were artificially created by the colonial powers. Divide and Conquer was a well known tactic in the ruling of foreign lands by whatever empire.

It is nonsense to blame only the British for this type of behaviour - most of the powerful western European countries had their empires in the past and they all ran them the same way. Having said that there are many ex British colonies that have their current troubles - mostly manifested in the forms of sectarian violence of one form or other.

Those of you going to your beds contented at the great country you live in should consider the fact that a lot of the wealth which provides that comfort was/is generated by the exploitation of others. This is not your personal responsibility (at least not directly), but it doesn't do to get too smug about it either.