Well, this isn’t the end of Africa’s suffering, but it is a start.

“British Finance Minister Gordon Brown said the deal would provide 100 percent write-offs immediately for 18 countries and that more countries would qualify for relief later.” The debt deal is very good news for people in the 18 countries that will immediately benefit,” Romilly Greenhill of ActionAid said. “But it will do little to immediately help millions in at least 40 other countries that also need 100 percent debt relief.” Among those in line for rapid relief are countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mauritania and Zambia as well as, beyond Africa, Honduras and Bolivia.”

OK, the thread is open if anyone wants to express an opinion.