blood diamonds. conflict diamonds.

an initial online search begins.

http://www.un.org/peace/africa/Diamond.html

http://www.stopblooddiamonds.org/what-is-conflict-diamond.asp

http://www.stopblooddiamonds.org/international-terror.asp

http://www.worldpress.org/Africa/2193.cfm#down

http://geology.com/articles/blood-diamonds.shtml

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=52827&display_order=2&mini_id=52826

http://www.globalwitness.org/pages/en/conflict_diamonds.html

I don't think I fully realized the role the illicit diamond trade plays in the civil wars existing in Africa. It surprises me that this has been going on for as long as it has. I read about how these blood diamonds are tried to be kept out of the market obviously to discourage the violence their sales bring about. But I can't help but figure that they get to the market regardless of any certifications these stones require. I feel like untill the wars end, blood diamonds are going to continue to sneak into the market. But the war is funded, and thriving, through the sales of these diamonds. It's a vicious cycle.