africa: FROM WAR ZONES TO SHOPPING MALLS

The world's insatiable demand for cellular phones and other consumer luxuries is fueling violent conflict and killing millions in developing countries, reports a new study from the Worldwatch Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based research organization. Brutal wars over natural resources have killed or displaced more than 20 million people and are raising at least $12 billion a year for rebels, warlords, repressive governments, and other predatory groups around the world.