"Protect the People"

A new curfew and orders to avoid or prevent a civil war has been given in Guinea. Military patrols line the streets and protestors, starting on Saturday, are being killed by the military. Why? Public order has turned into disorder when protestors began demonstrating against President Lansana Conte and his decision to enforce martial law. Even though President Conte has won the past three elections, many citizens still blame him for the country's devastating conditions, including its economy. People want a change in Guinea and that change is a new leader. Yet is a new leader the answer? Does throwing out the old and bringing in the new produce a definite improvement? Or will violence persist among the citizens of Guinea? And, how much control should the military have in times of crisis? How many deaths of protesting civilians can be considered humane?