[jwatt]

> Think this nations are just doomed and can't get any better?

I'm not sure if that question was directed at me or to all readers, but if directed to me, no, I certainly don't think that.

> So wealth goes up, life expectancy goes up, birth rate goes down.

Indeed, there is a strong and important link there.

[beat]

Belief that the poor nations of Africa and Asia and the rest of the "third world" are simply doomed to poverty and suffering is widespread, even among educated and sensitive people. That's why I always make a point of showing that, a century from now, a place like Egypt today could be the Sweden of tomorrow.