The stakes are high. Western Africa historically has been beset by political instability and violence. where conflict in one country spills across borders and threatens the region as a whole. This has led to massive displacements. refugee flows. the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. and the perpetration of some of the most heinous human rights atrocities known to man. If we fail to capitalize on the opportunity to address transformative. stabilization and reconstruction needs in support of a democratic transition in Guinea today. I fear that we may be headed for a much wider regional crisis down the road.