Political conflict and instability are symptoms of deeper economic and social ills that must be addressed for real peace to take hold in Cote d'Ivoire and throughout West Africa, argues this commentary on the Foreign Policy in Focus website. "The U.S. can work with the African Union and the United Nations, not to pass sanctions, but to put in place new approaches that would ensure peace in Cote d’Ivoire and surrounding countries. Such policies would include the disarmament of the rebel movements whose ranks are filled with child soldiers and mercenaries from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Burkina Faso; the re-unification of the country under one authority; and a referendum on aspects of the constitution such as land tenure and eligibility criteria for the presidency."