President Bush’s Visit to Africa Isn’t All about Oil

US interests in Africa go well beyond oil, says this editorial in South Africa's Cape Times. Though oil is likely a factor prompting US President Bush’s upcoming trip to the continent, American national security interests are the definitive motivation for the visit – and for expanded US interest in general. Since September 11, the United States has been forced to realize the immense impact weak states can have on the strong by providing refuge for terrorists amidst their chaos. And, since “Africa is unfortunately the world’s soft underbelly for global terrorism” – at least according to one former US State Department official – protecting American security interests means focusing on the problems that plague Africa. However, though US focus in the continent may be self-interested, it carries potentially big benefits for Africa, the editorial concludes. US security interests have already spawned a dramatic increase in development aid, promises to resolve conflicts and combat AIDS, moves to open US markets to more African products, and, now, a visit to vocalize and symbolize these commitments. – YaleGlobal