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The Statement by the White House Announcing the Trip stated the following as the goals:
The United States will seek to partner with African States to further Democratic Reforms
Respect for Human Rights
Free Trade and Open Investments
And Economic Opportunities across the Continent
After giving the State of the Union the President is going to Africa for a week. So why is he ignoring the countries that
are his key Supporters.
The Big Questions are why is the President Ignoring Key Allies in Africa. The Four Key Countries that the Eagle believes that
are being snubbed are
1.)Kenya
2.)Uganda
3.)Ethiopia
4.)Botswana
Kenya has just had a Controversial and Violent Presidential Election which has had a violent Aftermath that has left over
800 Dead at this time. A visit by President Bush could have brought both parties in the strife together.
Uganda has been a key player in how the US has been trying to bring Peace to the Congo and has had an insurgency that
has used both the DRC and Southern Sudan as a base. It has supplied troops to augment a Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia. Uganda
has been seen as a good role model for the fight against AIDS as well.
Ethiopia has been a steadfast ally of this Administration. After fighting a war with Eritrea it maintains a readiness
there. It also Intervened in Somalia with US Aid to prop up a faltering Government.
Botswana is a factor few people talk about. It has been one of the few countries to support the West in supporting a more
strict line when it comes to Zimbabwe. It has been one of the few countries in Africa that has not been critical of Africom.
It has had problems with AIDS as well as most countries in the region as well.
Are these countries being intentionally snubbed by this Administration? Probably Not. But these countries have been steadfast
in their support for US Policies since 2001 and this Administration needs to Acknowledge it .
So hopefully this will be a successful trip for American Diplomacy.
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