I just read a fascinating article about George Bush and his recent trip to Africa. It was written by Bob Geldof who is hardly a supporter of the Bush administration, yet he displays a certain amount of admiration for his work in Africa. This article was revealing because it shows just much his success in Africa is blunted by his overall failings in other areas. President Bush's support for Africa is unrivaled by any standard yet he gets very little credit for bringing hope to a very dim continent. Instead, he will always be measured for using military force in the middle east in response to September 11th. It's too bad because Bush deserves more credit for his bold successes in African policy.
In retrospect, one wonders what would have happened if he had applied the same principles he is using in Africa to the middle east. His main goal in Africa is to reduce suffering and bring hope by funding many health care and development projects. For the most part these have been successful ventures and the African people seem to appreciate our help and support. Would we have more support in the middle east if we had taken that same approach instead of going to war?
Now I write this as one of the last few supporters of going to war in Iraq. I thought it was the right thing back then and I still support finishing our work there. But I am beginning to wonder if there isn't a missing component of compassion for this part of the world. Would our money be better spent investing in humanitarian activities instead of militarily? This approach would seem to help buttress America's image and influence in that region but more importantly it would reveal a broader respect for humanity that Bush has already demonstrated in Africa.
Some improvements are already happening in many parts of Iraq such as rebuilding the health care and education systems. I suspect this is one reason we are making political progress over the last couple months But more can be done and I am hopeful President Bush will apply the lessons he is learning in Africa to the conflict in the middle east.
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There's one small problem with the gun vs butter argument, it ignores basic human nature. When people are accustomed to receiving free aid and something happens where it ceases or they don't think they are getting enough they will get angry.
For instance, the Great Sioux Uprising of 1862. Congress was slow on passing the annuities and the Santee thought they were being mistreated. The result was hundreds of men, women, and children were slaughtered and 38 Santee were executed for their parts in the raid.
I've seen giveaways where the people overlook the generosity of a donor and throw a fit when someone else receives the gift.
As far as the Palistians are concearned Israel went as far as to offer Jeruselm to the Arafat, all it did was give him the idea that Israel was loosing the struggle causing last infatada. (Even after we sent millions to the PLO)
The thought also ignores bin ladin came from so much money that he never had to work.
Money isn't going to end hate or cause people to love us. The argument can be made that it actually has caused jelous hatred from the marxist in Europe.
I would love it if aid would cause everyone to come around the campfire with their tamborine to sing kumaya but it NEVER has worked and no matter how many times someone taps their ruby slippers together it isn't going to change that fact.
When it comes to those that would rather kill themselves to kill us no matter how much aid we throw at them it boils down to what Macheveli said about it's better to be feared than loved because those that propagate violence can only held at bay by such. (See Vlad the Impailer and how he dealt with the Turks)
I agree with Bush's legacy in Africa. Having been there 2 times during his administration, there is a respect for him and America that hasn't been there in a long time.
The scary part is that China is doing more. They are rebuilding roads, clinics and other social asisstance. They too are "investing" in Africa. Guess they see all the potential oil there too.
Not to say Bush is only helping Africa for its future oil. I do believe he has a "Bono" type love the country.
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