US CREATES AFRICAN ENEMIES WHERE NONE WERE BEFORE
David Gutelius, Christian Science Monitor, 7/11/03
http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0711/p11s01-coop.html
PALO ALTO, CALIF. - President Bush repeatedly highlighted the importance of
democracy, peace, and security during his African tour this week. But,
administration mismanagement of the war on terror has deeply undermined
stability across Africa in the past year.
In its African incarnation, that war has managed to produce almost exactly
the opposite of what was intended. The administration has allowed African
partner regimes to crack down on a wide range of Muslim groups over the
past 18 months, creating enemies where they previously didn't exist. The
majority of Muslim leaders in Africa abhor violence as a response to
government repression and coercion. They have little or nothing in common
with Al Qaeda. Yet US foreign policy in Africa has inspired radicalism,
discredited moderate African Muslims, and fomented political instability in
key nations.
Since 2001, the administration has told African governments that they must
curb Islamic terrorist groups, and that future political and economic
relations weigh in the balance. The US has encouraged several governments
in North, West, and East Africa to place suspected radical Muslim leaders
under close watch.
Although the administration hasn't revealed details of US aid to these
governments, the effects are becoming apparent. Several African governments
have used the war on terror as an excuse to coerce legitimate opposition
groups. Many Muslim leaders have been arrested on dubious evidence. Others
have suffered threats and police beatings...
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