Africom
The United States military command for Africa (AFRICOM) began full operation yesterday as an independent command for the continent.
According to the BBC's correspondent, Africom reflects concerns about tackling Islamist extremism, securing oil supplies, and countering Chinese influence in Africa.
Apparently the quagmire in the Middle East is not deep enough for the US military. They now plan to micromanage the entire continent of Africa too.
(Yes, I realize this is merely a minor bureaucratic change now, but bureaucracies always want to expand their missions.)
The commanding general doesn't seem to be saying anything about China but the BBC and CFR agree that Chinese influence in
Africa is a factor. I previously discussed the growing power of China in Africa. At that time I hoped that America would simply ignore the issue. It seems that we are now to have a 'cold war' over Africa - again.
This new command is not in the real interests of America, China or Africa generally; but I guess the US military can't resist any opportunity to participate in a debacle.
According to the BBC's correspondent, Africom reflects concerns about tackling Islamist extremism, securing oil supplies, and countering Chinese influence in Africa.
Apparently the quagmire in the Middle East is not deep enough for the US military. They now plan to micromanage the entire continent of Africa too.
(Yes, I realize this is merely a minor bureaucratic change now, but bureaucracies always want to expand their missions.)
The commanding general doesn't seem to be saying anything about China but the BBC and CFR agree that Chinese influence in
Africa is a factor. I previously discussed the growing power of China in Africa. At that time I hoped that America would simply ignore the issue. It seems that we are now to have a 'cold war' over Africa - again.
This new command is not in the real interests of America, China or Africa generally; but I guess the US military can't resist any opportunity to participate in a debacle.