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Accession Number:
ADA505344
Title:
Adoption of a U.S. Interventionist Policy in Africa: Fighting a Pre-emptive vice Reactive War on Terror
Descriptive Note:
Research paper
Corporate Author:
MARINE CORPS COMMAND AND STAFF COLL QUANTICO VA
Report Date:
2005-02-01
Pagination or Media Count:
12.0
Abstract:
With the United States military already spread thin throughout the world, the adoption of an interventionist policy in Africa involving U.S. troops will be difficult to sell. Coupled with growing budget demands, the needed resources are becoming ever more scarce. However, the African continent has long been a haven for Islamic extremism and can no longer be ignored. The United States must actively support democracy on the African continent with substantial financial assistance, such as debt forgiveness. Democratic hopefuls need to be supported and worked with closely to create a plan that is truly African. Knowing now how costly it is to conduct a reactive war on terrorism e.g., Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the United States should do everything in its power to prevent geopolitical conditions conducive to supporting Islamic terrorist organizations. The African continent is one such region where favorable conditions continue to persist for terrorist exploitation. Largely forgotten on the international scene, several nations and their governments have been continually ignored. This allows for conditions to persist that may lead to eventual safe havens for terrorists. The Sudan is the greatest case in point, having been the safe haven for Osama Bin Laden less than 10 years ago. Consequently, the United States must adopt an interventionist policy in the Sudan to eradicate conditions that may be exploited by terrorists in the future.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
