George W. Bush Interventionism in Africa

President Bush greets entertainers during a ceremony at the executive mansion in Monrovia, Liberia, Feb. 21, 2008. Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

George W. Bush, who’s done more for Africa than any other U.S. president, explains in a WaPo op-ed:

I firmly believe it has served American interests to help prevent the collapse of portions of the African continent. But this effort has done something more: It has demonstrated American character and beliefs. America is a certain kind of country, dedicated to the inherent and equal dignity of human lives. It is this ideal – rooted in faith and our founding – that gives purpose to our power. When we have a chance to do the right thing, we take it.

And yet it’s George W. Bush who single-handedly hurt America’s standing in the world while Barack Obama is “The One” who has salvaged it?

What has President Obama done for Africa lately?

Desmond Tutu:

HAVING met President Obama, I’m confident that he’s a man of conscience who shares my commitment to bringing hope and care to the world’s poor. But I am saddened by his decision to spend less than he promised to treat AIDS patients in Africa.

~~~

I appreciate that tough financial times require the United States government to cut spending. But scaling back America’s financial commitments to AIDS programs could wipe away decades of progress in Africa.

I have mixed feelings regarding the vast amounts of foreign aid we hand out to other nations; but how is it that some accuse us of selfishness and greed? And how is it that President Bush is the one who hurt our image abroad?