U.S. Africa Policy: Some Possible Course Adjustment

U.S. relations with Africa traditionally have been low on the list of overall U.S. foreign policy interests. However, Africa remains a minefield of issues with the potential of involving the United States, either bilaterally or through the United Nations or regional organizations, as witnessed by the situation in war-torn Rwanda. Ambassador Daniel H. Simpson addresses the question of U.S. interests in Africa and past, present, and future U.S. policy toward that continent. His message, in addition to being an introspective examination, is forward-looking. He seeks to lay the basis for a long-term, sustainable U.S. policy toward Africa based on both solid economic and commercial concerns--Africa as a supplier and a market--and on the real cultural ties that link what is core to America and the people of the African continent. Africa, Humanitarian support, Economic social and political problems, Cold War, African Command (AFCOM).