Chinese opportunism is at work here, of course; one might even say cynicism. But what China has had in its favor for the last ten years or so is a virtual monopoly on the playing field. So much so that if nothing important changes, historians may look back in 20 or 30 years and ask the question: Who lost Africa?
The questions for the Obama and Romney campaigns, then, are: How will your administration break with Washington’s outdated Africa policies? How will the United States keep pace with China and other emerging economic powers, like India, Brazil and Turkey, which are all stepping up their engagements with Africa? What, specifically, can the US do to help develop markets in Africa, tap the huge, ongoing demographic shift there, and change the relationship between this country and the continent into one of much greater opportunity for all concerned?
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Ask Obama and Romney this: What if China squares off with Japan?
Ask Obama This: Where’s your short-term jobs plan?
Ask Obama This: What about housing?
Ask Romney This: What will you do about
the Middle East?
"OK, I give up. Where is Africa? Is it part of Iran's route to the sea? Ryan would know." —Mitt
#1 Posted by dana oldakowski, CJR on Tue 23 Oct 2012 at 01:36 PM
Even more fun: ask them to draw a map of Africa and locate all the countries. I know I sadly would fail. There is a video of Senator Al Franken drawing a map of all the US states -- very impressive.
#2 Posted by Jonathan Coopersmith, CJR on Wed 24 Oct 2012 at 12:57 AM
Mr. Coffin, meet Mr. Nail, courtesy of CNN, no less!
"Two hours after the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, the White House, the State Department and the FBI were told that an Islamist group had claimed credit, government e-mails obtained by CNN show."
13 days until the extreme stupidity ends and we return to normal stupidity, hopefully.
Obama just rendered himself the Lamest Duck in history. He won't be able to get help tying his shoelaces.
#3 Posted by padikiller, CJR on Wed 24 Oct 2012 at 10:08 AM
Did you make it to the second paragraph, padi?
"An initial e-mail was sent while the attack was still underway, and another that arrived two hours later -- sent from a State Department address to various government agencies including the executive office of the president -- identified Ansar al-Sharia as claiming responsibility for the attack on its Facebook page and on Twitter.
The group denied responsibility the next day."
*Facepalm*
Meanwhile:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/benghazi-attack-becomes-political-ammunition/2012/10/19/e1ad82ae-1a2d-11e2-bd10-5ff056538b7c_story.html
#4 Posted by Thimbles, CJR on Wed 24 Oct 2012 at 01:04 PM
PPS.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/15/curveball-iraqi-fantasist-cia-saddam
Let's not go back to the good ol' days.
#5 Posted by Thimbles, CJR on Wed 24 Oct 2012 at 01:13 PM