Obama and Africom

[jake williams]

So I was watching a thing about how popular Obama is in Africa, and I was thinking, is this an opportunity for Africom to be expanded, and is that an issue we should really be paying attention to seriously?

[BobKKKindle$]

For those who don't already know, AFRICOM is one of the US military's six regional headquarters set up to protect imperial interests in Africa, as the name suggests. Ultimately the US will try to expand their imperial hegemony in Africa regardless of what the people in Africa actually want them to do because the US has never shown any concern for the opinions of the oppressed, and as Africa becomes more important in terms of natural resources and even investment opportunities, it will become more important for the US to protect their interests on the African continent.

[AAFCE]

So anyone think we will be moving the war out of Iraq, and start peace keeping in African countries?

[Matty_UK]

http://allafrica.com/stories/200811080066.html



Dear Kenyans, I am grateful for your unwavering support during my entire presidential campaigns, which reached its peak with my victory.
During the campaigns, I consistently and fondly spoke of my Kenyan roots. I am an American citizen and, on January 20, 2009, I will be America's 44th president.

As a son of a Kenyan father, I know that Section 90 of your constitution bestows upon me automatic citizenship. In the fullness of time, who knows, Michelle and I may decide to come and retire in the land of my father.

....

Since the attack on our country on September 11, 2001, we know that Islamic terrorism is our existential threat. My predecessor authorised the attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan to neutralise this threat.

Though these wars are still on and at times look like we are in a quagmire, I promised an honourable exit, but subject to the threat having been removed. My first major task in January will be to approve our defence budget which is about us$600 billion.

Also, part of our foreign policy is to ensure the safety and secure borders of Israel, safe routes of our oil supplies and commitment to our bilateral and multi-lateral allies. Kenya has always been our friend, and these ties shall now be strengthened by my heritage.

Our relationship could be imperilled should your foreign policy be at odds with ours. We will never dictate your foreign policy as you are a sovereign state, but our relationship is dependent on your choices.

...

Kenya may benefit if it makes certain strategic decisions. We are looking for a base in Africa to build our AfriCom headquarters, and Lamu is one of the likely locations.
In the event that you accept our request, we will make Lamu a deep-sea port and build a railway line from there to Ethiopia, our other strategic ally in the region. The choice again I say is yours.

Already Obama is using his prestige in Africa to push through Africom. My guess is the American ruling class are waiting for Obama to come to power before starting a new campaign of imperialism in Africa in opposition to growing Chinese influence, most probably the Congo and Sudan disguised as humanitarian missions plus regime change.

Watch this space.

[jake williams]

http://allafrica.com/stories/200811080066.html



Already Obama is using his prestige in Africa to push through Africom. My guess is the American ruling class are waiting for Obama to come to power before starting a new campaign of imperialism in Africa in opposition to growing Chinese influence, most probably the Congo and Sudan disguised as humanitarian missions plus regime change.

Watch this space.
Comrade, thank you very much. This is one of the key issues we have to be paying attention to right now. Do keep us posted.

[FreeFocus]

Hopefully people of color abroad will realize that it's not only white men in suits who will gladly exploit you.. Obama's letter was astoundingly blunt, almost threatening with the comments on Kenya's foreign policy.

As I argued in my essay (it's on my blog here), Obama can revitalize American imperialism as no other candidate could. If you thought people didn't acknowledge the existence of American imperialism before, just wait until Obama assumes the presidency.

A few months ago, Greg Palast was on a show and claimed that "Americans aren't very good at imperialism." I rolled at that one. Americans are so good at imperialism that it's rarely even acknowledged as imperialism. It's quite a feat, really.