Will Africa be Bush's legacy?

Today President Bush signed an executive order expanding sanctions against "the illegitimate government" of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe. Saying that Mugabe has ignored international calls to stop its violent attacks on political opponents, Bush authorized up to $2.5 million in U.S. refugee funds to help fleeing Zimbabweans and pledged continued food and health assistance.

Which puts us in mind of this question: With the legacy of Iraq and Afghanistan in doubt, will Africa emerge as George W. Bush's chief foreign policy triumph?

U.S. aid to Africa has tripled under his watch. Trade has almost doubled. And his $30-billion initiative fight the global HIV/AIDS pandemic -- he signs this year's measure next Wednesday -- may stand as the largest international health initiative ever initiated by one nation to address a single disease.

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo credit: Eric Draper / White House

Comments

[Seven Star Hand]

Sure, Africa will be part of his legacy. People will shortly understand that the Bush-Cheney-Vatican Lie-Machine is purposely manipulating those who are tearing Africa and the Middle East apart. Bush and Cheney are Vatican operatives and the chaos occurring in those locales are designed to distract people from the truth, to secure more resources for abominably greedy and arrogant halfwits, and to hide pivotal ancient proofs that all three so-called Faiths of Abraham are secretly controlled from behind the veil maintained by the Vatican and it's secret society cohorts.

Contemplate Machiavelli, and then google "P2, Vatican Bank, Yellow cake."

They claim to oppose Freemasonry and related cabals, when in fact they are controlled by the Vatican.

Time to get a clue...

Here is Wisdom !!

Yes, there is a legacy here, but it will shortly cause the implosion of human civilization built around money, religion, and politics.

Another word to the wise...

[Jason]

I'm pretty sure his legacy was set in stone when he invaded a country that posed no threat to us, based on a lie.

[Peter Ijeh]

I am amused by the fact that we are more concerned with what President George Bush's legacy would be since it appears as though Iraq is not going to cut it. The shift now is on Africa. We have criminalised Mugabe as the "Hitler" of Africa, if not the world. We seem to very quickly forget that Mugabe succeeded a fellow by the name of Ian Smith; we forget the very insulting and aggressive , barbaric policies that were professed by that clown. Whereas Mugabe's policies may not be in the best interest of his country and his people, we must attempt to reflect upon the pain that he carries with him every day. Genocide, you see, is an issue that we all run away from when it comes to Africans ( continental and those in the diaspora ). If George Bush wishes to capture his legacy on African issues, his administration needs to address the seroiusness of Darfur and not pay lip services. Secondly, rather than docking real issues that concern Africans that are displaced in America, his administration still has some time to begin to address the genocide against Africans in this country - " The African Holocoust " ( the greatest crime ever carried specifically against a given race of people in human his-story ).

[dan]

As I read the comments, it is amazing to me, that the same crowd who says America is wrong when we go it alone, would claim lip service in Dufar, as we work with the UN to try to get some progress, but are blocked in those efforts by other UN members, namely China.

You can not have it both ways, America under any president is imperfect, our approach can be attacked form many points of view, our attempts to help are often attacked, but one thing for sure is we are engaged globally. One other thing to consider, is when America has not been, worse things happen.

[Dave Cristofaro]

It is interesting that everyone is quick to assess Bush's legacy when his presidency isn't even over. Iraq is looking more and more like it can be a success if investigated from a historical perspective. While things certainly were not all done right (far from it), we are achieving our primary objectives there; to leave behind a stable government that respects the rights of all the people groups in the country and is generally friendly to the US. While initial ideas about Iraqi democracy were ambitious at best, clearly we are trending toward a stable Iraq. Also, while Afghanistan is struggling, Afghanistan has always struggled, and will only become better once it can receive greater focus from the US and others when Iraq is able to protect its own people.

Let's let history decide one's legacy, and have a healthy degree of skepticism when looking at what the government is doing at any one time, whether the White House residents be Democrats or Republicans.

[brandon]

i have to agree with dave. iraq is pretty much already a success which wouldnt have happened without bush and we have plenty of help for afghanistan.
hes kinda like london b johnson, hes hated now but will probably be pretty popular in history

[bill]

Peter ljeh, you have got to be kidding you are about the most brain washed comment i have read in awhile, Your are just another winer/victim excuser. If you hate/dislike this country so much get your ass on a plane and leave, Iam sure there are several a day going to Africa.

[Brian Cortino]

Most of you are the usual Bush synics and doomsdayers-hey why is the democrat majority in congress rearning half the ratings bush is?
The article seems to forget-the progress in north Korrea that Clinton failed at for 8 yrs-that the current energy probs were brought on by Clinton's ebergy policy which the demos have protected and continued, Bush has advanced free trade-to help other countries/goodwill and the USA! Obam wants to repeal Nafta-0idiotic/digressicve and millions more laide off Mexican workers and families will double-flood our borders. Bush has done more for Africaq then any former President and more then Clinton is helping with now too! Give him a break he ain't all bad and has protected al of your vrear-ends since 9/11!

[Black Diamond]

First of all it is immmature and arrogant to tell anyone of African descent to go back to Africa when nobody, especially white people are indigenous to North America at all. This goes to prove that whites still consider themselves superior to everyone elso on the planet, and anytime someone speaks the truth from an African perspective white feel the need to silence that thought with the phrase,"Go back to Africa". I would live to go back to Africa, but first whiteman give me what is owed in reparations. Give me back all the wealth and the land you stole from my mother country. A debt needs to be paid. What needs to happen is that the colored nations of the world need to put economic sanctions on America for all her wrong doing across the planet. Then we will really see just how vunerable this country is. It is only just.

[Doug]

Iraq a success? Based on what criteria? We have empowered the pro-Saddam Sunni tribes that were killing Americans, supplying money arms and training. The "surge" accomplished litlle or nothing. The decrease in violence and improved "stability" come almost entirely from the stand-down ordered by Al Sadr and the co-opting of the Sunni tribes. The only good news is that the central government has used the breather to strengthen its own position relative to the American occupying forces, and may as a result be able to withstand Bush's demand for permanent status as occupiers of Iraq, and permanent control over Iraq's oil.

The downside is that America has strengthened the Sunni tribes who still want a return to Sunni dominance, and set the stage for full scale civil war when America, forced to leave by the Iraqis, unleashes the newly armed and trained Sunni militias against the Iraqi government.

In fact, the only real Bush-Petraus accomplishment is to further the American engineered, and previously non-existant sectarian divisions in Iraq, in the hopes of assuring that the Iraqi government will agree to a permanent and dominant American occupation.

IMO the Bush policy will fail after much additional loss of life. The Iraqi people will not stand for it.

[John A.]

Bush's legacy is a ruined economy, massive increase in poverty, thousands of dead American solders (in vain), many murdered foreign nationals and increase in inflation. Anyone not in politics would be in prison or executed for the things he's done.

[maria]

I would be willing to entertain any of your points of view, however there are things I just cannot over look. First, if you are going to post, you might want to consider spell checking your comments. misspellings severely diminish your credibility. Next, instead of attacking or name calling, find an intelligent rebuttal and give supporting evidence. there is no reason why we can't have serious, in-depth discussions in these post. study your facts before you state them and understand that everybody has and is allowed to their opinion. even if you disagree vehemently with someone, don't attack them, just give your evidence and be opened to opposing view points. I am not saying you have to give up your beliefs, I am saying it's time for all Americans to stop regurgitating propaganda, hate and utter ignorance. ignorant people are easy to control.

[TheHotOne]

His Legacy is summed up in 1 word. FAILURE

[Kellen]

Bill, how do you know that Peter ljeh is African? Does this assumption reveal something? Maybe Peter can accept the truth in history and this nation, and simply admitting the U.S was and still is wrong in some policies affecting African Americans. You can honestly say that everything regarding race is perfect in this country? Now tell me am I Black or White or just Human?

[Clifford]

I think President Bush legacy will be trying to change the Middle East and one day people will realize just how important when Iran, Russia and China spread their wings and try to be mighty again everyone will say President Bush did a great thing by having Iraq and Afganastan. We will be a lot closer to Iran and Russia, The missile defense system will be a very important thing in time also. We had many years of great economy until our loan companies gave all these sub prime loans out to people that had know chance of paying them. I believe he is and will be remembered as a great President and Commander and Chief of our great Country, Thanks Cliff

[Sanctu7]

Seven Star Hand aka L.W. Page is a false prophet. It's obvious from his delusional messianic ramblings that he should stick reading Tolkien (A Catholic by the way, and dear friend to Christian Apologist CS Lewis) instead of trying to write it! There's a LOL for ages.

[Bertrand Feuvray]

Should the question be only about Bush's legacy because of the controversial issue over the War in Iraq? What about the new Congress that was elected two years ago? Polls says that 29% support President Bush but not even half that number supports the Democratic-led Congress.

I took a survey about President Bush and Pelosi. The question was whether or not President Bush was a failure. I was amused by the fact that if a majority felt he was a failure, Pelosi was also rated as being a failure, too.

People say that this is a Democratic year. Why, then is the Democratic-led Congress less popular than the Republican President?

If people are right to say that during these 8 years Bush was only a failure. What about Pelosi and the Democratic-led Congress whose rate of approval is much lower than President Bush.

I do not think that it is a good idea to elect a member of a minority to be President because if he fails, all the progress that was made to help him become president will be undone. Suddenly racial issues will come back like during the primaries when the Clintons were so mean to Obama. People will blame him for more than who he is as a person. People are negative enough now that it will not take much for them to shift their allegiance and attack the person. I think that things will go back hundreds of years.

When things are tough, people will look for a scapegoat. With Bush gone, for sure they will not be able to blame him if Obama fails. His policies will not be even similar to Bush's. So how could Bush be responsible.

Personally, People went after Bush because they were looking for a scapegoat. Sure, he may have shot himself in the foot, but he cannot be responsible for everything. Let's be fair. How can one person affect so many areas of life?

The Peace Apostle Gandhi could not even affect the whole world and change things. Hitler may have done many bad things but if people had taken their responsibilities earlier like they should, he would have never come to power. The Germans were responsible, the French (my countrymen of the time), the English and the Americans.

American policy of isolationism is responsible for World War II for the simple fact that if they had joined the League of Nations at the time there would not have been a three-legged table where one of the most important leg was missing--America. The Germans--HItler, mostly--believed that America would do nothing and so they went ahead.

This is the same with President Bush, he cannot be responsible for everything.

I find that many Americans that I have met are very negative, pessimistic and not very nice people at all. Many are standoffish even after having displayed some friendliness with their plastic smile. Many of them say to foreigners: "when you come to America, come and stay with me." or after a good discussion with a foreigner some say: "We will have to do something together sometimes." Foreigners have been told that Americans are friendly but only on the surface because when foreigners think they have found a new friend, they are soon disappointed because many times Americans gave them the cold shoulder.

That, plus Americans' greed or appetite for money have made many enemies. Foreigners think that Americans are materialistic and superficial.

If Bush's policies have made the world anti-American, I do not think that it was the only thing. People have been putting up with Americans for generations. America gave hope to people but many times people could not trust that things would change.

I am basically pro-American and I convey to you what I have heard for years while I was living in France during the 50s, 60s and 70s and in England during the 80s.

I think that President Bush will be like President Truman, he will be more appreciated later on. Even Carter was able to play a role after his presidency and yet he was so unpopular. Nixon was sent to Russia by President Clinton for a mission. If Bush's legacy is Africa because he helped fight Aids Hiv, then why criticize someone who wants to help.

If he was a fake about it, you would know that he is doing it for popularity, but most people do not even know about it. He--Bush--has been reserved and discreet about it. This is the best approach to take. After all, he always said that he was not President for popularity. He feels he has a job to do and he is doing it whether he is appreciated or not.

I think that people have been unfair with Him. As a foreigner, I am not impressed about this approach

[Sheila]

You all need to read the attached article for statistics on the world we are really living in today. Bush has done a lot of things right and I would venture to say that many African and Iraqi citizens would agree. There are far too many people forming opinions based on the media whores spinning their tales in whichever direction they want. And I agree the "Go back to Africa" comment is tired but I think anyone that hates this country and it policies should go somewhere else and try it out. Your constant complaining with no solutions are doing no one any good here. As for the "reparations" talk that is tired, too. There are too many injustices in history against many races and religions to single out one group to make reparations to, instead we should look ahead and insure the sins of the past are not repeated. I bet not one individual asking for "reparations" has any real personal claim, instead they just want something for nothing from the blood of generations past. What about the Indians, Jews, etc. If you're interested in reading a truly enlightening "news" article not filled with fluff trying to make one side better than the other read "Rise of the Rest" http://www.newsweek.com/id/135380

[GaDove]

If Bush would have bombed Afghanistan on 09/12/01 in the mountains where few civilians lived, only the Taliban and Bin Laden, all of this sickening waste of lives , both Iraq and American could have been avoided, and he would have been a heroe. He should have made that area kitty litter.

He chose instead to make up a war in Iraq. He knew exactly what he was doing, and so did every advisor that helped spread wrong info on WMD . It would be nice to fantasize that Bush will actually stop Mugawbe from the next genocide, but it doesn't fit his pattern. After all, Bush has sold America to China, and China wants to continue to support genocide in Darfur, and Zimbabwe. That is who they sell their weapons to. Bush's legacy is the rape of the middle class Americans, his support of war profitteering companies like Haliburton and Blackstone, his support of oil cronies and ranching barons over the welfare of national parks or endangered animals, his refusal to take Global warming seriously, his approval on torture, his constant lying, and his ignoring Katrina. Never have I EVER seen an American President ignore a catastrophe like Katrina. America had more assistance on the ground, and more aid available in 24hrs for the Tsunami victims. He is a disgrace, and that is his legacy. If he truly believed in the Iraq war, he would have had a draft. America is in the worst shape it has ever been in, since the Great Depression. Bush should declare this war a "state of emergency" and force the gas companies to quit posting over $40 Billion in profit, and take a mere $10 Billion in profit, and should have enacted a draft after 2 years of war. BUSH IS A COWARD, AND A LIAR.

[Tina]

For Maria,
Who are you to judge a person's spelling? Let me point out your mistakes as well!! post. study No capitalization after your period. and be opened to opposing view points?? The key word here would be "open" not "opened"!! So, before judging anyone else for spelling or grammer do your own check first. Kind of like the saying "clean up your own backyard before trying to clean anothers". I find it funny that you focused your point on people looking at all sides with an open mind, when your first comment is putting people down for their spelling. Forget the small stuff, it isn't always spelling that makes people not seem credible, it is also arrogance!!

[Sarah]

Sheila has it right.
Bush is, has been and always will be an idiot, liar and thief, as well as a murderer. He has sacrificed nothing is his war. Am sure he gets his "cut" of the profits from his "buddies" at Haliburton and Blackstone. Thank God his time is almost over. It can't come soon enough .

[Mike]

Bush is a lacky to his cabinet, oil barons(abroad and at home), and anyone else who promises personal gain for him and his family. He is a product of a poor education and wealthy misguidance to power. He represents all the horrors that have befallen us since he TOOK office. I emphasize TOOK because he did not legitamately win either election, they were bought and paid for by the oil barons who stood to profit from his monetary allegiance. One person cannot be to blame for all the trouble we have had to endure for the last 8 years, but lack of reponse as well as furtherment of unjust deals in politics; one can be held accountable. A genuine president would take reponsibity instead of ducking around it every time a question is aimed at his reponsibility or lack there of. George W. Bush will go down in history as the single worst president to ever lead THe United States of America. Time will reveal more under-handed acts of this administration to only deepen the wounds that they have blatently scarred us for generations to come. He and all associated to this cruel money-making scheme will still be rich, fat and laughing at the complacency we all endured thier terrorism with. Impeachment would have saved us all, but it's too late now...and he knows it!

[Aaron]

What about Clinton's refusal to pull the trigger on Osama bin Ladin when they had a definite fix on his position? That would have eliminated one of the things people like to blame Bush for, him still being alive. Should more effort be placed into capturing or killing bin Ladin? Absolutely, no question about it. But does that mean that the capture, conviction and execution of a man of Saddam's character was less important because of that fact? Absolutely not.

People say that Iraq is a rehash of Vietnam. Aside from the fact that we've suffered less casualties, and so have the Iraqi people, there's another reason Iraq is not Vietnam. We haven't abandoned the Iraqi people. One of the saddest pictures I can think of is that of the last American helicopters leaving Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City now). The people they had to leave behind to deal with the communist North Vietnamese Army and the looks on their faces knowing that their last hope was gone. The French (who, if they have any religion at all, are mostly Catholic) had passed that on to their territories in French Indochina. Just like in Russia and China, the communists streaming down into southern Vietnam had no desire for nor tolerance of religion. When things got tough, we left them with no defenses and they paid the price.

Some people say that we did what we came to do in Iraq. "Saddam is dead. We should have pulled out long ago." "We just came to find WMDs and plunder their oil." (Have you seen the prices on gas? Does it look like we're plundering their oil to you?) And what would have happened if we had pulled out just after the death of Saddam? The void in power would have been filled, and judging from experiences I've had, the person to fill that void would have been worse. We're helping to get them back on their feet as we did with Japan after World War II. While I certainly don't believe that Iraq will emulate Japan since their cultures are so different, rebuilding Iraq is in the best interest of ordinary civilians who just want to be able to have jobs, food, water, electricity, schooling and stability. Should we leave Iraq? Eventually, but not before they are confident they can stand on their own two feet again. We owe them that much.

[jdub]

we have already paid reparations many times over. It's called welfare. It has also replaced the working father in the home for far too many families. See where "reparations" have gotten us?

[Narcistic]

Bush Wins either way. They just get more rich and connected. Bankc fall and deficit grows, tax payers pays all. Win/Win. Only bush back companies have quadruple in profits if not more. No-bid contracts are illegal at all gov't levels. The justification of payment comes from lingering problems. Wars are just business opportunities. Sure they are real issues. Darfur? What company interested in Darfur? Let the UN handle it. Give me Iraq, I'll try to setup a Kuwait part 2 at best. Give me Vietnam, 2nd largest resource in the world for aluminum and chromium...and great resort colony potential. Give a company something to work with, I am sure a cause of war is there...if not, that president is killing his people and we have pictures! Whatever, Bush wins...