Is Obama approach to Africa skewed?

Editor, Reference is made to Georgianne Nienaber’s article, “An Obama policy of disingenuousness in Rwanda” (The New Times, May 30). Finally, Ms. Nienaber has given us an article that is written with solid experience and presence on the ground. I am one of the many Rwandans that read her articles in 2007-2008 on Rwanda and wondered why she was not “getting it”! I have waited for this moment like a light bulb waiting to be switched on. The Feldsteins that sit in Washington D.C. air-conditioned offices have an interesting inexplicable “beef” with Rwanda’s rocketing progress, which is sometimes difficult to explain to anyone who knows where this country was 21 years ago. The time spent “coaching” orphans and street kids is a well known facade that eventually manifests itself when the passive-aggressiveness comes out in speeches or articles. It always does, hence the distrust and uncomfortable relationship with so called human rights groups. Indeed, where is the same outrage about President Joseph Kabila? Where the evidence is in your face! The State Department has way too many ostriches with their heads in the sand. I have come to understand that it is way easier to give the expected story of Africa (in this case Rwanda)—chaotic, dangerous and unstable—than the real truth. The truth would mean that an African head of state has finally done it right in the least likely of places—Rwanda. Nshuti ****************************I thank Mr. Nshuti for the reaction. 2007-2008 was a long time ago and if you read everything I wrote about, you would know that for many years I have had a deep appreciation for Rwanda. I think our own problems with security here in the USA provide a new filter with which to look at the world and security issues facing Rwanda. It is also clear that former US President George Bush had a better understanding of regional conflicts in your part of the world than President Obama does. His State Department is run by former USAID workers who have a skewed world view. In the past seven years, I have been aware of a developing and systematic persecution of Rwanda by my country. I dont get it either and feel it is important to speak out. I agree with you about Kabila. In recent years no one comments on my writing about abuses in Congo, but say something positive about Rwanda and the haters come out of the woodwork. In any case I have a deep appreciation for Rwanda and my friends there. Georgianne Nienaber

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Is Obama approach to Africa skewed?