The Trump administration's reorganization of the US military's overseas combatant commands marks a significant shift in priorities, with Africa being targeted for downsizing. The plan aims to streamline US military efforts abroad while "reorienting" combat power towards the Western Hemisphere.
The move has raised concerns among experts, who warn that it may lead to similar setbacks and failures as seen in Africa. They point to the US military's dismal record in Africa, including a surge in terrorism, humanitarian disasters, and failed secret wars.
The US has been engaged in a costly war in Somalia for over two decades, with little progress made against al-Shabab militants. The situation has deteriorated further under President Trump, who has authorized more than 200 airstrikes in the country.
The reorganization plan is part of a broader shift towards power projection in the Western Hemisphere, with the US seeking to assert its dominance through military means. However, experts argue that this approach will only exacerbate the problems it seeks to address, such as poverty and extremism.
The move also raises questions about the role of AFRICOM, which has been criticized for its handling of counterterrorism efforts in Africa. With its funding and resources slated for reduction, AFRICOM's ability to respond effectively to emerging threats may be compromised.
As the US embarks on this new chapter in its military strategy, experts warn that policymakers must learn to engage with other nations as equals, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. The Intercept will continue to monitor developments and provide in-depth analysis of this complex issue.
The move has raised concerns among experts, who warn that it may lead to similar setbacks and failures as seen in Africa. They point to the US military's dismal record in Africa, including a surge in terrorism, humanitarian disasters, and failed secret wars.
The US has been engaged in a costly war in Somalia for over two decades, with little progress made against al-Shabab militants. The situation has deteriorated further under President Trump, who has authorized more than 200 airstrikes in the country.
The reorganization plan is part of a broader shift towards power projection in the Western Hemisphere, with the US seeking to assert its dominance through military means. However, experts argue that this approach will only exacerbate the problems it seeks to address, such as poverty and extremism.
The move also raises questions about the role of AFRICOM, which has been criticized for its handling of counterterrorism efforts in Africa. With its funding and resources slated for reduction, AFRICOM's ability to respond effectively to emerging threats may be compromised.
As the US embarks on this new chapter in its military strategy, experts warn that policymakers must learn to engage with other nations as equals, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. The Intercept will continue to monitor developments and provide in-depth analysis of this complex issue.
... it seems like they're just giving up on the continent after all that investment and bloodshed 
. What's next, cutting funding for AFRICOM? 
I don't think their new Western Hemisphere strategy is gonna solve the problems they're trying to tackle over there... poverty and extremism are major issues that need more nuanced solutions, not just more military might 
remember when Clinton started getting involved back in '98? thought that was gonna be a game-changer, but nope... still stuck in the same old mess. And don't even get me started on Somalia... 20 years is way too long to be stuck there 
what's the point of reorganizing if we're just gonna keep repeating the same mistakes?
. And what's up with this whole "reorienting" combat power towards the Western Hemisphere thing? Is that just code for "we're gonna keep on meddling in other people's business"? 
It's like, can't we just try to be good neighbors for once? 
But on the other hand, maybe Africa needs some more attention from the US because it's been pretty sketchy over there lately 
. I mean, can't we all just get along and try to tackle poverty and extremism at the same time? 
But wait, isn't that just a fancy way of saying "we're not gonna fix anything"? 
I'm low-key worried about AFRICOM's future too 
They gotta find ways to work with local nations, not just drop bombshells on them 
Like, remember what happened in Somalia? It's a total mess over there 
...like, who needs that many bases and troops over there anyway? It's not like they're getting anything out of it except for a bunch of dead soldiers and terrorists 
... like, what's the point of downsizing AFRICOM when we're still dealing with so many security issues on the continent? I mean, Somalia is a disaster zone that's been going on for decades... 200+ airstrikes and what do we have to show for it? 
It just seems like we're kicking the problem down the road instead of actually addressing it. And now they're shifting all their focus to the Western Hemisphere? That just feels like more of the same old imperialism, you know? 
But policymakers need to take a step back and think about what they're really trying to achieve. Can't they learn from their past failures instead of just regurgitating the same old strategies? 
. We've been there for ages trying to help with all sorts of problems, from terrorism to famine. And what have we gotten? More airstrikes in Somalia that haven't stopped al-Shabab from causing chaos 
.
.
.
.
. And now they're gonna cut back on AFRICOM's funding & resources? that's just gonna make things worse, imo. they need to engage with other nations as equals, not just wanna project power like some kinda imperialist dude 
]
]
]
]
. It's time for the US to take a step back and get it right this time 
.