Navy’s Africa Strategy: Breaking the Carriers’ Hold

"During its October-to-April cruise, [amphibious ship] Fort McHenry visited 19 ports in 10 countries, from Liberia to Senegal, supporting scientists, aid workers and military trainers from the U.S. and allied militaries — and delivering half a million meals to starving families. The Pentagon calls the vessel’s mix of training, diplomacy, science and humanitarian assistance the “Africa Partnership Station,” and aims to make it a regular affair.

It’s all part of Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ increasing emphasis on addressing underlying societal ills before they fester into full-blown conflicts. Instead of bombing, shooting and capturing bad guys, “ultimate success or failure will increasingly depend more on shaping the behavior of others — friends and adversaries, and most importantly, the people in between,” Gates said in an April 21 speech in Alabama."
War is Boring