The Foreign Service Journal, March 2003

journalist friend exclaimed, after hearing President Bush, in this year’s State of the Union address, speak strongly of the need to fight the “death sentence” HIV/AIDS has imposed on Africa, even pledging an extra $10 billion to do it. (One of the leaders in the global battle against the pandemic, Dr. Peter Mugyeny of Uganda, sat next to Mrs. Bush as a special guest.) Much of the world I observe remains unsure and nervous about the foreign policy goals of the current U.S. administration, but has tended to make an excep- tion for Powell, giving him the benefit of the doubt and almost unfairly expecting his efforts alone to satisfy their expectations. Perhaps this is because as a military man and statesman, he has long been a familiar figure on the international stage. So, more than with most secretaries of State, any consideration of his effect on Africa policy has to begin with the man. Powell is liked and respected in state houses and parliaments across the continent. His interest in Africa is considered gen- uine. Few in the African diplomatic corps here failed to note that as secretary of State-designate, his first meet- ing at the State Department was with Foreign Service officers specializing in Africa. “He is the only secretary of State I can remember who has ever had any intimate contact with African leaders,” says C. Payne Lucas, for- mer president of the NGO Africare, who adds, after a slight pause: “His values don’t come from other actors in the administration.” And it is worth noting — though not directly related to Africa — that Powell is popular among State Department personnel, not least because of the considerable credibili- ty he brings to “diplomacy.” As exercised by Powell, it is more effective in a suspicious and fractious world than gunboats. But of course, this is diplomacy whose first pri- ority remains the advancement of U.S. interests. These aren’t always completely, or even mostly, synonymous with African interests. A Genuine Interest in Africa But ask almost any African official, inWashington or on F O C U S 30 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / M A R C H 2 0 0 3 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA S I NCE 1 9 7 1 2001 represents our 31 st year helping to maintain America’s fleet of vehicles throughout the world. All of us at D & M consider it an honor to have worked with all of you through these years. We are aware of the importance of your official and private vehicles, forklifts, generators, tools and equipment. We look forward to continuing this service in a professional manner. We are here to help, just ask! Gary Vlahov www.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: info@dmauto.com MCG FINANCIAL PLANNING Former State Department Employee Stationed Overseas Understands Unique Financial Situation of Foreign Service Services Include: Retirement Planning Tax Preparation and Strategies Analysis: Insurance and Investments Lump Sum Retirement Options MARY CORNELIA GINN 4630 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 220 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Phone: (301) 951-9160 Fax: (703) 938-2278 E-mail: mcgfin@erols.com S ECURITIESOFFEREDTHROUGH N ATHAN & L EWIS S ECURITIES , I NC ., M EMBER NASD & SIPC. MCG F INANCIAL P LANNING AND N ATHAN & L EWISARE NOT AFFILIATED ENTITIES .