Some African political observers are taking a look at what it would take to rebuild a post-war Iraq. Among them is Professor Suleyman Nyang of the Department of African Studies at Howard University, here in Washington, DC. He told English to Africa reporter Richard Kotey that a number of factors are under discussion, including the duration of the war, its beneficiaries, and its implications for Africa.
Professor Nyang said the United States can learn a lot from similar situations in Africa. He said the foremost is the reconciliation of the different forces in Iraq -- the Shiites, the Sunnis, the Kurds and others. He said this will be the major problem for American diplomats, relief agencies and peacemakers. Professor Nyang questions whether the Iraqi people will give their support to the US military presence in their country. And he said Cuba’s experience in the Angolan war should teach the United States that the vanquished don’t give up easily.
Dr. Nyang said Africans are going to be watching US efforts to rebuild Iraq in the face of such difficulties. He believes that as long as Saddam Hussein remains in power, there will be no genuine democracy in Iraq. He said war is inevitable and the United States would be correct to invade the country in order to restore democracy.
Click the above links to download or listen to Kotey interview with Dr. Nyang.