Not only human decency, but I have heard him and others in his administration talk about their concern that Africa could become a whole continent of "failed states" for terrorism to find safe haven if we don't head that off.
I submit we citizens have little idea what is going on behind the scenes in Africa, where we are trying to help stabliize the situation and get some allies there to keep the terrorists from taking over.
This ain't only about compassion, although it is about that, too.
For a picture taken before the 04 elections, get ahold of Richard Miniter's Shadow Wars.
Then get his next book, Disinformation.