I appreciate your input here, and hope that you will tell us more. It is extremely difficult for Americans to understand what the dynamics are in these geographic areas, as the press does not report it, and Americans have generally been uninterested in an area in which they perceive no national interest.
With all of the other matter in which the US involves itself, the African nations are placed on a lower priority.
It is difficult to perceive this part of the world in terms different from the internal politics of the US. Although those political movements intersect with African politics, little is known about those details in the US.
In order for the US to be successful anywhere in the world, it must first have a true understanding of the area and the people.
It is also necessary to understand that, while the US has its own political concerns, they are not always identical to the political concerns in these African nations. They sometimes parallel each other, but there are always local differences that we must seek to understand.
I come from a nation that was colonised by the British and if the British can be accused of anything they cannot be accused of (a) lack of curiosity about history, politics and geography and (b) underestimating the importance of public diplomacy.
The British Empire was successful, not because the British had overwhelming firepower, but because they took the time to understand the dynamics of local power structures, local culture and they spent time and energy explaining their mission to their colonial subjects.
(The entire Darfur was administered by a handful of young Oxbridge graduates).
You will be shocked at how few Britons were involved in colonial administration. You’d also be amazed at how much effort the British put into learning local languages like Hindi, Hausa, Swahili and Zulu. They spent time and effort building trust and understanding.
In contrast, Americans tend to believe that once you throw sufficient resources at a problem, then the problem can be solved and if a problem is not being solved it is because sufficient resources are yet to be dedicated to it. Having the most potent military in the World is not a substitute for a lack of curiosity. (Not knowing the difference between Shia and Sunni prior to your invasion of Iraq cost you big time).
In addition, America lacks strategic patience.
It is important that America changes its ways because (a) America is dealing with two very patient foes - China and the Islamists and (b) America is not as rich as it used to be so can’t merely wave your cheque book around (China now has an equally large cheque book).