Publication

This report by the United States Institute of Peace discusses political Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa, and offers a critical approach to US policy in the region. The author defines political Islam as having two faces, one showing in al-Qaida-like terrorism such as in the Tanzania and Kenya bombings, the other being a benevolent and regime-stabilizing force, such as in Senegal. After examining political Islam and the US' policy toward it in East Africa, the Horn of Africa, Nigeria and Senegal more closely, the author concludes that current US policies for the region neither maximize US national interest nor do justice to Africans in their quest for stability, prosperity and independent religious and cultural identities. The report concludes with recommendations for a more sophisticated US policy.