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The United States intends to increase its military presence in Africa, NATO's supreme commander for allied forces in Europe, Gen. Jim Jones, said April 29 in Washington. Although Jones did not name specific countries where U.S. forces would be stationed, he did mention the "southern rim of the Mediterranean" and West Africa.
The Bush administration currently is conducting a comprehensive review of its global basing network -- which is a remnant of the Cold War -- to better match current threats and geopolitical priorities. One such priority is protecting the United States' growing interest in Africa's petroleum industry. Washington views the continent, and in particular West Africa, as a vital component in its drive to reduce dependence on Middle East oil. It has been toying with the idea of a military base there for some time.
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