Most of us read about the tragic deaths of four Special Forces soldiers in Niger. Many asked what we were doing there. I ask why? The neos would have you believe that it’s about becoming a major market for consumer goods. Could this be as simple as the old banana wars? Soldiers dying to protect the bottom line of corporations? We try to colonize Africa by training and equipping one side to kill the other side. China engages by making them wealthier and of course gaining political influence. The US policy is quick. China takes the long view and has been investing in Africa for the last 15 years. Whose policy makes more sense?