Further support to US influence on Nigeria:
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U.S. Strategy
It is in America's interest to encourage Nigeria to improve its economy, secure its oil, combat corruption, and enforce the rule of law. Specifically, the Bush Administration should:
Require progress on economic reform and fighting corruption in return for aid. The U.S. Agency for International Development requested $63 million in fiscal year 2004 for democracy, governance, health, and economic programs in Nigeria. However, assistance and debt relief cannot replace domestic efforts. Aid should follow--not precede--progress in combating corruption, adopting economic freedom, and enforcing the rule of law.
Clamp down on radical Islamists. The U.S. should coordinate intelligence with Nigerian law enforcement to identify, monitor, and eliminate radical Islamist networks and external sources of support--especially by clamping down on Nigerian money laundering.
Increase law enforcement training. In order to improve law and order, America should offer technical assistance, equipment, and training to Nigerian law enforcement and marine patrols. Foreign investors in the oil and gas sector should be encouraged to hire supplementary private security and to pay some of the Nigerian government's investment costs for improved security.
Train counterinsurgency forces. The Bush Administration's request of $850,000 for military education and training and $4 million in foreign military financing properly focuses on enhancing regional stability, counterterrorism capabilities, border and maritime controls, and the war on terrorism. This assistance is critical and should be augmented with U.S.-Nigerian training missions.
Conclusion
The growth of radical Islam in Nigeria and its potential impact on regional and energy security should be viewed in the context of increased global terrorist threats and a breakdown in governance systems. Government mismanagement, interventionist economic policies, and inadequate law enforcement hinder Nigeria's economic growth and oil production and have heightened Nigeria's vulnerability to Islamist radicalism. Addressing the Islamist threat in Nigeria requires strategies that strengthen Nigeria's ability to counter foreign terrorist activity and fix the country's underlying economic and security problems.
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Still don't think US has an interest in keeping business legitimate? Still think there is no possibility that the US could influence oil rights to ERHE?
Get real people. I have not said it is probable, but to think it is impossible is absolutely ridiculous. There are reasons to believe this could happen if you open your eyes and see reality.
