Obama believes in Africa

The conservative daily The Times praises Barack Obama's performance in black Africa. "Obama cut across a lot of nonsense in averring that Africans are no more or less capable than anyone else of good, evil, venality, heroism and patient nation-building. Yes, they have a harder struggle than many, because of wars and wrongs. Yes, they have some terrible leaders (but they overthrew apartheid and gave the world Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu). Yes, they are made up of tribes with ancient grudges - but so is Northern Ireland and much of Europe. What Barack Obama, son of a Kenyan father, has done is to change the rhetoric. He rejects both patronising mystery-mongers and fruitless breast-beating colonial guilt. OK, so far it's only words. But it felt like a new start. ... And on a purely selfish British level, after recent events it is good to hear someone who believes that political institutions are the answer, not the problem."

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