San Francisco Chronicle - Tuesday, July 8, 2003

President Bush is taking on a major challenge by visiting five sub-Saharan nations this week. But his promises to fund AIDS prevention and foreign aid will be closely watched.

The trip has taken on extra urgency. Liberia, founded by former American slaves in 1822, badly needs outside peacekeepers to quell a civil war that has killed 200,000 in 14 years. Bush is weighing a United Nations request to send up to 2,000 troops to join another 3,000 soldiers from a regional force.

The messy, uncertain outcome dominates the president's carefully staged five-day jaunt. But a possible end to the bloody civil war, and the hoped-for departure of Liberian leader and war crimes suspect Charles Taylor, would underscore Bush's commitment to Africa's future.

Bush should send the troops. But he should give them clear rules on peacekeeping duties and make it clear the visit is only temporary.

Africa, with its many problems, wants a sign that the United States will help, and there is plenty else to do. Bush will visit two powerhouse countries, Nigeria and South Africa, and three smaller nations, Uganda, Botswana and Senegal.

They are all democracies in key regions, opposites of the common image of anti-democratic rule. While highlighting these governments, Bush wants to underscore elections and the rule of law as preconditions for American aid and increased trade.

But AIDS will pose a bigger challenge for both Bush and his African hosts. Of the 42 million people worldwide with AIDS or HIV, 30 million live in sub- Saharan Africa. Three million will die this year in Africa, while Europe and the United States line up money and deliberate on spending it.

Bush wants a five-year, $15 billion assault on the epidemic. But Congress may cut this sum, and existing AIDS programs may be sidestepped by U.S. plans.

Life or death examples: Bush officials may stick with more costly patented drugs instead of using cheaper generics; research may siphon off treatment money; programs emphasizing sexual abstinence in Africa might be used back in the United States to replace family planning.

These are trouble spots to watch. But they are no reason to oppose the president's intentions or his trip.

The Iraq war delivered a message that the White House is ready to travel halfway around the world to remove a perceived menace. The results showcased the resolve, planning and resources of U.S. power.

Now comes a different test of American strength. Ballot boxes, health clinics and open government are goals that Bush wants for Africa. He must make sure these plans become as much a reality as any military victory.

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