Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Why did Bush back condoms?

According to a piece originally in the New York Times, in a Philadelphia speech, Bush backed condoms in the fight against AIDS, citing the case of Uganda. This appears at first glance to be a reversal in the administration's abstinence-based stance regarding condoms and AIDS strategy, the truth is US foreign aid to Africa targeting AIDS did not rule out the use of condoms.

Though this may unsettle some conservative groups, there's a deeper reason for this shift in tack: terrorism. It appears consensus is building over AIDS as a driver for future failed states and therefore breeding grounds for terrorists. Al Qaida has a presence in several African countries already. Like it or not, condoms are part of the arsenal in the War on Terror.

No comments: