'Nigeria: the context for violence' (2006-2013)

[Stan]

Once again we go into the problem of perception, and the inability to counter negative messages. Everyone in Nigeria is of the opinion that US wants to intervene in Nigeria to protect its interests in the Oil and Gas Industry. There are several versions of the story all over the web, each with a different twist.

I have to disagree. Dictators thumping fingers at the thought of an installation or any other gesture is again all about perception and not viewed as something serious. It only cements the current naive thoughts in American and precludes dialog. I'm not the oil and gas expert herein, but the numbers reflected on the internet suggest Nigeria's percentage of all imports to the US are 8%. I'm certain the current administration doesn't like the hint of Iran or Russian getting ahead, but then, we're back to perception, or better stated, misconception when playing by American rules on the African soccer field.

The US will likely favor such a breakup for obvious reasons- the current leader of Nigeria thumped his finger in the US nose, clearly rejecting the installation of US AFRICOM military command in Nigeria. Nigeria’s government has also of recent signed deals with Russia and Iran for major resource, military and power(Nuclear generation) mutual ventures. This alliance possibly does not sit well with the US. In addition, Nigeria has been promoting development, not by serving US interest but by cooperation’s with so-called third world Nations like Brazil.

The text is intriguing, but would appreciate a link to the article please

There has been no rebuttal or explanation from the US Government, so the assumption is that that is the USG is complicit. Another version of the story with additional twist:

Part of the Public Affairs Officer's job is to NOT do the "he said she said" because that often leads to greater confusion and people are human and prone to mistakes. This obviously creates perception by not countering negative message nor promoting positive messages. If things could be so simple.

These are no longer the eighties or nineties. Africans have more access to information than they did in the past. The problem is that the USG and US diplomatic community hasn't evolved to appreciate the new reality. Anyway, how do you expect them to when the average USG operative in Africa is increasingly isolated from the local environment, hiding in secluded fortress-like embassies.

Would have to agree. Won't get far hiding in the fish bowl.
Operatives ? Catchy title just doesn't fit 99% of the personnel at post. Now we would be in the eighties and nineties.