West Africa

In looking at the successful resolution of the political standoff in Côte d'Ivoire, most commentators have focused on the role of France and the UN. But this misses the real story: the critical role played by Africa's homegrown institutions.

The fall of Laurent Gbagbo was the result of a civil war many years in the making. Now, as Côte d'Ivoire eyes its political future, it is up to the international community to make sure that it helps more than it hurts.

A new U.S. emphasis on African maritime development -- dedicated not only to rooting out piracy but also renovating ports and investing in job creation -- could improve African security and economic growth.

Nigeria's elections last April were among the most seriously flawed in the country's history, thanks largely to the manipulations of the U.S.-backed ruling party. With Nigerians increasingly clamoring for accountability, Washington's continuing support could generate more unrest -- and could pose a risk both to oil supplies coming out of Nigeria and to the stability of West Africa.