In Southern Africa, The State Department Bets Against the Reagan Doctrine

Publication Date: February 1988

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): William Pascoe

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Africa

Type: Report

Coverage: Angola Mozambique

Abstract:

Pro-Western freedom fighters in Angola and Mozambique have tested the Reagan Administration’s
commitment to aiding democratic resistance forces struggling against Soviet-backed Marxist-Leninist regimes. In both instances, and to varying degrees, some Administration officials have betrayed the Reagan Doctrine by letting the freedom fighters down. It is now time to keep the Reagan Doctrine’s promise for southern Africa. Recent UNITA and RENAMO battlefield successes strengthen the U.S. negotiating position in Angola and Mozambique. The Administration thus should pursue a victory for the Reagan Doctrine in southern Africa.