Carson Cites 'Powerful Success Stories' and Reiterates U.S. Commitment to Political and Economic Progress Reed Kramer 28 February 2010 Washington, DC — Since taking office in May as the lead policymaker on Africa for the U.S. administration, Johnnie Carson has been on the go. As assistant secretary of state for Africa, he has made seven trips to the continent - most recently this month, when he visited four countries following the Africa Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa. He has made frequent appearances in Washington and addressed audiences across the United States, and he is regularly called to the White House for high-level deliberations. In an interview this week, he provided an overview of U.S. policy priorities and listed the reasons he's bullish on Africa: You frequently speak positively about Africa's prospects. Was that confirmed on your latest visit? Yes, absolutely. I visited Ethiopia, Ghana, Benin, Togo and Nigeria, and there are powerful success...