Live 8, The G-8 and Debt Relief

On July 2, millions of people all over the world will witness Live 8. This exhibition, focused on pushing debt relief and aid to Africa as an issue at the upcoming Group of Eight (G-8) summit, will be just that: an exhibition. Debt relief will move forward as an issue next week when the G-8 meets in Gleneagles, Scotland, but not because of the passionate outpouring of music and advocacy this weekend. U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the primary power brokers at the summit, have their own agendas for debt relief based on geopolitical concerns, and these will drive what Africa gets. Whether this aid will be the boost that Bono, Bob Geldof and company hope for is far from certain.