JUST ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR SMART DIPLOMACY: Gay rights cases could trail Obama in Africa. “President Barack Obama’s trip to Africa next month may result in a stark juxtaposition between the growing power of the gay rights movement in the U.S. and the criminalization of homosexuality throughout the African continent. Obama is scheduled to be in Africa in late June and early July — the same period in which the Supreme Court is likely to issue highly anticipated rulings on a pair of gay marriage cases. The court does not say in advance when its rulings will be issued, but the gay marriage cases are expected to be among the last decisions announced before the justices begin their summer break at the end of June. Homosexuality is considered a criminal offense in many African nations, including Senegal and Tanzania, two of the countries Obama will visit.”