Africa Mission Creep

American Spectator ^ | 11 jan 2013 | GEORGE H. WITTMAN

[rellimpank]

The Obama administration, among other things, wants to put Benghazi behind it.

Periodically the American press, public, and politicians become excited about something going on in Africa. The interest doesn’t last long and neither the United States nor African nations benefit much from the momentary excitement. President Obama recently ordered a small contingent of troops, mainly Army Special Forces, into the African country of Chad to assist in evacuating the U.S. Embassy staff and other American civilians from the neighboring Central African Republic (CAR). That this action reflected a reaction to the recent debacle in Benghazi, there is no doubt. During December Seleka rebels — an alliance of three rebel movements — took over large areas of CAR. The capital, Bangui, was endangered and the U.S and other missions bugged out. In previous years violent outbreaks in former French colonies —

[ClearCase_guy]

Nonetheless, as radical Islam has developed terrorist assets and operations in Africa, covert surveillance activities run from the Pentagon’s Special Operations Command began in 2007 ...

So, it's not 2007 any more. If I had to guess, I would say that the US military invovlement in Africa is aimed at helping Islam to spread. Much like our invovlement in the former Yugoslavia under Clinton. We sure do love us some Moslems!

[Ax]

When the Libyans invaded northern Chad in 1983, the French Army, Foreign Legionnaires and Air Force were there to help their former colony. The Legionnaires came from their staging area near Bangui.

[bert]

-——who clearly have a more direct and historical responsibility for a former colony-——

I have a small window through which I view real things in Africa. I have dealings with American companies who sell to French trading companies who supply all sorts of stuff to their former colonies. In at least two instances, a French company serves as the government with regard to imports, tariffs, customs and such.

The American companies have global operations but chose to sell the French trading companies rather than sell direct to the Africans. Hollande is pulling out to the detriment of his trade it seems. Lacking the government support, one wonders if the old colonial style trade can continue? One wonders if the American companies providing goods to the Africans will move in with the protection of the American military and a change of heart by the African ministers?

[Truth29]

"So, it's not 2007 any more. If I had to guess, I would say that the US military invovlement in Africa is aimed at helping Islam to spread. Much like our invovlement in the former Yugoslavia under Clinton. We sure do love us some Moslems!"

Yes, I have to wonder how many weapons were transferred to the Islamic terrorists operating throughout the Sahel and beyond by the US from its Benghazi operation.

[Don Corleone]

We are watching and experiencing world wide mission creep toward Armageddon. The creeper in charge is at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. I believe it is a “Dream from his Father”

[edcoil]

In Africa, there really is no side for us to support.

[ansel12]

The 13th Regiment LRRPs were there also, and loving it, that was their fought for duty station at the time.

[Ax]

Those dudes are always spoiling for a fight. I saw a lot of them in Djibouti as well. There was no one there to wage war against so they fought among themselves. I strayed into a waterfront Legionnaire bar one night and drew a lot of angry stares so I skedaddled. I’ve got a couple of 13th Demi-Brigade t-shirts. Drive out through the desert and you’ll see piles of painted rocks. They march out there and their chefs see that all stones will be overturned and painted. It looks like the far side of the moon.

[ansel12]

I meant the 13th Regiment, these guys of the French army, not the Legion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13th_Parachute_Dragoon_Regiment

[Ax]

I didn’t know about the 13th Regiment of the French Army. I was referring to the 13th Demi Brigade of the Legion Etrangere. I believe they are subordinate to the 2eme Regiment Etrangere de Parachute. Back in the day they were headquartered at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. It’s been a few decades since I was out there. I understand that today, Camp Lemonnier is HQS of the USSOCOM ‘s war on terror for the Horn of Africa. (Pardon my French ;).)