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Bonobo

(29,257 posts)
Thu Jan 31, 2013, 02:05 AM Jan 2013

US Drones in West Africa: Freedom is on the March!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jdwd9f3-vqincEz-xPqJ9PCB8MSA?docId=d674f068fb434e019ad8f8b297f371f4

US eyes drone base in Africa with al-Qaida in mind

WASHINGTON (AP) — Plans to base unarmed American surveillance drones in the African nation of Niger highlight the Obama administration's growing concern about extremist influences in the volatile region. They also raise tough questions about how to contain al-Qaida and other militant groups without committing U.S. ground forces in yet another war.
In the short run, a drone base would enable the U.S. to give France more intelligence on the militants that French troops are fighting in neighboring Mali. Over time it could extend the reach not only of American intelligence gathering but also U.S. special operations missions to strengthen Niger's own security forces.

The U.S. and Niger in recent days signed a "status of forces agreement" spelling out legal protections and obligations of American forces that might operate in Niger in the future.

Pentagon spokesman George Little acknowledged the agreement, but declined Tuesday to discuss U.S. plans for a military presence in Niger.

Niger has accepted the idea of hosting unarmed U.S. drones as well as conventional and special operations troops to advise and assist Niger's military on border security, but it has not endorsed armed U.S. Predator strikes or the launching of U.S. special operations raids from their territory, according to a senior U.S. military official briefed on the matter. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly.

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Wait until they find out that the USA will decide unilaterally whether or not to start drone striking your population, Niger. Make a deal with the devil and don't be surprised when he demands what he is owed.
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