Ivory Coast: French forces take over Abidjan airport

[nalnn]

Source: BBC News

A French military spokesman told the BBC there was a security vacuum as forces formerly loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo changed sides.

Fighting continues between Mr Gbagbo's troops and supporters of his rival, UN-recognised President Alassane Ouattara.

The city's pro-Gbagbo TV station called for people to mobilise against the French '"occupation".

Mr Ouattara's forces are reported to be planning a further advance towards the presidential palace and have imposed a curfew on the city.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-12950467

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Hmmm. It appears someone is doing something there. I hope it will be enough and I hope it will be carried through.

At it's core, this is a French fight, I don't have a problem with U.S. logistical support , maybe even some air strikes. The people of Ivory Coast deserve the help.

[Blue_Tires]

1. ttt

[nalnn]

3. Wait...What?

what does "ttt" mean?

[Blue_Tires]

8. to the top

kicking the thread...

[nalnn]

9. Oh!

Thanks for the info :)

[originalpckelly]

2. I think the French want their oil.

[WatsonT]

4. Yeah, they're there to help

France has absolutely no financial interests in the Ivory Coast whatsoever.

The key difference between imperialism and humanitarian missions seems to rest on the person describing it.

[nalnn]

5. Historically

The French have had a long relationship with Ivory Coast. It was part of their empire in Africa so relationship might not be the right word.

Whatever ties that bind those two nations are more legitimate than those between Ivory Coast and any other nation I could think of. I could be wrong though. I'm not to sure about a country going back to bail out a former colony however France seems to have a habit of it (see Algeria). Guilt for deeds past perhaps? I dunno.

[WatsonT]

6. I don't know if you really want to reference imperial oppression as a "tie"

that makes France uniquely suited to intervene in the domestic politics of the Ivory Coast.

[nalnn]

7. That's what I meant

When I referenced their 'relationship', I was saying that that's the only thing they have in common. It's not pretty, but there it is.

Should France intervene? I don't know. Somebody should though. What's going on over there is, in a word, senseless.