U.S. Weighing How Much Help to Give France’s Military Operation in Mali

[Purveyor]

Source: New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is debating how much more aid it can give the French military forces who are battling Islamic militants in Mali, weighing the benefit of striking a major blow to Qaeda-linked fighters in Africa against concern about being drawn into a lengthy conflict there.

The immediate issue is whether and how to supply American aerial refueling planes that would allow French jets to provide close-air support to ground forces moving north into territory held by the extremists. French and American officials have been in discussions for days, according to American and European officials, and administration officials say they expect a decision soon.

All indications are that the administration is trying to find a solution, but that any refueling would probably be approved only with restrictions.

“The discussions center on cost, and the concern about whether this becomes an open-ended mission for the French in Mali,” one Defense Department official said. “What does that mean about our commitment?”

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/world/africa/us-weighing-how-much-help-to-give-frances-military-operation-in-mali.html?_r=0

[humbled_opinion]

1. WOW seriously

Channeling his worst LBJ? debating this mission because of how well it worked out the last time we bailed the french out of one of their wars??? Bring the troops home and mind our own effen business.

[another_liberal]

2. The fruits of our "War on Terror."

This is more of the fruits of our unending "War on Terror." By fighting militant Muslim fundamentalists everywhere around the World we could find them for nearly fifteen years (and still not defeating them) we have elevated their kind to the level of heroes and martyrs in the eyes of many of their fellow believers. We have literally done their recruiting for them.

If we now become involved with the French in West Africa as well, it may only stiffen long-term resistance to the already shaky government of Mali and increase the suffering of a people hard hit by this war. Surely there must be a better way to deal with this situation other than directly involving our military?

[Cynicus Emeritus]

3. Instead of another war let's have a CANDID debate on why they hate us

and why we have a WOT and why we are claiming to be broke when we always have enough for another
optional war.