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Jon Stewart: Grand Theft Semi-Auto

299
Killgore Trout1/19/2013 10:32:20 am PST

re: #296 BeenHereAwhile

Ah, it took me a bit to find the NYT article regarding Mali
French Strikes in Mali Supplant Caution of U.S.

For years, the United States tried to stem the spread of Islamic militancy in the region by conducting its most ambitious counterterrorism program ever across these vast, turbulent stretches of the Sahara.

But as insurgents swept through the desert last year, commanders of this nation’s elite army units, the fruit of years of careful American training, defected when they were needed most — taking troops, guns, trucks and their newfound skills to the enemy in the heat of battle, according to senior Malian military officials.

An American trained officer even overthrew the elected government. A simple support role has not worked out well. I think the French tactic of direct involvement is the best option.