U.S. military aircraft to aid Central African Republic mission
By CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr
American military aircraft will fly African and European peacekeepers to the Central African Republic, which is in the midst of a bloody internal conflict between various proclaimed Christian and Muslim militias and other rebel factions.
The decision announced the Pentagon was followed by a statement from President Barack Obama, who called on the country's citizens to reject violence and urged the transitional government to join "respected leaders" in Muslim and Christian communities in calling for "calm and peace."
"Individuals who are engaging in violence must be held accountable in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, as forces from other African countries and France work to restore security, the United States will support their efforts to protect civilians," Obama said.
Pentagon spokesman Carl Woog said "the United States is joining the international community" in aiding the peackeeping effort "because of our belief that immediate action is required to avert a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe."
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel responded after talking with his French counterpart, Yves Le Drian, on Sunday from Afghanistan, Woog said, adding that France asked for "limited assistance."
The request for near term help involves U.S. air support to enable the prompt deployment of African forces "to prevent the further spread of sectarian violence," Woog said.
Violence has raged in the former French colony east of Cameroon since a coalition of rebels deposed President Francois Bozize in March. It was the latest in a series of coups since the nation gained independence. Bozize fled the country after his ouster.
Left uncontrolled, militia groups are uniting along religious lines. Christian vigilante groups have formed to battle Seleka, the predominantly Muslim coalition behind the President's removal.
More than 400,000 people - nearly 10% of the population - have been internally displaced, according to the United Nations.
The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution last week authorizing military intervention by an African Union-led force backed by French troops to protect civilians, restore humanitarian access and stabilize the country.
As part of the effort, the United States will fly troops from Burundi to the Central African Republic capital of Bangui.
The Pentagon will provide security for its planes, but there is no indication about the number of troops involved. The operation is expected to be relatively small.
Violence on the ground, which has included machetes, knives, rifles and grenades, will be a "big factor" in any U.S. operation, a U.S. official told CNN.
"It's a concern," the official said.
French President Francois Hollande said in Paris over the weekend that the goal is to hold elections once security is restored.
Those displaced include people hiding in the bush without shelter, food, or drinking water, Doctors Without Borders has said.
In a statement on Monday, the international medical organization called for all parties to let the wounded and sick "safely obtain medical care," and for "an end to violence and threats against patients, civilians, and medical staff" nationwide.
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
That probably on the only way to get the French military to take action. This way they cannot run away.
Maybe they should take a load of those "Ted Cruz Coloring Books" over to the CAR. They'd laugh themselves silly.
I thought the military's mission was to defend the United States.
Evidently Gator, not anymore. Today, it appears that anywhere a conflict breaks out, the right-wing thugs in Washington worm their way in at the cost of the U.S. taxpayer. This is why we cannot balance the national budget. This ignominy sorely needs to stop!!!
Nutjob patton........the CIC is a democrat left wing lunatic. Get educated before you post.
Too late, "right wing thugs" is attached to practically everyone of his moronic posts...
Where the X did you get that crazy idea?
It is, but perhaps there are natural resources there that China needs.
Now then, is there anywhere else on Earth that we can go to kill people? Are we killing as many people as we possibly can now?
It appears to be the case, Brian. It seems that Barack Obama and his right-wing henchmen in Congress can't possibly get enough blood on their hands. No wonder people call ours a sick society!!!
Get out the mosquito repellent and leach straps boys...yer going to da yungle .
Obama should get another Nobel Peace Prize every time he deploys Americans troops to another country – just for kicks and giggles, ya know
Read the Bible the real truth is in there Open your Eyes and listen to your heart people and America will survive
Drop Dead.
Of course, we have plenty of money and resources ... Never mind our infrastructure is falling to pieces - let's keep spending money on military missions - the contractors and military industrial complex will be so happy ...
U.S. military gets NEW Mission....
Just like NASA ???
Allahu Arkbar !!!
Ahhhhhh.... YES
Fundamental Transformation
I am profoundly against using our military resources for another nation's civil war.
We just got done sending DOD workers home on furlough because we couldn't pay them, and now the Administration wants to allocate resources to NoWheresVille, Africa. Sorry, but this idea is pure face-palm.
Now let me spend a sentence or two on the absolute intellectual hypocricy of the Left: every time a Republican President used military force the Left would scream bloody murder. We stabilized Lebanon, the Left screamed. We liberated Kuwait, a country Iraq invaded for its oil, the Left threw a fit. We bombed Khadaffi and liberated Grenada, and the Left complained inceasantly.
... But let a Democrat be President, and not only is the Left silent about Guantanimo, Afghanistan, and drone strikes, but they're going to use American Assets in AFRICA??? The mind profoundly boggles at the stupidity of the act, and the painfully obvious fact that the American Left is a mindless noisemaker.
Have you forgotten the Korean War? What would have happened if the U.S. had not intervened in their civil war?
Sorry, but that's apples/thePlanetJupiter.
Korea was divided by postwar agreement. American forces were present to enforce the peace.
Troops came from the Soviet sector supplied with more Soviet tanks than America could deal with. A lot more. I can't see that as a civil war at all. It was a stand-up military conflict... really a test conflict between the Soviets and America.
JFK walked us right into Vietnam's civil war though.
We might not have Kias?
40,000 Americans wouldn't have died for nothing.
Uh, JFK was long gone when Viet Nam was 'escalated'.
"The war took on a new dimension when on February 7, 1965, United States airplanes began bombing North Vietnamese military targets in retaliation for a terrorist guerrilla raid against the American Camp Holloway air base at Pleiku. On February 18, airplanes manned solely by United States personnel began making direct attacks on the Vietcong in South Vietnam. Previously, South Vietnamese had participated in such missions.
United States Assumes Major Role
The war entered another phase in March, 1965, when units of Marines became the first United States combat troops in South Vietnam. They participated in search-and-destroy expeditions against the Vietcong near Da Nang. In April the first North Vietnamese regular units entered South Vietnam.
United States involvement in the war vastly increased in July, 1965, when President Johnson raised American strength in Vietnam to 125,000 men. While many of these soldiers had a defensive role in guarding the extensive United States military installations, others joined ARVN forces in seeking out the Vietcong.
Fierce battles took place in late 1965, particularly along the coast near United States bases at Chu Lai and Da Nang and in the central highlands at An Khe and in the Ia Drang Valley. By the end of 1965, there were 181,000 American troops in South Vietnam. Troops were also sent by South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand
From t-tards?
As long as it somehow helps. Too many people are wrapped up in being isolationist, but forget that we are still a major superpower. If we have so much power we have a responsibility to do our best to keep the world order. I was born in a time where we were all over the world, at least trying to save lives. And for the majority of my life we have been at war, this is nothing new to me. My grandfather was a marine, my dad was in the navy, and soon I will be joining the marines. If I have to go overseas to save someone's sorry ass, so be it.
Best of luck to you!
Just a piece of advice when you get to boot camp. Look upon it as the best time in your life and not something you have to tolerate. You will actually find it much more "enjoyable". Being a former Marine capt in the 70's I showed up in shape and that made it easy for me (you) to endure what you will be put through. Last thing, what ever the drill instructor shouts at you just do it but most important of all don't take anything he says personally.
Best of luck.
Sorry, but look around. China is the superpower.
America still has one good war left in us, but we have no long term strategy. Our children are smart, but they all want to major in business (which does not help our industry), and even the engineering students are just designing nick-nacks and smart phone apps.
So go help people. Dont send others to help people, do it yourself you have so much resources and power.
Who likes democrats.... there a bunch of idiots.
They're
^ hahahha thank you.
who like politicians, they're all crooks
You people are idiots. These wars arent about religion. It's about resources, about power, arrogance, greed, politics, money, and sometimes true injustice. The division of factions along religious lines happens because it is an easy sell to people, versus lets kill them so I can be more rich. Religion disappearing WILL NOT end wars, ANY war. There will always be people who dont like other people, or perceive others to be a threat. There will always be people looking for power grabs. It's human nature. Just like troops of chimps have war with each other. People who think its religion's fault are more naive than people who dont question their religion.
I agree to some extent, however, to some extent it is religious....the same strategy we used during the cold war to try and stop communism is the same strategy thats going on here. Yes it is about resources, though, us westerners would be much happier with a judeo christian controlled country as opposed to an islamic one, mainly because they would make better business partners with the west, in turn giving us a better chance at exploiting such resources....its not pretty.....mind you, more people have been killed in the name of god than anything else....
I wouldn't start out by calling people names, but yes, the masses don't appreciate that it's politicians using the name of religion to further their agenda.
I think U.S. military should aid Central African nations by eliminating al shabab like terrorist groups, bomb their hideouts.
Thank you, Phunnie boy. Spoken like a true, dimwitted, blood thirsty Tea Partier!!!
It started with or before Molly Pitcher, the American soldier our greatest ambassadors feeding the starving bringing freedom to all!!! Now I am not a butt kisser but am proud of them all the few, the proud, the unappreciated but the best damn sight in the world for to oppressed!!! Thank God for the American Soldiers everywhere!!!
I think most US Citizens have no interest in being the world police. You can thank Obama for getting this country involved in several conflicts since taking office. Seems like he is working overtime to upset every single American.
And so apparently the 8 years before Obama are forgotten.
hagel is a traitor
I don't know enough about him to either confirm or deny that although I suspect he isn't a "traitor". This action was not his to accept or deny. This went through Obama. So if you are blaming sombody, blame the correct person. The Secretary of Defense works at the pleasure of the President of the United States. Hagel is simply the tool Obama uses to implement his bad policy.
Pretty facile judgement, eh? Would you really rather be seeing the imprint of Rove, Cheney and W? Really? Sometimes you have to gather information, THEN draw conclusions. You've a lot to do to cover the first part.
Good investment. Much cheaper to help stabilize a region than to spend billions in future trying to weed out terrorists, etc.
Why does this not shock me at all
lol cause your not an idiot.
you're
Nothing has fundamentally changed in Africa for over 150 years - except European/American intervention. Whether harvesting slaves or colonizing, the "civilized" world can't leave it alone.
They had their version of a stable tribal civilization long before the Europeans showed up. Stop the food, weapons, etc - let nature repair the damage. It won't be pretty, but it always works.
USA – The World Police - AGAIN !
You mean still. 🙂
You get a feeling if the USA would just butt out.
They would hack each other to death with machetes – after they raped, pillaged and plundered.
eh, at least it's the Frenchies with the boots on the ground. We're just flying transport and CAP.
"Frenchies"? How cute! Why don't you try that on some Legionnaires? Pack some spare undies.
Better Frenchies than Yanks and Limeys.
Feed the enemy. House the enemy. Care for the enemy. Take treasure from enemy. Kill the enemy.
Step One: Check
"No, my way is the only right way, everybody has to do things my way!"
Sums up every religion ever along with every garbage political sentiment also. The world will be waaaaaaay better off the second people learn to MIND THEIR OWN DAMN BUSINESS.
We have learned nothing from history.
Have to keep America's war machine active to justify bases overseas.
As long as there is no luggage, they should have booked with Delta or Southwest.
How come they don't send the military to quell the violence in Detroit?
They tried sending the National Guard once. It did not turn out well.
Reading comments from Americans make you realize how lucky they are,to have nukes,without them the bunch of d/a's wouldn't be around long. Most of the comments on American chat boards sound like they're coming from little kids or well below average I.Q.'s
People in general are stupid, regardless of nationality. If you didn't file suit you would know that. I am upset with the mindless numb skulls of the U.S. just as much as you are, and I have shed tears and blood for this country. Military analysts have proven that the U.S cannot be conquered even if the entire military might of the world joined forces due to geographical placement, early warning systems, national pride, natural resources and the lack of any military being able to create or hold a beach head logistically. Also to point out, the U.S policy on nukes is "No first use" nor has the U.S. ever threatened to use nukes as a first response. So to recap, everything you just spouted out is baseless, ignorant nonsense used to relay your hatred for the U.S..... and you speak of IQ?
As an American, I could not agree with you more! The rest of the civilized world must look at a lot of Americans as if they never grew out of grade-school playground fighting and insults!
I'm American, and the vast majority of the Americans I know are intelligent, thoughtful, and kind. The loudest, rudest Americans are the ones who attract the most attention around the world, but we're not all like that. I think these boards tend to attract people who enjoy being belligerent.
Why does my country continue to get involved in the affairs of other countries from a military perspective that cost a lot of money, We could use that money for social programs in our own country taking care of those in poverty and without medical assistance. Our social security funds end up in the pockets of foreignors via the magic wand. Our government owes more than four trillion back to social security and government pensions that it stold from to support foreign wars and conflicts. We should all oppose this action and contact our representatives in DC to stop funding such programs even if the UN sanctions it. If any country is a threat to us right now it is the drug and weapons cartells in Mexico and the US.
France is likely footing the bill for the fuel for our planes, as this is a pretty common practice among allies. Further, many of the pilots involved will likely be Reserve pilots getting in their mandatory flying hours. Seriously, this won't cost us much if anything, and doesn't mean we are involving ourselves in others' business. We're helping an ally with some logistics, nothing more.
Agreed. My boyfriend is a reservist C17 pilot and I bet the only expense will be to actually pay the crew. People need to stop seeing the headlines and assuming the worst. They also need to realize that allies do help each other out and we owe a lot to countries that have (such as many european countries) lost their troops (as well as spending billions/millions of their own dollars) in the wars that we've started; the same wars that many people slandering on this wall supported over 10 years ago.
We are just flying troop transports for them. We have lots, they probably don't. Not that big of a deal. Allies ask for help, we help. That is what Allies do. I am quite sure we are getting something out of this. As you point out, nothing is free, and neither is US help in instances like this.
Is anyone else getting tired of young American men and women dying in third world crap holes around the globe or is it just me.
Bill – it isn't just you! Didn't it used to be that a big deal was made when our armed forces went into harm's way? Now it seems like they are really the world's policemen responding to every call, and sometimes even when not called. Ridiculous!
They're providing logistical support via the US of American planes as a favor to France who is helping out one of its former colonies.
It is really only perception that has changed. The US has helped our allies many times over the last 75 years. It only SEEMS like its happening all the time because it's all over internet news.
Just another deflection from Obamacare. Let Obama put boots on the ground and that will be the nail in his coffin to throw the bum out. We have no business getting involved!!!!
hey…. shut up.
Says the guy that was first in line to support all of Bush's military misadventures...
This can't be real...
Providing transportation should not be a problem. Best to clip these things while they are small.
How does the President send troops ANYWHERE in the world without the explicit permission from Congress?
Um, by being Commander in Chief. It's kind of in the job description.
Before a war, he is supposed to run it by Congress. This is not only for us. It is simply providing transportation. No big deal.
You should take your bias glasses off and really read the article.
BTW, that was for the OP
war powers act of 1971 or 1970 something is when the POTUS was given the ability to send troops anywhere he wanted for maximum of 100 days without congressional approval – hence the first Gulf War in the 90's also known as the 100 day war
...and how are we (as taxpayers) affording to do this??? I see the U.N. approved intervention, so why don't 'they' pick up the support effort.
France will be paying for it. Very common practice among allies. We will bill them for the fuel and other expenses. I've seen this done, it frequently happens.
Well done Hagel.
Why can't we mind our own business?
This is business–big business; and, there are enormous natural resources and economic and trade opportunities in Africa. Notice how China is wasting no time getting involved there.
I could agree more. They are using the ole Sectarian violence and christians are getting attacked to validate the reasons. THis is strictly about diamonds and other resources........ nothing more. don't believe the lies the military is feeding the media.
The very first picture and caption don't match. They are standing there, not running screaming.
We, the people, need to be asked before spending a dime on any more confrontations. Our leaders forgot where they came from.
You are only ONE of the people. Have you consulted the rest, or maybe been wasting time listening to Sarah?
Better idea, how about Nick Fury and SHIELD sending Thor, the thunder god, to Central Africa to end the conflict!! The mighty Thor and his hammer, Mjilnor, will soon put an end all confrontation!! Surely Loki put the Muslim Islamists up to this! The hammer of Thor will soon set things right!!
For Asgard!!
Mjolnir
I didn't read anything that said America was absorbing the cost. You know what they say about assumptions!
True, but every other country understand that they are broke. Not so with our leadership.
We do not need to be providing transportation for France and other countries to send troops to Central Africa!! If they wish to send troops, they can provide their own transport.
It's just another case of peace loving Muslims killing peace loving Christians. It's another countries' day to be the worlds policeman!! Sorry we're on our coffee break!! We might as well be hated and called racists for refusing to become involved!! It's cheaper that way and we lose NO troops or planes :-P!
peace loving Christians instigated and carried through to the end the two costliest (in terms of lives and material) wars fought in the history of man. hint: world wars I and II.
D/A
Not to mention the Crusades.... and every other Christian war of the last 2000 years
Wow!absolutely amazing and pretty interesting and important issue regarding to central Africa,united states send urgent help to this region to provide military aid to central African region.
My amazing honey Margaret Brennan CBS news just break the story defense secretary of united states Mr hegal said to give order to send military aid to central African region its urgent action needed on this issue,Margaret with mr hegal to trip of 4 countries,mid-east,
Margaret mentioned from long time,African region survive form human right and humanitarian,and instability politician condition in this region,we see many heartbreaking story like raped women,killed people and children.
Margaret also mentioned people survive from poverty,bad economical condition,lack of law security means more crimes and violence mostly due to poverty,people have not enough food,no job to earn money,so robbery,kill people,violence is invited people to do crime,so small groups who have knife,guns killed people.so united states big goal to handle this problem,provide security and make stable this region to secure people.
Hey amit, you moron! It's the United States, and africa!!!!! If muslims are dying, why wouldn't it be considered a good thing!! God Is Great!!!!!!!
We should stay the hell out of this!! If France and other countries want to send troops to Central Africa, well, they can just ferry them there on their own airplanes!!! No matter what we do, the Africans will still hate use and call us racists, so let's be called racist for refusing to become involved!!
We'll play in the next episode of peace loving Muslims killing peace loving Christians. How's that?? It's someone else's turn be the worlds policeman. We're on our coffee break!!
You are absolutely correct. We should sit this conflict out, and not waste any money on it either. Let the European countries including France, Belgium, England, Germany, Italy and any other country that had former colonies in Africa that were formed based on European politics take care of this conflict.
Let's see, we've got money to fly useless 'peacekeepers' around but not for our own troops, right?
That, as well as no money to repair our infrastructure, provide decent education at affordable prices, provide extended unemployment benefits, provide mental health care for many, etc., etc. This is absolutely pi ssing away money that we are borrowing to stay afloat at home.
If Americans weren't so obsessed with having as much as they can for as cheap as possible we could virtually eliminate the need for unemployment benefits at all.
– Stop making things in China
– Start making them here
– Sure, they'll cost more, but you'll make more in manufacturing than you do in fast food.
– More jobs, fewer imports, less unemployment, no trade deficit.
What is "useless" about peacekeepers? In the view of a sane person, of course.
We will continue to try our hand at "Nation Building" until we get it right or until we have no more young people to give their blood for the cause!
The cost of this should come right out of Obama's pocket.
First of all, it wasn't Obama who ordered this urgent mission and secondly, USA is not involving in this, we are just providing the transport, helping France because they asked for it.
pretty interesting issue,instability is most important factor,
when you have to send US troops into another war to deflect away from obamacare, wow. .....wait thats it. ACORN hasnt signed up these CAR people yet. what cha' wanna bet there will be an ACORN rep on the flight?
Chineses Love this kind of comments .
they are everywher in africa because they know that Africa is the Future.
Rendez-vous in 10-15years
i'll give you that. its true. there definitely is a front building in africa.
but to the Chinese i say, welcome my my incessant hell. go get ya some. let them deal with the relentless `racism` comments. they'll hear that `the Chinese settled Africa and pushed out the blacks` for the next 300 years.
geez that's tired.
If you read the article, no American troops are going. The rest of you comment is just as well informed.
oh. the article told you that??? humm... interesting. well did the article tell you who was flying, maintaining and securing those aircraft? did the article tell you who was handling the logistics of the americans?
You right-wingers are a trip. It's almost as if you guys get a monthly newsletter with the required talking points, then go all over the internet and repeat it.
Don't be ridiculous about this, Bob. A) We are not sending troops. B) France will be paying the tab. C) Hagel is a Republican who is doing a favor for an ally who is helping out its former colony. D) You're making a mountain out of a molehill so you could squeeze in another Obamacare comment.
Try telling the truth: you don't read well, and don't understand what is going on.
Vietnam is coming to mind.
Yeah... The French will get us involved and later call us imperialist and arrogant.
I pray we don't see US boots on the ground. Obama won't last in office if that happens. People will be calling for his impeachment from the highest rafters.
We already have U.S. special forces on the ground in around half of Africa's countries (search for The Nation article "The US Military's Pivot to Africa" for more details).
Really? Who'll be calling for Obama's impeachment for putting boots on the ground? The same people that were waving the flag and chanting USA! when Bush put boots on the ground in Iraq? The word of the day is "hypocrisy" boys and girls.
Love it!
Preach!
Give the incompetent liar another Peace prize!
LOL!!! Peace Keepers... WAR is PEACE!
But Bush didn't win a Nobel Peace Prize...
When are these politicians going to start paying attention to problems in this country instead of getting involved where we do not belong. Let all these wackos kill each. Should they directly threaten us, drop the bomb and end their misery.
I like picture 3's caption the French want to show both sides they mean business...... until the bullets start flying... they were useless in Afghanistan they'll be useless in Africa. and yes I dealt with the French in Afghanistan among many other nations.
Then why would you have a tantrum when they didn't come for help in Irak?
Try to be consistent at least.
i'm getting a kick out of the hypocrisy of the lib comments. if a republican were in the white house, all of this NSA spying on US citizens would be blasted. there would be marches, lawsuits, protests, etc. Moving on to this thread.... sending troops to another `war` would be front and center as another example of `american war mongering`. but since Dear Leader is at the helm, its all good.....
Bob, to my knowledge, the Republican President did start wars...and this President is ending them. You seem confused about this event in Africa and what our role is.
Bob, seems you were napping during W's internal spying episodes. You wouldn't be totally hypocritical, now would you?
Yet ANOTHER waste of U.S. taxpayer dollars (at least for the ones that pay their taxes, not the growing amount of parasites). Wake the f*** up America.
Spoken like a true isolationist.
GreyBeard - spoken like a true mentally ill liberal. If you feel so strongly about America’s continued “save-the-world-at-the-expense-of-the-taxpayer” efforts, you're welcome to write a large personal check to the U.S. Treasury. (But we both know you won’t.)
You do realize, of course, that EVERY ONE OF THOSE PILOTS have to get a certain amount of ACTUAL flight time, to avoid LOSING THEIR LICENSES!!! Military members are subject to some of the same, and some even stricter regulations on flight times, and types of flights (night/instrument only/etc).
Practice flights do not always count towards federal aviation requirements to maintain a pilots credentials. Since they have to be flying anyways, and we have the pilots and the equipment to fly them there, then why the hell not.
Any sane rational person KNOWS we are not footing the bill for this. No, we are not getting a profit to do it either, but in the long run, it works out for everyone.
Um?? what?? the parts of that which where coherent were incorrect.
or simply stupid
Really bob,
Care to correct my so-called inaccuracies?
Oh, right, you can't.
you are seriously saying that this is good because our pilots need flight time????? that the stick time there is better than elsewhere?????? oh and then to indignantly state that we are not paying for this?????? you are a fool and you'll get no more of my time.
Bob, Paul is correct on this. You should change your name to "uninformed Boob"
USA = Too big to fail.
so we'll borrow more money with no intent on paying it back to save another cuontry that doesnt want us there. Time for the UN to pay for our services or we dont go anymore.
isolationism doesnt work when someone actively tries to kill you / control you. If all we had to do to make gihadist disappear was mind our own business Id be all for it.
I agree with the parasites but I guess you are not referring to the real problem:
For the rich:
Give them tax breaks
Give them bonuses even if the bankrupt a company or move jobs overseas
Give them stock options
Give them perks, goodies and privilege
For the poor
Take away their food stamps
I just read yesterday the the DOD is comtemplating reducing military retirements, charge copays for retirees, and are closing commissaries. Now folks who did not participate in the military cannot understand what this means, but to me and other active duty and military retirees it means a lot. The point is, if Obama can spend money flying other countries's troops around, he sure as hell can leave jour retirement the way it is. I wish he would go there and stay there.
I understand your frustration and respect your service. I will say what you are encountering (increase in medical expenses, elimination of pensions, rising food costs) is no different than what we are all experiencing. Folks who work for the government are just 10-20 years behind the rest of the nation. We are all enduring worsening benefits and higher expenses....well except the super wealthy...
Jesus christ thousands of people are being butchered for their religious convictions and you're complaining that the United States has decided to take a minimal role in the loss of human life because future military retirees won't enjoy the same benefits you do?
One word explains it: SEQUESTER. If you talk to your Tea Party Friends you will find out that your SOCIALIST PENSIONS are bleeding the country white.
Congress allocates the funds for military retirees' benefits, not the President.
Hope the French and African troops can resolve this issue. I don't mind the USA flying them in, I just hope we don't send any ground troops or participate in killing.
They are flying armed soldiers into battle with "ISLAM" Thats the bottom line. Ya know. The war Obama says we will never be in. We have been at war with ISLAM since ISLAM'S inception! The only way the war will ever end is to shut down ISLAM from all nations. Ban it!
And Yes, We are at war with ISLAM!
Agreed! As long as we also go to war against Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Wiccans and every other religion in the process. Kill em all, let God sort em... wait, there is no god, that's THE POINT! Maybe another 1000 years humanity will grow out of these fables and myths. 😛
You must be a Christian Fundamentalist. If you are not you should consider joining.
Why in the heck r we helping the africans again... they hate us.
Because if we don't Chinese will.
and Rendez-vous in 20 years
No NO. It is the Eskimos that hate us. Don't you read your Bible!
Yes we Africans hate you because of all the insensitive and derogatory comments you guys make about our continent on daily basis. we read your comments on african stories and know the kind of people we are dealing with. Chinese are better, atleast they talk less
Democrats suck!!!!!
exuse me joseph no one was talking to you!
Why now? Why not when Congo and Uganda needed us? The human travesty there was unrivaled anywhere.
was this linked to drudge or something? So many angry crazy people...
They can't help it. They are Tea Party Republicans. That is what happens to you when you eat the things you run over in the road and are the product of an extremely inbred gene pool.
Sounds like another religious war, Lat time Obama voted present,
This time he just needs a distraction.
I have no idea what you were attempting to say...
gotdayum it...Obozo has to coddle the neegroes yet again!!!
Here is another prime example of a brain dead Tea Party racist. These people can count to 21 ( at least the men) once a year when they take a shower. They worship money and Rush Limbaugh and everybody they know is a relative in an extremely limited gene pool. You see the Republican Southern Strategy at work. Pathetic!
Obama should be killing the muslim freaks but he wants to help them
Well of course Oshama's gotta protect his muslim buddies! This will get swept under the carpet while the American idiots try to figure out what Michelle's wearing to Mandela's funeral!
Why don't they use their own equipment?
Because we spend 10x more money on our military than every other country combined. That's why we have the equipment to do everything in the world and other countries don't. Yet, if we stop spending on the military then people will complain because we're not safe (in their eyes I guess).
Africa is where the US will fight the Chinese.
Research Chinese involvement and interests in African countries.
It's all about the mineral / metals trade.
Actually this will be successful in stopping the violence in short order. But the peace usually doesn't last too long
LOL Swell, Vietnam rehash YET AGAIN.
So more money being spent and wasted. Wonder what taxes will pop up next for this. Doubt this will be some sort of aid and "peacekeeping" effort.
I thought Obama was tired of wars and lambasted Bush for the extended war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now he is gunning for central Africa. What a guy. Flubbed up in Libya taking out Qaddafi. Messed up in Egypt supporting Morsi.
Bravo Obama you surely have no idea what you are doing.
Please.. We spend more on training exercises then our involvement in this little kerfuffle. Remember one of Clintons' biggest regrets was not preventing genocide in Rwanda.
Please have a good hard long look at our national debt that is going up exponentially NOT down. Then explain to me how the plethora of money we supposedly have laying around to deal with this, when quite frankly this will not be some quick peacekeeping mission. I will bet you anything things will get worse and we will be dragged in.
Yeah Rwanda was bad, but what are we supposed to do, go and police the world and tell tribes what not to do and discipline them. We are not the world police period. People die every single day. We cannot even get Chicago, a city in our own country to stop with the mass murder and violence what the heck makes you think we can get religious factions in Africa to stop?
Africa is having serious problems. Somalia is gone that will never be repaired. Nigeria is suffering. Sudan is suffering. Central Africa suffering. Egypt is still messed up. Libya is messed up. Kenya is having to deal with Somalia. The top half of Africa is being taking over by Muslims, the bottom half still Christian or not as taken over by Muslims. What the heck do you really think we can even do?
The US learned to fight England in the Revolutionary War so we could be independent. Yes the French helped us, but we fought to win and we did. Africa is made up of 54 countries, there are possibly up to 3,000 maybe more tribes in Africa, how are they all supposed to supposedly get along, not including the religious factions as well, given Muslims and Christians will never get along.
We have no business being involved in another dispute. Haven't we learned our lesson yet? I imagine a world without war...
That will only happen when humans are extinct.
Why don't we send our troops into Detroit and New Orleans instead?
How about Chicago, murder capital of the US.
Mandela isn't even dead for 2 days and we begin a new invasion
Christians v Muslims yet again. When will the world get out of the 17th century and ditch this kind of crap. In another hundred years, God willing, there won't be any such thing as religion anyway. Yes, Sheldon Cooper, that was sarcasm.
Its a great thing that we have extra money around for these kinds of things!
African Conflict? – I guess Obama is catering to the needy....
..its simple..the French are recolonizing and need support...when they 'quell' the so called 'rebels' then they can gorge themselves on CAR's resources minerals etc...its another French colony endorsed by the US...Thanks again guys
Regarding Posts on forum...The Ignorance of the American public – laughable
Why is it that the US believes it is so damned important that "we" help out other countries fly in troops? Isn't this another waste of taxpayer money? We spend billions upon billions helping others when we should be helping those in the US that truly need help. Keep our troops and our tax dollars at home where they are needed the most. We don't need to be "Big Brother" to everyone!
It's practice for when they need to come home to enforce our own governments wishes.
Agreed!! These contries should be flipping the bill for this service.
Blah Blah Blah./... stop thinking about yourself for a change. There are people in the C.A.R. that need help. Get off your high horse.
SCREW AFRICA. Tell Europe and the rest of the world to get off its high horse and do something for a change!!!!
@shutup: Re-read the article. It's the French that are sending in the ground troops and doing the heavy lifting.
Interesting. Reading these comments, I don't recall having read or heard this same vitriol when Bush announced we were invading Iraq following 9/11. And why aren't there here the usually predictable indignant comments from American Christians protesting attacks upon their own religious kind? Probably because this issue involves Africans (blacks) and Muslims, neither of whom are very well tolerated in the U.S. these days.
Get a life – Bush?
The ignorant, racist and hateful are too afraid to respond to your logic and perceptiveness.
No, the racist is sending troops to Central Africa.
Hateful? LOL I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO sure you supported Bush and Iraq now didn't you.
No one is afraid to answer.
You want a bloody answer here it is. WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY!!!!!!! This is a religious battle going on that has NOTHING to do with the US period. But I guess you would like a repeat of Vietnam and the 1994 Rwanda now wouldn't you. We did such a bloody bang up job there now didn't we.
racists. ha. resorting to name calling. but its ironic the name that you chose to throw. coming from a lib that is infested with rampant racism. an administration that is supported by a black church that swept aside their very religion to vote black because its black. truly funny.
One of the dumbest comments of the year. I hope you at least make some kind of a top 10 list!
Really? We have a black president and regardless of how people feel about the job he is doing the American people put him there, twice. Against their own kind? Your hate and ignorance is truly something to behold. You talk about prejudice and yet you highlight yours. Nothing but regurgitated hate propaganda.
No....the people who put Obama back in office were the 41 percent who get freebies from Obama and the Democrats. Note the MAJORITY of the voters did not put him there. Oh, those that voted 8 times also added to his votes. Remember, he is half white, so don't start the racist crap, or I might also.
"the people put him there"?? really??? well lets see, take out the racist blacks that vote black because its black, take out the criminals that voted multiple times, take out the dead uncles/cats/dogs that voted..... take out the vote buying (giving taxpayer $$ to illegals, obama phones, etc) that leaves?.....
you idiots successfully carried out the biggest coup in history. the funny thing is that you are stuck with the crappy outcome as much as the rest of us.
SCPO USNRET...... "don't start the racist crap or I might have to also." You're racist stripes are already on, bright and center.
It is fantastically AMAZING how you think you outright remember completely what was said on this forum in 2003 10 years ago. Gosh darn that is SOOOO impressive of you with that kind of memory.
To SCPO USNRET, I am not an Obama supporter. My point is America is not a racist country. Racism will always exist and the fact that we have a half breed in your words goes to show we have come a long way since he is not a white christian american. The ills you speak of are true but we are just as responsible as a people. We elect the same old people into office after they have time and again shown they don't have the people's interests. My point Senior is just that, America is not a state sponsored prejudice nation. Everything else is that, everything else.
The French can't fly their own troops in?
muwahahaaaaa....the French...really?...oh...that's priceless.
The French airforce is only good for flying its troops OUT during a retreat.
Sounds like Obama is starting his own little war in Africa. Maybe there will be some way he can blame this on Bush and not take responsibility. More tax dollars wasted.
It's a DARKIE thing. White folk don't understand....
I've always said it: The worst of the worst post in these comment sections. You are living proof of that. And dajowi is the other type: the most ignorant of the ignorant.
Spoken like a true racist. When's your next tea Party rally?
No, it's a HUMAN thing, something you apparently know nothing about.
feel so sorry for you. How do you carry on in life everyday with so much hate? you must be one miserable soul!
Spoken like a typical dumb Teabagger. Humanitarian means just that. This isn't a war caused by lies like Iraq. Didn't hear the Cons complaining about Tax payers dollars then did we? It is amazing how much hypocrisy we see from the Right.
You are an Obama-bagger.....
I always wondered were all the tea bagger obama hating racists pigs went to after he beat their behinds last november. I finally found them, they're hiding behind their computer screans after that trouncing. No more tea party rallies..hahaha. The man whipped your a$$ and all you can do is now have your little tea bagger ralies on message boards. Got news for you all..be prepared for another a$$ whipping in 2016...its coming baby.
LMAO Yeah ya know Kennedy sent people to Vietnam for "humanitarian needs" and look what happened there. BRAVO.
@sickos–
Your Dictator is a real gem of a guy.
So what,. he lied his behind off to win the election. Post election his numbers are taking an extreme nosedive. LOL. Too many people drank the kool-aid.
Bahahaha the ONLY thing you people can even scream is racist when you have ZERO argument. Look at you, going back to the elections to try and make an excuse and bang them awesome rejoice the Dictator drums. If you are white I am betting you suffer from some extreme white guilt.
Starting? Do a little research, more than a million people have already been killed in this war. Talk to some people from the area and they will tell you some shocking truths about their families being slaughtered and of the corruption and exploitation of the natural resources there by neighboring countries and big business interests. Truly tragic situation that needs the world's attention.
Always laughable rhetoric from the right when they forget that Bush spent 3 years just denying that the economy was taking a nose dive.
Hilarious from the left that Obamacare you can keep your doctor and your healthplan and it will not cost more.
LOL.
to borrow from the bush/cheney bashers....
what is the endgame to obama's latest war? why are we doing this? how long will we be there? how does this affect me? where is the evidence? its obvious that we only want their dirt (oil). Obama doesnt care about the working class! its the blue collar aircraft crewchiefs that will suffer not the elite Washington crowd. where is the coalition? the UN vote? "if you like your Central African Republic, you can keep your Central African Republic"
Poor Bob, he seems a bit delusional. The UN voted for this, why don't you read the resolution as your ignorance is showing. We do not want another Rwanda do we?
More innocent people have already been killed in the CAR than in Rwanda and the situation is getting more dire.
read the resolution. it authorizes FRENCH and AFRICAN forces to take action. your boy interjected himself (er' uh' the USA) again.
So people dying under Saddam is good, people dying in C.A.R. is bad. WOW amazing
sharky, its ALL bad. der'. whats amazing is that `its ok` when the libs act on it. but when republicans did the same thing, "oh holly hell! war mongering republicans"
Why the heck can't they foot their own bill? Let their own taxpayers send in their own "peacekeepers" and let the U.S. fly in its own. All the U.S. is good for in Africa is for continuing financial aid. For a country that is in constant chaos and turmoil, this is one place the U.S. can really satisfy the hippies out there who want us to stay out of other countries by staying out of this hotbed of mess.
Those that are not willing to help others, do not deserve help themselves.
I'm sorry, but who has ever HELPED the U.S.?
The French did, in the American Revolutionary War.
To start...
Google the Iraq Invasion for a list of 50 odd counties that contributed. Plus we also have a dozen or so allies helping in Afghanistan. Also, last I heard we had a combined fleet operations with the Canadians, Indians, UK< netherlands, Australians. etc. combating piracy off the Horn of Africa.
When American pilots are killed by one of the factions there, what will our response be? I doubt it will be Nothing.
Do these countries have no military cargo aircraft?
We are a permanent member of the UN, would you rather have troops on the ground or another Rwanda on our hands?
How about Vietnam. Is that better?
WHAT A WASTE
These are the cons of being the world power and being the lone sherrif of the world.
This isn't a consequence of being the lone superpower/sheriff. It's about helping out the French and the UN. Why we would help the UN is beyond me, but the French have helped us out in Afghanistan (and other places) and they've been pretty good allies of late. The French have done most of the "heavy lifting" in Africa and if we can help them out, it's no skin off our noses. I would not support a move to put additional ground forces into Africa, but in support of our alliances with our NATO partners, a little air lift support isn't too much to ask. If the Department of State can afford million dollar artwork, we should be able to afford to help the French out, Right?
Who is paying for this? Oh yea the supreme racist says all those that are working and trying to support their families will pay and pay more. Hope they put him on a plane.
Great....now we can start to worry about head case terrorism from these places. When is this country going to learn and STOP INTEFERING around the world?
Hi there! We were asked to help by fellow UN African peacekeepers. We are not INTERFEARING AROUND THE WORLD.
We were asked to interfere, we could have said no. They could always ask North Korea for help. Or China. Heck, China is on the UN Security Council.
Yeah, let's stick to what we know, screwing up everyone's healthcare instead!
We are involved in this because there can potentially be genocide.
Potentially? It as already far beyond that. Truly tragic.
Or a Vietnam repeat.
But hey if you think we can solve, what 54 other countries cannot, meaning African countries, and can solve the problems between religious factions, AND 3,000 plus or minus tribes in Africa that will probably have disputes then wow you are amazing.
I thought the liar in chief was supposed to be bringing our troops home.
Read article...... The only thing we are loaning are Aircraft and pilots. Both of which are coming back.
Are you sure they are coming back? That was supposedly something we all thought regarding the Consulate in Benghazi too.
By the way did you know in 2011 Obama sent troops, 100, to Uganda, what happened to them?
When is Obama going to start caring about America as much as he does his buddies in the Congo?
Well. That's undisguisedly racist. Good to know where you stand.
Oh there is it, the ONLY argument you can come up with. ANYONE speaking negatively about the wonderful Dictator MUST be racist.
So I bet you hated Bush, if so you are racist.
Oh your white guilt is priceless.
Bo
When is Obama going to start caring about America as much as he does his buddies in the Congo? BO, according to your statement, the Health Reform Law was about giving the people of the Congo Health Insurance because the President does not are about the American People.
Why? Why are we risking more lives and blowing more tax money? Who are we arming and "helping" now?
I said the same thing about ObamaCare!
France and AU, you just need to read this short article
when the world calls send it voicemail...everyone acts like they hate us anyway...lets say F you world. solve your own damn problems
Waste of our tax dollars.
France has no more military air transport?
we have the aircraft sitting nearby, and the French asked for our help in moving troops (mostly Burundian troops).Why not help?
Why are the US Taxpayers footing this bill? Why can't the French fly in thier own troops? The US has been looked at for far too long as the world piggy bank. It is long past time to start to think in the best interest of the US taxpayer. I think 90% of all aid should be stopped at least until a time that we pay off the national debt and have "extra" money.
Everyone here does know that we are part of the UN right? Unlike a lot of our useless UN "allies" we have the capability for mass troop transport. So what. I am quite sure we are getting concessions out of this. We do very little for "free". There is always a time in the future when we can ask France for a "favor" in return.
Focusing on the negative?? What about the vast majority of Sub-Saharan African's who look at America, and see the epitome of hope?? I encourage you to travel there, and discover for yourself.. Unfortunately the concept of being poor, has a whole new picture, when you have seen it with your own eyes!!
I think if the US stops offering to fill the role of World Police, then people will stop looking to us to do it.
Remember, we spend more on our military than the next 3 or 4 countries combined. If YOU tell your congressman to stop spending money on the military, then maybe the US will stop using the military they have.
A waste of money and putting American lives in jeopardy for no good reason. Africa always has been in chaos and always will be.
Agreed. No reason for the US taxpayer to put good money for bad.
This is a way for the US to monitor Henry Kissenger's goal set in the 70"s for controlling world population growth. Starting in Sub-Saharra Africa?
The US. should have never involved itself in the middle east or Europe because the people have always been
in some kind of conflict with one another. They are so uncivilized when considering matters of war and peace.
May God help them all.
And you are sooooo civilized...
May god forgive you.
The only way this can be effective is to respond to the 'uprisings' (read gihad) as a world community. The responses need to be precise and fast. Once it gets 'bad enough' to justify the intervention it is too late. It has to be stomped out before it starts. It is a game of hot potato , a country has turmoil, and they push till they take control or till an appropriate response is issued and they send fighters elsewhere as soon as who ever responds deploys. Effectively we need a collaborative SWAT / anti terrorist team. A fast response team made of all free nations. Then designate a legal route to protest that does not lead to power exchanges to gihadist and crush anything , anywhere that falls outside those guidelines. This is what it will take.
The Justice League!
The Feast of Stephen.