I realize it isn't exactly news that there are a fair number of U.S. military bases on non-U.S. soil. (See, e.g., this graphic). But this kind of thing really makes me wonder just, WTF, our national security state is up to:
In pre-dawn darkness, a Toyota Land Cruiser skidded off a bridge in North Africa in the spring, plunging into the Niger River. When rescuers arrived, they found the bodies of three U.S. Army commandos — alongside three dead women [reportedly prostitutes].
What the men were doing in the impoverished country of Mali, and why they were still there a month after the United States suspended military relations with its government, is at the crux of a mystery that officials have not fully explained even 10 weeks later. (emphasis added)
And, of course, this story from last month that I think I mentioned somewhere before:
About a dozen air bases have been established in Africa since 2007, according to a former senior U.S. commander involved in setting up the network. Most are small operations run out of secluded hangars at African military bases or civilian airports.
The nature and extent of the missions, as well as many of the bases being used, have not been previously reported but are partially documented in public Defense Department contracts. The operations have intensified in recent months, part of a growing shadow war against al-Qaeda affiliates and other militant groups.
Hmm... a shadow war (in part) against "other militant groups." Where's the authority for that?
We have yet to hit the bottom of the rabbit hole, apparently.
New Default Assumption: Yes, America Has Troops on the Ground in that Country
Jul 10, 2012 by UghComments
Jul 13, 2012, 10:01:18 sapient wrote:
I'm okay with that, with Obama as President. Sorry, Ugh. I get it, and I recognize that "trust" is a problem. But the only power we have over that is to choose the person we trust. And I trust him.
When we have the power to micromanage, or even manage foreign policy, maybe I'll give a more serious listen.
By the way, I believe that I may have terminally pissed off russell. For which I deserve the death penalty.