Nicolas Sarkozy seems like a pretty serious guy. He's been talking tough for a while and now has taken the next step, at least in Mauritania, by declaring War on AQIM. I'm not completely clear on just what role the French took in the raid beyond 'technical support' but I'd bet there were some French military assets involved.
My favorite part of the story was the comment by the the Socialist Party;
"We have no quarrel to pick provided everything is done to protect both the security of our fellow citizens ... and of French territory," Socialist party spokesman Benoit Hamon told France-Inter radio. (Rueters)
Say what you will about the French but they've been active in anti pirate operations and if they are serious about the Al Queda threat anywhere it's a good thing. The French are light years ahead of the military of any Second or Third world country you care to name and better than many First as well. France currently has about 3500 troops in Afghanistan and as late as January 2010 Sarkozy confirmed his intention to maintain their presence until the job was done.
In light of the latest atrocity by those who profess to follow the religion of peace, the beheading of a 78 year old French aid worker, an increase in French operations is certainly possible and would be welcome. I could even see a time, during the current administration, when France could take over the lead in prosecuting the world wide war on terrorism. And wouldn't that be a kick in the nether regions.
Six
4 comments:
The French military has always been very capable. Their political leadership has varied from very good to very bad, but you would be hard pressed to fault the operational elements. I'm thinking their political leadership is on the very good end of the spectrum currently and the electorate is getting fed up. We should find ourselves about twenty years behind on that cycle if we evaluate.
Thanks for weighing in Ed, I was hoping you would.
I agree. The French military is way better than most Americans give them credit for and the Sarkozy government seems pretty competent. I'm frankly hoping they take a more prominent leadership role on the world stage. obama and his minions are making noise where Iran is concerned but I completely lack any confidence in their ability or strategic vision.
said Sarkozy had "opened the doors of hell."
Yep, I bet he has. I like that ol' boy.
Me too Dick. If he goes berserker on the RIF's I just may write him in for president in 2012.
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