U.s. And Eu To Aid French Military In Mali Operations

[News_Editor]

U.S. and EU to aid French military in Mali operations < br />

2013-01-19 09:45:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON (BNO NEWS) -- As the Mali conflict intensifies with France's decision to take military action in the African country, the U.S. and the European Union (EU) on Thursday announced military aid.

The United States announced that it will be sending out military transport planes to aid French armed forces in Mali. The aircraft are expected to help move heavy equipment such as tanks and armed vehicles, as well as troops.

U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, spoke after her meeting with Somali President Hassan Shekh Mohamud in Washington, saying the country will be supporting France in North Africa.

"We are supporting the French operation in Mali with intelligence and airlift," she said. "We're working with a half a dozen African countries, as we did with respect to Somalia over so many years, to help them be prepared to send in African troops."

Clinton also said that U.S. trainers will be on the continent to offer pre-deployment training and sustainment packages for ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) troops. 

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) announced that the Council on Thursday established a Common Security and Defense Policy mission to support the training and reorganization of the Malian Armed Forces, appointing Brigadier General François Lecointre from France as mission commander.

The EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) is intended to help improve the military, providing training and advise for the Malian Armed Forces on command and control, logistics, human resources as well as on international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and human rights.

The EU noted, nonetheless, that the mission will not be involved in combat operations and estimated the common costs of the operation at 12.3 million euros ($16.4 million) for the 15-month mandate. The headquarters will be in Bamako while training is to take place in a dedicated location north-east of Bamako.

On Wednesday, the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is based in The Hague, Netherlands, formally opened an investigation into alleged crimes committed in Mali since the conflict began, in January 2012.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda stated that "at each stage during the conflict, different armed groups have caused havoc and human suffering through a range of alleged acts of extreme violence. I have determined that some of these deeds of brutality and destruction may constitute war crimes as defined by the Rome Statute."

According to investigations conducted since 2012, the ICC said there is a reasonable basis to believe murder; mutilation, cruel treatment and torture were committed, in addition to other crimes such as the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgement by a constituted court, pillaging, and rape. 

Bensouda ensured a thorough, impartial investigation and justice to Malian victims

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2013-01-19

[Steely Dan]

In respect to the crimes being investigated by the ICC, including brutality, destruction, murder and mutilation, to use but four words cited in the article. I wonder whether these crimes will be due to the strict implementation of Sharia law by the so called rebels, and whether in prosecuting such crimes will said interpretation of Sharia law be declared illegal as defined by the ICC?

[folium]

In respect to the crimes being investigated by the ICC, including brutality, destruction, murder and mutilation, to use but four words cited in the article. I wonder whether these crimes will be due to the strict implementation of Sharia law by the so called rebels, and whether in prosecuting such crimes will said interpretation of Sharia law be declared illegal as defined by the ICC?

If you looked around a little more you might be able to see that "brutality, destruction, murder, mutilation" are crimes committed by all faiths, be it Catholic (Croats), Orthodox (Serbs), Jews (Israelis, albeit pretty rarely, eg Kafr Qasim or Al Dawayima), Buddhists (Cambodians, Burmese), Hindus (Indians), and even the atheists are not immune.

The ICC is busy enough chasing bad guys in general, to need to worry about particular religious phobias....

Somewhat ironic this whole W. African expedition given that many commentators were banking on an end to such forays post-Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya. Goes to show that the world's a nasty place and to put this in context the Brits have been engaged in overseas operations and have taken fatalities in every year since 1945, with the sole exception of 1968 (must have been all that "make love not war" stuff!)

[Steely Dan]

In respect to the crimes being investigated by the ICC, including brutality, destruction, murder and mutilation, to use but four words cited in the article. I wonder whether these crimes will be due to the strict implementation of Sharia law by the so called rebels, and whether in prosecuting such crimes will said interpretation of Sharia law be declared illegal as defined by the ICC?

If you looked around a little more you might be able to see that "brutality, destruction, murder, mutilation" are crimes committed by all faiths, be it Catholic (Croats), Orthodox (Serbs), Jews (Israelis, albeit pretty rarely, eg Kafr Qasim or Al Dawayima), Buddhists (Cambodians, Burmese), Hindus (Indians), and even the atheists are not immune.

The ICC is busy enough chasing bad guys in general, to need to worry about particular religious phobias....

Somewhat ironic this whole W. African expedition given that many commentators were banking on an end to such forays post-Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya. Goes to show that the world's a nasty place and to put this in context the Brits have been engaged in overseas operations and have taken fatalities in every year since 1945, with the sole exception of 1968 (must have been all that "make love not war" stuff!)

You forgot to mention the Amish shaving each other's beards off, but as with your other red herrings it would not be relevant to the topic. The MNLA wanted an independent Tuareg state called Azawad. They initially fought alongside the Islamists Ansar Dine in order to drive the Malian government out of the north. It was then that Ansar Dine started to impose strict sharia law, at which point the MNLA fought against them but were driven from the cities by the Islamists.

Be my guest to point to MNLA or even Malian government atrocities committed in the name of whatever religion or cause you like, but I suspect what the ICC are referring to is the stonings, floggings and amputations, without anything resembling a trial. Do you not agree that pursuing those guilty of such acts is desirable, and more so if it sets a precedent that makes for example the Saudi penchant for chopping off hands or even heads or stoning adulterers illegal?

[ThaiFelix]

I didnt know there was any oil in Mali?? There is murder and mayhem everywhere but it usually takes oil to get the attention of the US or UK in any 'humanitarian' help??

[ThaiFelix]

Is there oil in Mali??

[maidu]

In respect to the crimes being investigated by the ICC, including brutality, destruction, murder and mutilation, to use but four words cited in the article. I wonder whether these crimes will be due to the strict implementation of Sharia law by the so called rebels, and whether in prosecuting such crimes will said interpretation of Sharia law be declared illegal as defined by the ICC?

A crime is a crime. Most things considered crimes in western countries are also considered crimes under Sharia law. However, ICC is going to use a western/reasonable perspective, not a Sharia one - which recommends such things as cutting off a child's hand if he's caught stealing a $5 digital watch.

[marstons]

The French went in hoping to see support from other African nations with troops etc rapidly grow, now they are surprised its not happening and getting more involved. Just wonder do they not know what's happened in recent conflicts when western forces get involved. Another no win situation looming.

[Yahooka]

Is there oil in Mali??

No,but minerals .You wanna start with oil exploration there ?

[Exsexyman]

Is there oil in Mali??

No,but minerals .You wanna start with oil exploration there ?

What are OUR minerals doing under their soil?!

[wayned]

The French went in hoping to see support from other African nations with troops etc rapidly grow, now they are surprised its not happening and getting more involved. Just wonder do they not know what's happened in recent conflicts when western forces get involved. Another no win situation looming.

They seem to forget their involvement not too many years ago in a SEA country not to far from here and the outcome of that fiasco!

[stoli]

I didnt know there was any oil in Mali?? There is murder and mayhem everywhere but it usually takes oil to get the attention of the US or UK in any 'humanitarian' help??

Guess your liberal talking points that we only help a nation for their oil goes right out the window, huh? My goodness, better call Obama for something else to blame this on. Or are you going to say that we are only in Mali becuase of George Bush? Good luck with that one....

[Pakboong]

Is there oil in Mali??

Africa's 3rd largest gold mining operation.

[folium]

Be my guest to point to MNLA or even Malian government atrocities committed in the name of whatever religion or cause you like, but I suspect what the ICC are referring to is the stonings, floggings and amputations, without anything resembling a trial. Do you not agree that pursuing those guilty of such acts is desirable, and more so if it sets a precedent that makes for example the Saudi penchant for chopping off hands or even heads or stoning adulterers illegal?

Extrajudicial punishments/killings are utterly abhorrent wherever they are committed, be it northern Mali or Shenandoah, PA.

As to the rights or wrongs of judicial systems in individual countries that is largely their own responsibility. Heaven forbid that foreigners would suggest that the USA changes its gun laws, or that Thailand actually got a judicial system that is not up for the highest bid.

Talking of war crimes an interesting read, and one found in the Christmas stockings of many a professional military type, is Nick Turse's recent opus, "Kill Anything That Moves." You probably won't agree with his thesis but it's well worth the read.

[folium]

I didnt know there was any oil in Mali?? There is murder and mayhem everywhere but it usually takes oil to get the attention of the US or UK in any 'humanitarian' help??

Guess your liberal talking points that we only help a nation for their oil goes right out the window, huh? My goodness, better call Obama for something else to blame this on. Or are you going to say that we are only in Mali becuase of George Bush? Good luck with that one....

Not sure if this qualifies as a "liberal talking point", but France's involvement in Mali in one sense fits the decades old policy of French intervention in ex colonies with little encouragement. More pressingly, just across the border from rebel occupied northern Mali lie the somewhat important locations of Arlit and Imouraren in Niger, both of which sit in Tuareg majority areas that have seen intermittent conflict previously supported by Steely Dan' s favourite autocrat, M. Qaddafi.

If France loses control of these 2 locations it will go dark in France quicker than you can say Beau Geste, as without Niger's little product French power generation is a tad scuppered.....

[Hedghog]

Here we go again.

The EU and US,can't wait too squander more money away on a lost cause.

When will they ever learn.

[maidu]

Here we go again.

The EU and US,can't wait too squander more money away on a lost cause.

When will they ever learn.

There are other perspectives: On the one hand, along with the reasoning above, it's a waste of time, resources and European lives to go in and try to fix screwed up countries. In the bigger perspective, there are fellow humans there, who will get increasingly shat upon if hard-core Sharia rule takes hold. It's not an easy scenario within which to decide what's best to do.

Do nothing (as China, and Thailand, and most other countries are adept at), and let suffering happen as it will.

or, take dynamic action (as Europe, US, and Aussies/NZ do) to try an ameleorate the situation.

Admittedly, westerners are not appreciated in their meddling, and are most often scorned. Similar to Romans going to places they weren't welcome. Personally, I favor intervention in most modern scenarios (no doubt, I'm in the minority). Bosnia, E.Timor, and Haiti, are some examples where intervention did more good than harm in recent dedades. Of course, there are many examples of places where it can be argued that more harm than good was done via interventions.

A basic component of troubles from Indonesia, on through Pakistan, on through to Morocco, is their religion and the Sharia justice which it spawned. There are more than murmerings of that becoming entrenched throughout Europe also. It's like a disease. If it's not dealt with dynamically, it spreads insiduously. The result is ever larger hordes of people suffering.

Edited January 22, 2013 by maidu

[Steely Dan]

Apparently Egypt's Mohammad Morsi opposes French military action in Mali, arguing it makes a division between the North and South worse. I do struggle to see how it can get worse for those under Jihaddist occupation, who include Sufi Muslims and the Tuaregs, who wanted autonomy from the South anyway. Perhaps the U.S and E.U should review just who their allies are before signing large aid cheques. In contrast the citizens of recently liberated town cheer the French soldiers.

[Exsexyman]

Here we go again.

The EU and US,can't wait too squander more money away on a lost cause.

When will they ever learn.

There are other perspectives: On the one hand, along with the reasoning above, it's a waste of time, resources and European lives to go in and try to fix screwed up countries. In the bigger perspective, there are fellow humans there, who will get increasingly shat upon if hard-core Sharia rule takes hold. It's not an easy scenario within which to decide what's best to do.

Do nothing (as China, and Thailand, and most other countries are adept at), and let suffering happen as it will.

or, take dynamic action (as Europe, US, and Aussies/NZ do) to try an ameleorate the situation.

Admittedly, westerners are not appreciated in their meddling, and are most often scorned. Similar to Romans going to places they weren't welcome. Personally, I favor intervention in most modern scenarios (no doubt, I'm in the minority). Bosnia, E.Timor, and Haiti, are some examples where intervention did more good than harm in recent dedades. Of course, there are many examples of places where it can be argued that more harm than good was done via interventions.

A basic component of troubles from Indonesia, on through Pakistan, on through to Morocco, is their religion and the Sharia justice which it spawned. There are more than murmerings of that becoming entrenched throughout Europe also. It's like a disease. If it's not dealt with dynamically, it spreads insiduously. The result is ever larger hordes of people suffering.

You make an interesting point in the last paragraph regarding Sharia justice. You should maybe have a look at the comments section of the UK Daily Mail or Sun newspapers where there are many many people calling for rapists to be castrated, murderers to be summarily strung up, thieves hands chopped off etc. Indeed the same applies here on Thai Visa whenever there is a News thread about rape, murder etc, with many members calling for the same thing. It would appear there are many Westerners who would thoroughly approve of Sharia justice!