Article

2013-01-14 Africa Horn

Second French commando dies of wounds -Somali rebels

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Posted by tipper 2013-01-14 11:37|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [336073 views ] Top

#1 Wonder if Europe appreciates "Smart Diplomacy" yet?

Posted by AlanC 2013-01-14 12:50|| 2013-01-14 12:50|| Front Page Top

#2 Soft power...

Posted by M. Murcek 2013-01-14 12:54|| 2013-01-14 12:54|| Front Page Top

#3 Again, props to the French for trying. Learn from whatever mistakes were made and do it better next time.

Unfortunately there are parts of the world that do not listen to civil, reasoned discourse. That's when you send in the special forces...

Posted by Steve White 2013-01-14 15:21|| 2013-01-14 15:21|| Front Page Top

#4 I don't recall the French being as panic stricken over Rules of Engagement (ROE) as some. In that neighborhood, probably a good thing. Hat tip and best wishes to them.

Posted by Besoeker 2013-01-14 15:26|| 2013-01-14 15:26|| Front Page Top

#5 "there are parts of the world that do not listen to civil, reasoned discourse. That's when you send in ~~the special forces~~ an Arclight or three...."

FTFY, Dr. White.

Posted by Barbara 2013-01-14 15:38|| 2013-01-14 15:38|| Front Page Top

#6 The Frenchies repor gravely underestimated the level of Militant resistance encountered.

Posted by JosephMendiola 2013-01-14 18:32|| 2013-01-14 18:32|| Front Page Top

#7 Yes. Almost looks like Al Shabaab knew they were coming, doesn't it?

Posted by Raider 2013-01-14 19:57|| 2013-01-14 19:57|| Front Page Top

#8 Latest intel sez they did, either through civilians informing on them or raiding the wrong house.

My take is the French trusted the Somali government to assist in providing intel on the raid, like the government trusted the Libyan militia for its consulate's security.

Posted by Pappy 2013-01-14 21:39|| 2013-01-14 21:39|| Front Page Top

#9 DEFENCE.PK/FORUMS > AL-SHABAAB DEMAND RELEASE OF JIHADIS IN EXCHANGE FOR FRENCH HOSTAGE, RESIDENTS DECRY ILL-PLANNED OPERATION.

Apparently locals weren't too impressed wid the French rescue operation, i.e. 40+ elite Frenchies agz 100+ Al-Shabaab Hard Boyz [17 Militants KIA], labeling the ResOp "impossible" + "amateurish", + unhappiness over death of eight Civie locals caught in cross-fire???

versus

* DAILY TIMES.PK > "NO EU TROOPS IN MALI", outside of France [ + British aircraft]. Both EU + NATO say that France has made no formal request for EU or NATO-level assistance.

versus

* WORLD NEWS > [Stars-N-Stripes] US MILITARY COULD BE DRAWN INTO MALI FIGHT.

Posted by JosephMendiola 2013-01-14 23:13|| 2013-01-14 23:13|| Front Page Top

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