U.S. military to pursue Niger operations after deadly attack

Follow the hydrocarbons. Which faction (Trump's? Putin's? China's? A 'religious' one? Others?) of oil-igarchs will prevail? In the US, why did Trump appoint Tillerson (among others from the oil industry) to his cabinet?

The world needs to reduce its consumption of hydrocarbons. Stop making the oil-igarchs even richer and more powerful.

Tribal and ethnic warfare has been going on in the Sahel forever. Just because one group labels another group ISIS or Al Qaeda in order to obtain a lucrative western aid package doesn't necessarily mean it's true. I have the highest respect for the men and women who we send in harm's way, but I think our leaders owe us a detailed explanation of the perceived objectives and value of some of these ventures.

Don't wanna quote @ptownsend, but they are always right. Figures quote military, but not contractors or prospectors.

and who decided to send US forces to Niger?

@blacklab and who decided to send US forces to Niger?

Don't know who specifically. I know troops were sent there during Obama's admin.

Why is Trump keeping US troops there? Do you think the big hydrocarbons industry insiders like Tillerson, whose 'former' employer has operations in that part of Africa, might have affected decisions, both initially and currently?

Why aren't the media giving more attention to the debacle? Are they actually protecting Trump's involvement in this by focusing attention on how disrespectful he was to the gold star wife?

Why aren't the media giving more attention to the debacle? Are they actually protecting Trump's involvement in this by focusing attention on how disrespectful he was to the gold star wife?

If he actually did indeed disrespect her.

If he actually did indeed disrespect her.

That's what she claimed, isn't it? Or, is she lying? ;)

Niger asked for help - that's why the soldiers are there

US and Niger have always been friendly since Niger's independence in 1960