(06-25-2016, 04:57 PM)bfine32 Wrote: One of the points I've always tried to make in threads about terror is how "nobody" cares about the ongoings in Africa.

7500 were killed in Nigeria alone due to terrorism in 2014. Here's a complete report if anyone wants to read:
http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2014/239404.htm

What brought this to mind is this that happened in Somalia today and I doubt it will get much play:
http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2014/239404.htm

I have read (no link and could be wrong) that the EU is now pulling support from Africa's fight against terror, because they now have to deal with it more within their own borders.

No point other than to bring attention to a population that I feel is getting ignored and to get anyone else's thought on the ongoings in the continent.

(06-25-2016, 07:16 PM)bfine32 Wrote: I get the passive approach and I know we can't "save the world" it's just the fighter in me that would love to protect those that are dying by the thousands. We are so spoiled as a Nation that our biggest concern is which bathroom we can use. Hell there are millions around the world that would just love to have a bathroom to use.

(06-25-2016, 08:06 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: That's far from our biggest concern, that's just what some would like us to think is our biggest concern. Off the top of my head:
Homeless problems all across the country, disproportionately impacting those that have served the country.
Inadequate mental health care.
The inability for many to afford basic health care.
Food insecurity in areas all across the country while we consistently waste food in other places.
A country in debt to its people, and its people in debt to financial institutions. One big nation of debt.
The list could ho on and on...

We don't have the murder rates and violence that exists in some of those countries, but the money that would be spent by our government in those places could very well go towards at least helping to solve some of these problems our own citizens face.

(06-25-2016, 08:37 PM)Millhouse Wrote: I agree but I think there is even a far greater concern that trumps all of those, which is putting our troops on the ground which would result in casualties (in Africa). I cant imagine the American public being for any troop intervention over there that would cost American lives regardless of how noble the cause without us being attacked first. 

(06-25-2016, 07:16 PM)bfine32 Wrote: I get the passive approach and I know we can't "save the world" it's just the fighter in me that would love to protect those that are dying by the thousands. We are so spoiled as a Nation that our biggest concern is which bathroom we can use. Hell there are millions around the world that would just love to have a bathroom to use.

(06-25-2016, 08:37 PM)Millhouse Wrote: I agree but I think there is even a far greater concern that trumps all of those, which is putting our troops on the ground which would result in casualties (in Africa). I cant imagine the American public being for any troop intervention over there that would cost American lives regardless of how noble the cause without us being attacked first. 

(06-25-2016, 07:16 PM)bfine32 Wrote: I get the passive approach and I know we can't "save the world" it's just the fighter in me that would love to protect those that are dying by the thousands. We are so spoiled as a Nation that our biggest concern is which bathroom we can use. Hell there are millions around the world that would just love to have a bathroom to use.

(06-25-2016, 10:33 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: I am confused, were you intending to disagree with me or just add another layer to my argument?

(06-26-2016, 02:10 AM)Bengalzona Wrote: I have a high school buddy who is a Major and an anesthesiologist assigned to AFRICOM. He has spent most of his time there over the past 10 years and has a good understanding of what things are like on the ground.

(06-26-2016, 07:30 AM)Belsnickel Wrote: They aren't our neighbors, they aren't at war with us, they don't look like us...

(06-26-2016, 02:10 AM)Bengalzona Wrote: It is absolutely a population that is routinely ignored by most of the developed world. China has spent more time and money on the continent than we have. They have a pretty good name in Africa. The only time we've cared that much about Africa was during the Cold War when we decided to play the Proxy Wars game there with the Soviets in the 60's though the 80's. But generally we've deferred to the British and their colonial/post-colonial links on the continent (Egypt, South Africa, Botswana, etc.). Every time there is a new initiative to take action on the continent, someone in Congress asks "Why?" and it is quickly shelved.

I will say this, though. The Bush and Obama Admins have done some good behind-the-scenes the work in recent years in Africa. The exit of the Soviets/Russians from the continent has helped greatly too. After some of our debacles in the 90's (Somalia, Rwanda - where we did absolutely nothing, etc.), our efforts have concentrated on establishing some stable governments (some, but certainly not all) and on establishing a multi-national African force to police their own continent. That infra-structure has been coming into place. Between the establishment of the African Union and the creation of the African Standby Force, these efforts are bearing fruit. I don't think many Americans are aware of what we have been up to over there. I encourage you guys to look up the AU and ASF. These efforts are far better than sending troops and weapons (although we do have military advisors throughout the continent).

I have a high school buddy who is a Major and an anesthesiologist assigned to AFRICOM. He has spent most of his time there over the past 10 years and has a good understanding of what things are like on the ground.

(06-26-2016, 11:34 PM)Rotobeast Wrote: I just have to bluntly ask....
Why is it so much more important to bring in Syrian immigrants than African ?

Have many not been war-torn longer ?