General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSo for what exactly are we supposed to be angry with the Algerians?
Granted that much of what we understand to have happened during this gas field hostage business may turn out to be wrong, but it would seems as if the Algerians brought a swift end to the crisis and probably saved a lot of lives. Hundreds of people held hostage at a gas plant? You think that didn't have the potential for some horrific bloodshed?
And again, it is early and we don't know all of the facts.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21101092
sendero
(28,552 posts)...are butthurt because they didn't ask our permission or for our stellar tactical information.
Maybe the Algerian leadership has about as much faith in our military leaders as I do.
arely staircase
(12,482 posts)eom
TwilightGardener
(46,416 posts)to cooperate with Mali and other countries in fighting extremists. They'll do it within their own borders, but have no problem with neighboring nations being weakened and destabilized by terror groups, because it helps them keep their supremacy in the region.
GeorgeGist
(25,320 posts)Is only OK when we're in charge.
ProgressiveProfessor
(22,144 posts)And given the body count the media will have to blame someone
arely staircase
(12,482 posts)wasn't the body count arguably low? (at least according to initial reports)
Igel
(35,300 posts)Out way: Negotiate first. Possibly pay ransom. Drag out the situation.
Esp. when "our people" are involved. Whatever the local consequence may be.
There may also be some faith in our boys being better at SWAT and commando tactics. Like having the Israelis at Entebbe instead of asking local troops to do the job.
As it is, the Algerians decided how to go about doing things on their own, on their own schedule, and in their own ways. So some of "our people" got killed. They didn't suck up to us and ask our help. They failed to do things in a culturally appropriate way, apparently. Which is to say, according to our culture. Colonialism lives, just in a way that we think isn't colonial at all.
Instead they did things culturally appropriate for their region, in a way that may have ended up hurting Westerners but which they believe will save more (local) lives.
arely staircase
(12,482 posts)eom
ProgressiveProfessor
(22,144 posts)What is not clear if they had some coaching, did it on their own, or the deaths were unavoidable.
More will come out over time, presuming there is some semblance of a free press over there.