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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 OPINION 
6

Africa May Force Obama's Military Hand

Despite war weariness, Americans may have to prepare for more troops oversees

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(Newser) – As Barack Obama prepares to become America’s new president, the dire situation in Africa may upend his anticipated plans to extract the US from overseas military commitments, the Economist writes. While Americans may be wary of bigger burdens oversees, “history does not take a holiday just because America needs a breather," notes the Economist.

The UN has sent aid to troubled African regions, but with no army, it will need the world’s superpower to help. Obama has an opportunity to restore America’s moral leadership and “he will need the courage to respond," the magazine concludes.

UN peacekeepers drive through the Kalma refugee camp in Darfur, Sudan.
UN peacekeepers drive through the Kalma refugee camp in Darfur, Sudan.   (AP Photo)
A woman refugee walks past the site of four mass graves, where the raised earth is marked by white sacks, in the Kalma refugee camp in Darfur, Sudan.
A woman refugee walks past the site of four mass graves, where the raised earth is marked by white sacks, in the Kalma refugee camp in Darfur, Sudan.   (AP Photo)
Rwandan soldiers serving with the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur parade last summer.
Rwandan soldiers serving with the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur parade last summer.   (AP Photo)
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A strong moral case remains for forceful outside intervention in desperate cases. Would the world still do nothing if it had a second chance to avert genocide in Rwanda?
- The Economist

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6 comments
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Newser001
Nov 16, 08 9:41 AM CST
There is no question, Africa is strewn with growing conflict, which includes deeping inroads and further expansion within the continent by Al-Qeda. But how can we make such commitments with our military, as those assets are extended beyond present capacity? I, more than anyone, would like to see intervention, but it isn't viable in this present climate. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Mr.C
Nov 16, 08 1:51 PM CST
apparently not "more than anyone
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Greatbear100
Nov 16, 08 11:33 AM CST
With our military extended to it's breaking points it would be disastrous to send troops to another zone--the rest of the world has got to carry some of the burden. Obama cannot hastily rush troops out of the Middle East and into Africa. I have predicted an Obama Pesidency would see US troops in Africa - it's just a matter a when. Let's hope Obama has the sense not to rush into it. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Mr.C
Nov 16, 08 1:51 PM CST
more than 2 years too late isn't 'rushing' into anything
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carol
Nov 16, 08 12:36 PM CST
Its time for us to not be the watchdog of the world. The UN should deal with this and get other countries with viable interest to give military aid Reply
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