woolybanana Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 It seems that President Hollande has been drawn into the chaos of parts of Africa as he has sent troops to spank the jihadists who took over the northern part of Mali, and has also tried, unsuccessfully it seems, to release a hostage in Somalia.It seems convenient, though, that just as his troops are pulling out of Afghanistan and just as his popularity rating is the lowest ever, he should find some military adventure to bolster his reputation. Or am I being very cynical? Does Feldmarshall Hollande sit well on his shoulders. eh.....eh..... eh...... charge....... maybe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 All the parties with the exception of Mélonchon are in agreement over this, though you may be right that he has learned from Thatcher that sacrificing a few soldiers is worth it to support a flagging popularity.He will not have the Sun screaming "GOTCHA" to aid the propaganda as she did however Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted January 12, 2013 Author Share Posted January 12, 2013 Saving the Falklands from Argentinian jackboots was a sacred duty. The Blessed Margaret was merely a vessel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 It is interesting that a report this morning says that the UK are going to use C17s to help out the French Forces because France does not have the heavy lift aircraft capability.Uk - France co-operation !!!!!!!! whatever next ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 Perhaps it also helps transport the SAS? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Val_2 Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I was shocked by the news report that the french soldiers who had come under fire had retreated and left a comrade(s) behind on the ground, I thought soldiers looked out for their own and never left anyone behind, just my opinion and I suppose we don't know the full facts nor the circumstances of the retreat. The chap the others went to rescue in Somalia was a french agent, suppose you go into that type of profession knowing the possible consequences and putting other lives in danger or not? What a total messup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 [quote user="Val_2"]I was shocked by the news report that the french soldiers who had come under fire had retreated and left a comrade(s) behind on the ground, I thought soldiers looked out for their own and never left anyone behind, just my opinion and I suppose we don't know the full facts nor the circumstances of the retreat. The chap the others went to rescue in Somalia was a french agent, suppose you go into that type of profession knowing the possible consequences and putting other lives in danger or not? What a total messup[/quote]I've not been able to discover which regiment is involved. I assume La Légion étrangère and if so, it would be unusual for them to leave a man behind, although in the heat of battle, all things are possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomoss Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I think the "West" is now experiencing what the "East" experienced during the Crusades, when Christian fundamentalist fanatics mercilessly attacked them, following the mad doctrine of their aged and loony leader in Rome [:D] . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 The French forces:"Yesterday’s raid to free him was carried out by France’s DGSE secret service, and took place in the small hours of the morning in the remote desert settlement of Bulomarer, 70 miles south of the Somali capital, Mogadishu. In an initial statement, the French ministry of defence defended the raid, which it said met with extreme violence from the kidnappers. “Faced with the intransigence of the terrorists who have refused any negotiations for three and a half years, and who have kept Denis Allex in inhumane conditions, an operation was planned and put into action.“The commande unit of the DGSE was faced with strong resistance. In the course of the assault, Denis Allex was killed by his captors. In trying to free their compatriot, two soldiers lost their lives and 17 terrorists were also killed.”However, in a news conference later yesterday, Mr Le Drian, the defence minister, said that the exact picture was still unclear, indicating that the raid had ended in chaotic circumstances."http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/somalia/9797992/Hunt-for-missing-soldier-after-failed-hostage-rescue.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frederick Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 [quote user="powerdesal"]It is interesting that a report this morning says that the UK are going to use C17s to help out the French Forces because France does not have the heavy lift aircraft capability.Uk - France co-operation !!!!!!!! whatever next ?[/quote] Now M Hollande has asked for co- operation from David Cameron in the supply of troop transport assistance from the RAF to get his men on the ground in Mali.so he can make a success of the action . It will be interesting to see how much obstruction comes from France when Cameron seeks support for his position on changes within the EU for the UK . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomoss Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 BBC News just broadcast a report on the stuation in Mali by their correspondent in Johannesburg.That's more than twice as far from Mali as I am here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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