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by Scott A
Morgan
In the area of International Diplomacy Frustration with a Political
Party or Insurgency Movement can lead to unique opportunities.
Sometimes this could lead to new strategic alliances being formed
between old adversaries. There also could new changes in aspects
regarding how Legislative Bodies determine not only how Dollars are
spent in a country but how the President conducts such policy.
Earlier this year Senator Feingold of Wisconsin introduced the LRA
Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009. This Bill which
has widespread Bipartisan support in both Houses of Congress will call
upon the Obama Administration to come up with a Comprehensive Strategy
to deal with the LRA.
The Main Point of Controversy is the Fact that all options are to be
considered. This includes having AFRICOM (African Command) play an
increased role in the Apprehension of Joseph Kony the mystical leader of
the LRA. In December 2008 AFRICOM Provided Logistical Support for
Operation Lightning Thunder an Operation that yielded very little
Strategic Benefits.
There is ample debate about whether or not AFRICOM should Actually play
a role in this Crisis. Senator Feingold believes that supporting viable
and legitimate efforts to disarm and demobilize the LRA is just how the
command should be engaged in. However some critics feel that this Law
could damage AFRICOM.
Having the Congress Legislate this effort could lead to Mission Creep
however well intentioned it may be. Congress could decide to have US
Forces intervene in other crisis spots such as Darfur, the DRC and in
Somalia at their whim. There is a call for an increased US Role in the
Darfur crisis and the US has already sent forces into Somalia twice
since 1991.
The Arguments for and against having AFRICOM take an increased role in
the LRA Situation which involves four different Countries have merit.
This will be a decision that will not be made lightly.
Scott A Morgan is an independent columnist who publishes Confused Eagle
on the Internet
Published: Jul 22, 2009
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