Africa Weakness - The Price We Pay For Bigotry

Travel Ban of Chad-- why?!!

The Trump Administration banned citizens from Chad from entry into the US.  In reaction to this incredible event, the Government of Chad removed its military forces from nearby regions; it had protected these territories and populations from terror groups.  It is the region in which we recently lost four brave men to an ambush that appears to have been the work  of terror organizations.

The Trump Muslim ban is an irrational policy applied in an arbitrary manner.

The military forces of  the Nation of Chad have proven strong  under fire. In recent years, Chad was a vital combat ally in the fight against terror in Western Africa, a part of the world that is extremely vulnerable to ISIS and Al Quaida.  Chad has  the best military in the region and has used it to police areas in nearby Mali and Niger where lack government presence is an open license for ISIS, Boko Haram, and a lot of terror wannabees.

Another Step to Weaken the US

It may have been a mistake, a fake mistake, or just some  bureaucrat acting out on the little piece of authority he or she might have-- but the net result was, predictably, to weaken the US. Chad's absence on the battlefield and as a host for regional military operations creates a zone of sharply increased danger. The region became more dangerous from the moment Chad began its military withdrawal.

The Nation Of Chad

The sprawling republics in Western Africa include Niger, Mali, and Chad. They re vast regions many times larger than the European nations like France and Belgium that once dominated them in the colonial era. They are prime areas with weak governance that terror groups can exploit. Boko Haram famously established a Caliphate in the region and other groups claiming affiliation with ISIS and Al Quaeda have maintained  deadly operations there. 

Chad has been a stabilizing force in the region with a well-equipped and highly trained military, they have been a solid opposition to ISIS in the region. Chad played key roles in recent years driving out Boko Haram and ISIS supporting and partnering with the US, France and other Western Allies.

CHAD and the Muslim Ban

Despite the history of meritorious cooperation and military commitments from Chad in the fight against extremists, the Trump Administration has banned Chad citizens and residents from entry into the US over concerns about possible terrorists risks. The Rachel Maddow Show presented a detailed explanation of the history and the abrupt insult to Chad from Trump. 

As a result of the inclusion on the Muslim ban, Chad has withdrawn its military support for policing the vast  territories of its neighbors of Mali and Niger.  The analysis correctly points out that without the battle-hardened and skilled Chad military, the vast and poorly governed areas of Mali and Niger have become, and will continue to be far more dangerous.

The Chad Revelations are Important Contributions

The October 20, 2017 RMS report on Chad was an important piece of journalism and scholarship. It exposes a flaw in the current anti-Muslim approach to foreign policy; namely, the pointless and arbitrary actions damage strategic relationships with key regional allies. 

The Muslim-ban actions ultimately reflect racial bigotry, they should be critically examined by the public. The US benefits from alliances with Muslim nations in the fight against violent extremists groups.

Chad offered resources that we can neither duplicate nor replace. They have been a valuable ally and combat partner. By banning Chad citizens from entry into the US, we have provoked a schism. Chad has withdrawn support, and the US has diminished itself in the region. We have reduced our capacity to defend civilian populations in the region as well as our military. We have added further instability to a dangerous region and for a reason that is simply petty and bigoted.

Another Mistake or Fake Mistake- Weakens America

Destabilizing Western Africa will serve the interests of ISIS and other terror groups. It will put pressure on weak governments in Niger and Mali. Nigeria has its plate full with Boko Haram which could re-emerge in Niger and  Mali.

Weakening America is high on the Russian agenda. As they still deal with the economic fallout from the Obama sanctions, the Trump Administration continues to hand them policy achievements that promote Russian interests at the expense of US interests.