Obama's US Drone base in Niger

[Pauls' Revere]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Plans to base unarmed American surveillance drones in the African nation of Niger highlight the Obama administration's growing concern about extremist influences in the volatile region. They also raise tough questions about how to contain al-Qaida and other militant groups without committing U.S. ground forces in yet another war.

In the short run, a drone base would enable the U.S. to give France more intelligence on the militants that French troops are fighting in neighboring Mali. Over time it could extend the reach not only of American intelligence gathering but also U.S. special operations missions to strengthen Niger's own security forces.

The U.S. and Niger in recent days signed a "status of forces agreement" spelling out legal protections and obligations of American forces that might operate in Niger in the future

http://news.yahoo.com/us-eyes-drone-...-politics.html

for those who don't know where Niger is...
it's just East of Mali.

[fr33]

From the comments: "fair warning to any natives planning a large wedding party"

[Constitutional Paulicy]