French SOF Begin Hunt for AQIM Chief and Hostages

 @lecoug  @Iassen Donov I believe he has been a smuggler, and a good one, but ONLY to fuel funds and materials for the Jihadi cause. He is a fierce and lethal kidnapper, having successfully kidnapped for ransom in 8-10 different countries-netting millions of ransom monies for the jihadi cause. He is a shrewd businessman, yet his style is reflective and his demeanor reminds me somewhat of UBL, especially in the way he speaks. Naming his son after UBL and joining the fierce battles because of the murder of UBL's mentor, tells me he is much more devouted to "the cause" than to the titile of a smuggler. His methodolgy in the various crime activities is only done to further his jihadi cause. He is considered a loyal, undaunted and devout fundamentalist. When AQIM splintered, he left due to the divergence from "the cause". He has faught in many bloody battles, he has aided in the attempt (succession?) of overthrowing a government for "the cause". The French call him "The Untouchable". He is deliberate and skillfull in his movements.

As of laste last night, meeting were being held as to whether the U.S, will put Mokhtar Belmokhtar on the U.S. List. We do nit put smugglers on "The Kill List"; WE put fierce fighting Jihadi Terrorists on this list. Just my opinion....

For many years, Mokhtar Belmokhtar has been underestimated. I be,ieve that is changing.

 @JHR  @Iassen Donov i agree with Iassen - he's a smuggler first and a jihadi second.  Whilst i have no doubt he shares Jihadi beliefs actual Islamic/Sharia law is not compatible with his day job - smuggling.  Instability in that area makes smuggling easier.  He's a shrewd operator and is using the situation to his advantage. thats my take on him / the situation in anyhow

 @CK5150  @Old PH2  @Txazz He's already asshole deep, he just doesn't know it yet. What a nasty pie!

@dmalert@Txazz Oh I am sure there are people there that do understand the situation and the consequences of inaction or, in the least, indecision in such matters, however, they are few and far between as far as policy makers and politicians go.

But there is that too, that special interests groups and politicians that want to get re-elected, are never a good mix when it comes to the good of our country and our freedoms.

 @dmalert  @AUNITEDPEOPLE LOL LOL

 @Old PH2  @AUNITEDPEOPLE  @Txazz I'm thinking Kerry will stick something else in the pie, ala Jimbo.  

 @Txazz  @AUNITEDPEOPLE Who?

 @AUNITEDPEOPLE  @Txazz I wouldn't say that no one understands this in DC rather a variety of interests serve to prevent the right course of actions and such interests tend not to consider the medium/long term.

 @AUNITEDPEOPLE  @dmalert OOOOOOO there is one in Washington who understands it completely.

 @dmalert  @Txazz I still don't think the people in Washington realize what they are dealing with when it comes to Islamic extremism. It's not a country, or a government, or a series of either, it's an ideal and an ideal is the most complex enemy you will face. Until the folks up in Washington realize that and starting thinking about ways to smother the 'ideal' on the many fronts where it can breed, then we will be doomed to see the actions happening in Mali all over again, just in a different country ad infinitum.

 @Old PH2  @Txazz Now that idea, truly has been keeping me up at night! I cringe to think how that's going to work out, but I have a deep brooding feeling, it's not going to be good!

 @AUNITEDPEOPLE  @Txazz Well said AUP.  When people are accustomed to our taking the lead and this disappears one gets confusion and it encourages people to push the envelope a bit and envelope pushing isn't good in the Middle East right now.

 @AUNITEDPEOPLE  @Txazz I'm bracing myself for what happens when Mr. Kerry gets his thumb into the pie.

@Txazz Indeed, if you don't learn from your mistakes, you are bound to repeat them. Admitting there is a problem is the first step to finding a solution. But there is too much narcissism in Washington for that to happen.

People, organizations and governments all over the world are watching as we shrink back from taking the lead, or at least backing up our allies. Just like in the jungle, this will be seen as a sure sign of weakness, further endangering our citizens and interests, both here and abroad

 @AUNITEDPEOPLE This paragraph says it all-from the Pentagon!!!

The French defense establishment had the grace to be embarrassed by their government's choices in 2003. The Obama Pentagon has not expressed similar embarrassment, either with regard to Mali or generally. It is from the Pentagon that the demand for reimbursement emanated. Nor is the fault confined to political civilians. Gen. Martin Dempsey has said the United States did not want to be complicit in any Israeli strike on Iran. If I were in Tehran, I would interpret that to mean we would deny Israel assistance. Denying France assistance now will reinforce the perception -- both among allies and enemies -- that U.S. allies are on their own.