France destroys Ivory Coasts Air Force

[DTop]

What do you think about the French action against the Ivory Coast? Is it justified?

Nov 8, 2004 — By Silvia Aloisi and Peter Murphy

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (Reuters) - Hundreds of demonstrators faced off with French troops in Abidjan on Monday after state radio urged protesters to form a "human shield" to protect the house of Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo.

Gbagbo, leader of the world's biggest cocoa producer, appealed for an end to the anti-French violence which erupted after France destroyed most of the country's air force in retaliation for the killing of nine French peacekeepers.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=234962

 

[GuyontheRight]

It is indeed justified, an act of self-defense really. French troops were killed by such fihters strafing their positions, who's to say that if these air force assets were left untouched, that such an event would not reoccur?

 

[Darcia]

I think it was justified. Most Nations of the world would have done something similiar. Just Look at Iraq these people are getting kidnapped and the Nations are attacking them still. I think it was more for show though on the French part just to let them know that they aren't leaving.

 

[Lupos]

I will not judge them for doing something any country would do.

 

[c/Commander]

Justified. No doubt...and no cracks against the French military please, just as a warning. This isn't the time or the place.

 

[03USMC]

Yes it was justified. However my question is this. It's wrong for the US to protect it's interests. So can this be seen as a double standard?

 

[A Can of Man]

Right thing to do. But also proves they're a kettle that calls a pot .... African American.

 

[Shadowalker]

Yeah it was justified, it also stops the planes and helicopters falling into the wrong hands.

 

[c/Commander]

Right thing to do. But also proves they're a kettle that calls a pot .... African American.

No doubt.

 

[Lupos]

It is a double standard, but you must admit it is justified. They have already lost 9 French soldiers.

 

[c/Commander]

And how many airmen and sailors did we lose during the no-fly zone shootdowns over Iraq?

 

[03USMC]

Seems the French feel it fine to act on their own behalf. Yet want all other nations to get permission before acting.
Apparently whats good for the Goose isn't good for the Gander in Paris huh?

 

[Hegario]

The French did get permission from the UN security council.

What makes the Ivory Coast situation also different is the fact that a rather large number of French nationals were also present since it's their former colony.

 

[USAFAUX2004]

justifed and also reenforces frence's power

 

[DTop]

Here's an interesting viewpoint don't you think?

No Blood for Cocoa?
By Joe Mariani
November 9, 2004

A unilateral invasion without the permission of the United Nations. Thousands of civilian deaths. Mass graves uncovered. A foreign power imposing its will on a xenophobic, restless, resentful populace. Massive protests in the streets against the meddling foreigners, calling their leader a "terrorist" and "enslaver." More troops pouring in, desperately trying to keep order and failing. Widespread fear of a quagmire. Whole segments of the population begging President Bush to help them expel the hated French invaders...

Hang on... what was that last part again?

http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/guest/2004/jm_1109.shtml

 

[Darcia]

The main difference about tis is the fact that thier are estimated 750 French and 450 British thier right now.

 

[A Can of Man]

Intersting article.
I like it.

Here's an interesting viewpoint don't you think?

No Blood for Cocoa?
By Joe Mariani
November 9, 2004

A unilateral invasion without the permission of the United Nations. Thousands of civilian deaths. Mass graves uncovered. A foreign power imposing its will on a xenophobic, restless, resentful populace. Massive protests in the streets against the meddling foreigners, calling their leader a "terrorist" and "enslaver." More troops pouring in, desperately trying to keep order and failing. Widespread fear of a quagmire. Whole segments of the population begging President Bush to help them expel the hated French invaders...

Hang on... what was that last part again?

http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/guest/2004/jm_1109.shtml

 

[Missileer]

What goes around comes around, eh?

 

[Italian Guy]

Right Texan 8)

 

[DTop]

The latest news from Ivory Coast:

(AP) - The number of foreigners evacuated after a violent uprising in Ivory Coast has topped 5,000, the French military said Monday, while more than 10,000 African citizens without hope of flights out have fled into neighboring countries. A French-led exodus from Ivory Coast started Thursday, the first day of calm after five days of burning, looting attacks unleashed by supporters of hard-line President Laurent Gbagbo against French troops and civilians and other foreigners.

http://news.yahoo.com/fc?tmpl=fc&cid=34&in=world&cat=Ivory_Coast