On FPF #109, I discuss the expanding US war in Africa. US operations in Africa have greatly expanded since AFRICOM was created in 2008. The US now has 6,000 troops in Africa and the troops are involved in 3,500 military operations every year. Now Sen Lindsey Graham says the US will expand the war to Africa.

Articles

• After meeting with Defense Secretary James Mattis, Senator Lindsey Graham said the global war on terror will be explaining. Graham also said the war is moving to Africa. [Link]
• Nick Turse on the expanding role of the US military in Africa. [Link]
• The US is using Niger as a hub for military operations in West Africa. [Link]
• Afghani warlord Hekmatyar has returned to the capital city of Kabul and is giving a series of political speeches. [Link]
• Afghan President Ghani traveled to India to meet with Indian Prime Minister Modi. [Link]
• The Kurdistan Regional Government issues a statement to the Iraqi government. The Kurdish government will freeze the referendum on independence. [Link]
• Marcy Wheeler reports on Congress’s attempt to expand spying on Americans. [Link]
• 70% of Americans believe the nuclear agreement with Iran should be renegotiated. [Link]
• Some US Senators were stunned to learn US troops were in Niger. [Link]
• The UN added 32 items to the list of goods prohibited from being sold to North Korea. [Link]
• Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made an unannounced stop in Afghanistan. [Link] Tillerson says the US will look to work with moderate members of the Taliban. [Link]
• The president of Iraq rejects Tillerson calls to disband Shi’ite militias. [Link]
• ISIS kills 70 civilians in a Syria town. [Link]
• US airstrikes on Deir Ezzor kill 22 civilians. [Link]
• The US returned diplomats to Venezuela that were recalled during unrest in Venezuela. [Link]

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