The Berber Tuareg people live a nomadic life within the Sahara desert.

Après cela le déluge ? At 63, with memories of our country drip, drip, dripping into foreign entanglements, I had an “Uh Oh” reaction when I read today’s Reuters report that President Obama has deployed more military personnel to Niger. Under an agreement with Niger our personnel are there to provide “intelligence” (read, drones in the sky) in support of the French in Mali’s complicated civil war. Complicated? Well, the original “uprisers,” the MNLA, National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (northern Mali), switched sides after a vicious round of infighting with other Islamist groups. Now, after French intervention, the resistance has shifted to guerrilla warfare, and that’s what’s worrying.

I’m prone to “uh oh” moments. Is this really an “uh oh” . . . ? Please advise.

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Letter from the President — Concerning Niger

February 22, 2013

Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Mr. President:)

On February 20, 2013, the last elements of a deployment of approximately 40 additional U.S. military personnel entered Niger with the consent of the Government of Niger. This deployment will provide support for intelligence collection and will also facilitate intelligence sharing with French forces conducting operations in Mali, and with other partners in the region. The total number of U.S. military personnel deployed to Niger is approximately 100. The recently deployed forces have deployed with weapons for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security.

I directed this deployment of U.S. forces in furtherance of U.S. national security interests, and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.

I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action.