What is OmniNerd?

Welcome! OmniNerd's content is generated by you, the reader. Through voting and moderation we strive to highlight the nerdiest of what's around and provide content that's a little more thought provoking than other sites.

Submit New Content

Voting Booth

Given only these non-healthy options, which single serving drink is healthiest?

View Results, All Polls
67 votes, 16 comments
0
Nerd-Its
+ -

Cuts in Military Aid to Africa

Newspaper current event by maodeshou on 23 July 2006, tagged as politics, worldaffairs, and lawjustice

A recent New York Times article includes statements from a number of (anonymous) government officials who argue that the recent suspension of military aid to many countries in Africa (as well as Latin America) is undermining anti-terrorism efforts in these countries, because many do not have the military capability to fight terrorist groups on their own. The reason for the cuts is the passage in 2003 of the American Service-Members' Protection Act, section 2007 of which states that "no United States military assistance may be provided to the government of a country that is a party to the International Criminal Court" unless that country has signed a separate agreement with the U.S. exempting our troops from prosecution in the ICC. The article also notes that China has stepped in to provide assistance and aid in our absence.

Does the danger of unwarranted or malicious prosecution of U.S. service members in the ICC outweigh the benefits of providing military assistance to poor allies in their fight against terrorist groups, or are we shooting ourselves in the foot? Is the growing international influence of China a threat?

Star This to Save in Your Profile Favorite