U.S. Preparing To Offer Limited Support For France's Military Campaign In Mali

U.S. Set to Offer Limited Support For Military Effort -- Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON—The Obama administration moved Sunday toward approving a limited show of support for France's military campaign in Mali, readying surveillance drones and other air-intelligence assets for possible deployment within days, U.S. and European officials said.

The U.S. isn't considering sending ground troops to Mali, and the officials said any American aircraft involved in the French campaign wouldn't conduct airstrikes.

As of Sunday night, U.S. officials said there has been no final green light on U.S. military support for the French operation, but they added that the Pentagon was still assessing what American equipment could be sent.

White House National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said the administration was monitoring the situation closely.

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My Comment: The U.S. is so "behind the curve" on this crisis that I must wonder if the U.S. even has a policy and/or strategy when it comes to Mali .... especially since the old one of training the Malian Army fell apart when the Islamic rebels went on their offensive last year.

Update: The U.S. is stepping up albeit at a very limited role.