Terrorists in the Desert

Something that you don't hear much about is the Deparment of Defense's new Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorism Initiative. This is actually a part of Operation Enduring Freedom, so the extended acronym is (OEF-TS). Bonus points for anyone who is still following. The official program is summed up quite well here.

Critics argue that this is just another way that governments can use the threat of terrorism to suppress local insurgencies. FPIF sums up this position pretty well here.

What amazes me is that we can spend $500 million fighting terrorism in the Sahara region while next door in Kenya, UNICEF needs $14.7 million to help save up to 3.5 million lives. They probably won't get it, and certainly not all of it. Not unless a tidal wave hits them.

Just seems a little off.

But maybe that's just me.