The United States has asked Algeria for military basing rights.
| Won't that bunch the Frenchie's underwear? |
Algerian government sources said the Algerian Defense Ministry and the U.S. Defense Department have been discussing basing rights for U.S. aircraft and troops in Algeria. The sources said the discussions have not included the prospect of a permanent U.S. military presence in the North African state. The Algerian Le Quotidien d'Oran daily reported that the United States wants to employ Algerian military bases for counter-insurgency missions and the protection of oil interests in North Africa. The daily said the United States, which will not operate the bases, has agreed to use the facilities only in case of emergency. Sources said the United States has also discussed the issue with Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. |