As I was reading about the French and their presence in the Ivory Coast, specifically their actions against the Ivory Coast government after their government attacked a French position, I was reminded that the United States is not alone in deploying troops to protect its national interests.

According to the article, the French and U.N. forces (10,000 in total) are keeping a buffer between the government in the southern part of the country and rebels in the north. I wish them the best of luck in a cessation of hostilities, but I do not think one American dollar should go to help or hinder the French effort.

Since U.N. forces are there and the United States finances the United Nations (with other countries), I’d simply like an accounting of funds to ensure American noninvolvement, both militarily and economically, in the Ivory Coast operation.

David Sheets

Junior

Electrical Engineering