The deaths of four U.S. Army soldiers in Niger has triggered three controversies in the United States. The first is a domestic matter that again raises questions about the ability of President Donald Trump to perform the most basic duties of his office. The second revolves around the mission and capability of the troops that were deployed. The third is a more important debate about the presence of U.S. forces in that country and the rising importance of Africa in the fight against terrorism and Islamic extremists.
The first dispute concerns one of the most unpleasant tasks of the U.S. president: condolence calls to families of troops killed in conflict. Questions were raised about the comportment of the president during the call to the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson, one of the four American servicemen who died that day. When challenged, the president chose to fight back, questioning her account, rather than accepting criticism in an emotionally charged situation. His insensitivity has renewed questions about the president's empathy and inability to rise above his personal feelings in such moments.
The second controversy emerged as details of the skirmish were divulged. A 12-man unit of Green Berets, whose main task was training, advising and assisting a Nigerien force of 30 soldiers, was on a routine patrol when it was given a new mission to gather intelligence on a terrorist leader who was operating in the area. After completing that assignment, the troops stopped at a village to resupply. They were ambushed shortly thereafter by 50 Islamic State fighters armed with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and other heavy equipment. Four U.S. and five Nigerian soldiers were killed, and two other Americans wounded in the attack.