Us Drones Operating From Raf Bases.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2290842/US-Drones-bombing-Africa-operated-RAF-bases-heart-Lincolnshire-countryside.html

Should we still be prepared to act as America's aircraft carrier, or is this all part of the 'special relationship' deal?

[douglas9401]

It was ever so.

[friedgreentomato]

What is your thought on the matter

[Teddio]

Are not the United States our allies ?

[Ronnie10]

Didn't the "Special relationship" make us a target in the 7/7 bombings and numerous attempted terror attacks?

I've noticed that we're now arming Syrians and now this. Will we also be using ourselves as human shields if North Korea decided to attack the u.s?

[anotheoldgit]

Teddio

/// Are not the United States our allies ? ///

And how many RAF bases do we have operating inside the US?

[Gromit]

I thought it was well known that the US were flying drones out of the UK. I certainly knew long ago.

We will always help the Americans if we can. This is just another example.

But now there is no need to use the UK as America's Aircraft Carrier. Niger in North West Africa have volunteered (taken the money) and a huge drone base manned by 100 personel has been set up and is active there. Coincidently, just in time for the Mali coflict.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/22/us-usa-niger-forces-idUSBRE91L0NN20130222

[Teddio]

Presently there is close collaboration between the RAF and USAF. Joint manoeuvres take place at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and both forces work together in Afghanistan.
If it wasn't for the Americans we would most likely be speaking German or possibly Russian.

[anotheoldgit]

Gromit

That seems a wise move considering the possibility the Islamists turning the country into a base for international attacks, but it will still not make the British bases obsolete.

/// That lifted Mali to the forefront of U.S. and European security concerns, with fears the Islamists would turn the country into a base for international
attacks. ///

[anotheoldgit]

Teddio

/// If it wasn't for the Americans we would most likely be speaking German or possibly Russian. ///

Yes but it didn't come free, in fact we have only just recently settled the bill.

[pdq1]

I suppose its part of the special relationship you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. In fact maybe we can site a few drones in the US if the Falklands war erupts again.

[anotheoldgit]

pdq1

/// In fact maybe we can site a few drones in the US if the Falklands war erupts again. ///

What a very good idea, maybe we should set them up now post haste, that is of course if the US will allow us to.