Top stories from DAWNS Digest
US Sending Troops to Jordan
It was little noticed in the American media today because of other major events, but with an eye on Syria, the US is deploying a contingent of troops to Jordan. “In a critical indication of growing U.S. military involvement in the civil war in Syria… Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is ordering the deployment of up to 200 troops to Jordan, according to two Defense Department officials. The deployment…‘creates an additional capability’ beyond what has been there, one official said. The group will give the United States the ability to ‘potentially form a joint task force for military operations, if ordered,’ he said.” (CNN http://bit.ly/10i6u0Q)
Nigerian Tycoon Plans Major Oil Refinery Project
Nigeria is a huge oil producer, but it still needs to import 75% of its fuel…unless this refinery is built. “Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, says he aims to invest up to $8 bn in a major new oil refinery that would almost double Nigeria’s oil output. Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil producer but lacks refining capacity and has to import most of its fuel. Mr Dangote, 56, told Reuters news agency that those who should have invested in refineries were benefiting from Nigeria’s lack of capacity. Building a major refinery would help all of sub-Saharan Africa, he said.” (BBC http://bbc.in/11ewJlu)