Chad: A Pattern of Destabilization

Libya's designs on a neighbor provoke a firm U.S. response

With its poverty-ridden population of 4.6 million, almost no mineral resources and negligible strategic value, Chad never seemed important enough for major powers to worry about. But last week, alarmed by the latest turn of events in the landlocked former French colony, President Reagan authorized an additional $15 million in military aid to the embattled government of President Hissène Habré, bringing the total U.S. commitment to $25 million. The reason for the U.S. concern: Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi had dramatically stepped up his support for rebels trying to topple Habré. Said...

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