Has U.S. learned from past counter-terrorism mistakes in Africa?

By Alex Vines, Special to CNN

Updated 1426 GMT (2226 HKT) October 7, 2013

(File) Boko Haram in Nigeria is very different from Al-Shabaab, which is different from AQIM, Alex Vines writes.
(File) Boko Haram in Nigeria is very different from Al-Shabaab, which is different from AQIM, Alex Vines writes.

Story highlights

  • Counter-terrorism policies live on the edge of international law, Alex Vines writes
  • U.S. raids in Africa show that America's military is increasingly active on the continent
  • Building up professional, accountable militaries is only part of the solution, Vines says
Alex Vines
Alex Vines
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