Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Getting Ready For War In Mali

US, France Assemble Coalition To Confront Islamists In Mali -- Long War Journal

The Islamist takeover of two-thirds of Mali this year has spurred the West as well as concerned neighboring countries in Africa to find a way to restore Mali to its democratic path and drive out jihadist elements. Islamist groups in Mali currently include Ansar Dine, the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which is considered one of the most dangerous of al Qaeda's affiliated groups.

AQIM establishes itself in northern Mali

In March of this year, the Malian government was overthrown by a military coup. The resulting disorder and weakening of the central government galvanized Tuareg secessionists and allied Islamist groups, including Ansar Dine and MUJAO, to shake off government control and declare an independent Islamic state. The Tuaregs were subsequently largely pushed out of the Islamist coalition, which now controls a large area in northern Mali (Azawad) that includes the cities of Timbuktu, Kidal, and Gao.

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More News On The Conflict In Mali

Islamists drive Tuareg rebels from Mali town: sources -- AFP
Mali Islamists claim victory over Tuaregs -- News24
Mali: Fighting resumes in north between Islamist extremists and secular rebels -- Washington Post/AP
Tuareg rebels battle Islamists for north Mali town -- Reuters
Mali: Fighting resumes in north between rebels -- AP
Exclusive: Mali war against Islamists unlikely before mid-2013 -- Defence Web/Reuters
EU agrees Mali support mission 'in principle' -- AFP
Military Intervention in Mali: Military Logistics and Human Costs -- Stefan Simanowitz, Huffington Post
West Africa: Algeria Ready to Close Mali Border -- allAfrica.com
Mali: No Quick Fixes for a Complex Crisis -- Gilles Yabi, allAfrica.com
Mission impossible in Mali -- Deutsche Welle

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