France sends troops to Mali

[jasongary]

A war against el Queda-inspired rebels in Mali? Meanwhile in Syria NATO is supporting el Queda-inspired rebels in their efforts to topple Assad.

France, UK and the US, seem to be worried that with the increasing influence of Islamist rebels returning from fighting for Gaddafi in Libya will create a haven for terrorists which poses a threat to Europe and at a stretch the US.

The french seem on the surface to be reluctant to be there but feel they have no choice, and for some reason have no final mission statement so could be there for some time.

It seems a little confusing with the amount of rebel groups in Mali,

MNLA (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad)

FLNA (National Front for the Liberation of Azawad)

Ganda Koy

Ganda Izo

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb

(Ansar al Din)

MUJAO (Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa)

The last three are loosely allied islamist groups, Ganda Koy and Ganda Izo seems to be local protection rackets at first glance, and the first two are Tureg groups who have been fighting for independance since Mali aquired independance in the 1960's. (source Al Jeezera)

All very confusing which will make things even more difficult for the french who whilst supporting the Malian govt seem only want to take out the Islamist groups. This they will be unable to do. They will have to take on all of them or none at all. Sounds like Afghanistan and Vietnam all over again

Jason

[maggiethecatiii (deleted)]

`I want to link in a news story that said what you just said. That it doesn't matter about these groups internecine difficultites, all of them will band together to fight a common enemy. U.S. in 'in', by the way and talking about expansion already. My disappointment is vast.

(removed)