Al Qaida-Linked Groups Cement Control In Northern Mali As Diplomats Ponder intervention -- McClatchy News
MOPTI, Mali — Not long ago, this green oasis was a bustling tourist destination. Now it’s the would-be jumping off point for the world’s newest battle against Islamist extremism.
From here, the Niger River flows north, to where al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and its allies have since April maintained unchallenged control over Mali’s vast desert expanse.
Once prosperous fancy hotels lie dark at night, truck stops overflow with refugees and, outside of town, a militia camps out near an abandoned basketball court, waiting for action.
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My Comment: A sobering look at how difficult it is going to be to defeat Al Qaeda in northern Mali as more time passes by.