Precariousness in Mali: an International Security Issue


Map of Africa (from Google Images)

Is the world witnessing a new geopolitical phenomenon?

Last March, Mali saw its government being overthrown, by a military coup. After that, Tuareg secessionists took hold of two-thirds of the country and proclaimed the Independent State of Azawad (a secular homeland for the Tuaregs, who profess a mix of Animism with Islam). Three months after the secession, Azawad was invadedby Ansar Dine (the Defenders of the Faith, an Al-Qaeda franchise) that marginalised the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, took hold of the region, called in foreign jihadists and is in the process of implementing a severe Sharia Law:
  • Listening to music and smoking in public is forbidden
  • School boys and girls were separated in schools
  • Bars have been destroyed and hotels closed
  • Women must cover their face, their body; and must be accompanied by a male relative when leaving the house.
  • Men who are caught with ankle-length trousers will be subject to public lashing.
Because the Tuaregs and the Malians, in general (concerning the independence of Azawad), were so divided it was easy for an organised and united Ansar Dine to conquer the region and envisage establishing an Islamic State there.

The whole affair begs the question: are Islamists beginning a new trend, one where they let others do the dirty job and then they step in to take over? 

Map of Africa by religion (from Google Images)
Looking at the map (above), it’s easy to understand the importance of taking over Mali (a Sufi [Islamic Mysticism] country enjoying freedom of religion): it is all part of the plan to islamise the African Continent. This plan (with the Iranian ambitious imperialistic seal) poses a serious security issue not only to Africa but also to western countries.

Europe doesn’t need a destabilised-ravished-by-civil-war African continent. If (God forbid) this would occur, Europe could count with higher waves of African immigrants (who would strain European welfare systems) and among them Islamic infiltrators to perpetrate terror acts against Western targets. The US would also suffer from such a scenario.

Africa is beginning to develop itself; Africans are beginning to rise and fight for a better African environment; thus, it would be devastating to see them being assailed by extremist foreign forces (that capitalise on African self-pity and trauma caused by the colonisation period) and subjugated by Islamists whose sole purpose is to terrorise, humiliate and conquer the West (via Africa). Both the West and Africa need an urgent strategic plan to tackle this crippling issue.

Given all that was mentioned, we may very well be before a new geopolitical phenomenon. 
What do you reckon?

Comments

  1. That's actually very frightening! Especially when you realize that they are driven by religious motives. I am a very religious person, and I know how religious beliefs can be at the very center of your life. They probably feel justified in everything they do, even if it isn't right. In their minds, the end justifies the means. I guess that's the way some people look at all religion, but there are differences in beliefs, and clearly, this religion is ruled by those who promote fear.

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    1. Hi D! :D

      "That's actually very frightening!"

      It is a bit, yes.

      "I am a very religious person, and I know how religious beliefs can be at the very center of your life. They probably feel justified in everything they do, even if it isn't right. In their minds, the end justifies the means."

      I understand where you are coming from. The more I read about radicalism the more I realise that religion is not the centre of their life; although they use religion as an excuse. In the end, it is all about politics and imperialism.

      "I guess that's the way some people look at all religion, but there are differences in beliefs, and clearly, this religion is ruled by those who promote fear."

      I agree that most people have a blurred image of religion in their minds and thus they judge religious people very poorly. Like I said, Islam per se is not the problem; it is the people who use Islam (in a very ill fashion) to achieve political goals.

      D, thank you ever so much for your fantastic comment :D.

      Cheers

      Delete
  2. In my opinion, for whatever it is worth, Islam is going through a period of reconsolidation between the Sunni and Shia divides and within the Sunni sects, between the purists and the non purists. The world should just leave them be and Inshallah, they will kill each other off.

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    1. Hi Rummy :D!

      "In my opinion, for whatever it is worth, Islam is going through a period of reconsolidation between the Sunni and Shia divides and within the Sunni sects, between the purists and the non purists."

      Maybe, maybe...

      "The world should just leave them be and Inshallah, they will kill each other off."

      The world would leave them be if they wouldn't want to take over the world, while terrorising everybody in the process.
      But Syria could be an example of what you are saying: they will kill each other off.

      Rummy, thank you ever so much for your fantastic comment :D.

      Cheers

      Delete
  3. Max, yes the world is before a geopolitical phenomenon: Africa is being taken over by the Islamists, as the map indicates. However, this phenomenon is not new; it has been going on for quite a while rigth under our eyes. Do you really think that Iran is behind this move?What does the length of the trousers have to do with Sharia law?
    If Africa were to become more destabilized then we could expect even higher waves of immigration (with refugee status), which would strain our already stressed out welfare system and raise social issues, like racism, xenophobia...and this is Europe, it doesn't take much for Europeans to express such "sentiments".

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    1. Hi Ana :D!

      "Africa is being taken over by the Islamists, as the map indicates. However, this phenomenon is not new; it has been going on for quite a while rigth under our eyes."

      The crusades all over again. You have a point there.

      "Do you really think that Iran is behind this move? What does the length of the trousers have to do with Sharia law?"

      It is no secret that Iran has imperialistic ambitions, and perhaps they pretend to want to spread the Shia school of "thought" as a way of achieving its goals...perhaps, I say. Using religion is a way to gain more supporters anywhere in the world, don't you think so?
      lol I have no idea.

      "If Africa were to become more destabilized then we could expect even higher waves of immigration (with refugee status), which would strain our already stressed out welfare system and raise social issues, like racism, xenophobia...and this is Europe, it doesn't take much for Europeans to express such "sentiments"."

      It would be one more issue for us to deal with (and a very difficult one, no less). As for the sentiments of racism and xenophobia: I am guessing they would increase, yes; specially if we were before a scenario in which an economic crisis wouldn't have been solved yet.

      Ana, thank you so much for your fabulous comment :D.

      Cheers

      Delete
  4. This is disturbing. The idea that a prospective secular nation can suddenly be turned into an Islamist nation with this version of sharia is simply disturbing. Turkey came to mind just now...

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    1. Hi Anonymous :D!

      "This is disturbing. The idea that a prospective secular nation can suddenly be turned into an Islamist nation with this version of sharia is simply disturbing."

      It is, isn't it?

      "Turkey came to mind just now..."

      Turkey is not an Islamist nation...it just plays on both sides (secular and religious) to suit its interests.

      Anonymous, thank you ever so much for your input :D.

      Cheers

      Delete
  5. Still one more world crisis. My guess is this one won't be at the top of our priority list.

    "The whole affair begs the question: are Islamists beginning a new trend, one where they let others do the dirty job and then they step in to take over?" If it works why wouldn't they do it?

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    1. Hi Jean :D!

      "Still one more world crisis. My guess is this one won't be at the top of our priority list."

      Indeed. So far, only France, the AU and a few in the US are expressing, in public, their worry about this issue.

      "["The whole affair begs the question: are Islamists beginning a new trend, one where they let others do the dirty job and then they step in to take over?"] If it works why wouldn't they do it?"

      You got a point there.

      Jean, thank you ever so much for your great input :D.

      Cheers

      Delete
  6. How much do you wanna bet that if such a migratory event happened the lefties would help to infiltrate the Islamists? Governments would do their job, serving our interests first, then the lefties would call us racists governments would react by letting one or two getting through and then boom! A terrorist attack takes places and the government will cover up the source of those attacks: the infiltrators. Of course the left would shrug the responsibility off their shoulders, with a stupid argument as they always do.

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    1. Hi Anonymous :D!

      "Governments would do their job, serving our interests first, then the lefties would call us racists governments would react by letting one or two getting through and then boom! A terrorist attack takes places and the government will cover up the source of those attacks: the infiltrators."

      I see what your concerns are regarding this issue...
      So, you are accusing the left wing of sponsoring the entry of Islamists (infiltrated in the refugee groups) into the west? Have you witnessed this?

      Anonymous, thank you so much for your input. I hope you come back and answer my question, if it is not too much trouble :D.

      Cheers

      Delete
  7. Hi Max,

    Oh my, this is terrible. Africa is being bullied by extremists.

    Why doesn't Sharia Law let one listen to music? (As a music connoisseur, I would have a problem with this.)

    What do men have to wear if they can't wear ankle-length trousers? Speedos?

    The world is always shifting, stretching, changing and being shaken by extreme ideology that govern world politics. Sometimes it feels like we are all pawns just waiting to be moved by the master chess players of the world.

    I am not sure what we can do except pray.

    Terrific piece (as always) my friend.

    Freedom of Music Cheers!

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    1. Hi Lady A :D!

      "Oh my, this is terrible. Africa is being bullied by extremists."

      It is indeed.

      "Why doesn't Sharia Law let one listen to music? (As a music connoisseur, I would have a problem with this.)"

      A twisted interpretation of Sharia Law doesn't let people listen to music *nodding*. I swear by God (in this case: Allah) that men counterfeit religious laws...*nodding*.

      "What do men have to wear if they can't wear ankle-length trousers? Speedos?"

      ROFL ROFL....right?

      "The world is always shifting, stretching, changing and being shaken by extreme ideology that govern world politics."

      You know it, girl. And something must be done about it...

      "Sometimes it feels like we are all pawns just waiting to be moved by the master chess players of the world."

      :)

      "I am not sure what we can do except pray. Terrific piece (as always) my friend."

      Behind scenes a lot can be done. On front stage, we must pray.
      Thank you *bowing*!

      Lady A, thank you ever so much for your fabulous comment :D.

      Music 4ever Cheers

      Delete
  8. Olá Max,

    God willing, Africans will join hands and fight the Islamisation of Africa. Like a Nigerian pastor said "Any attempt to Islamise the country will surely fail."

    http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/42418-calamitiesll-rain-on-your-camp-oyedepo-curses-boko-haram?goback=%2Egde_4451300_member_123742345

    Yes, Islamists are letting others do the dirty job for them and then stepping in to reign. It is a strategy just like any other and it is working. The question is: what are we going to do about it?

    Excellent post, Max (once again)!

    Tchau

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    1. Olá Celeste :D!

      "God willing, Africans will join hands and fight the Islamisation of Africa. Like a Nigerian pastor said 'Any attempt to Islamise the country will surely fail.'.."

      Amen.

      Thanks for sharing this link: so a pastor is resorting to curses as a form of defeating Boko Haram, eh? Creative, to say the least.

      "Yes, Islamists are letting others do the dirty job for them and then stepping in to reign. It is a strategy just like any other and it is working. The question is: what are we going to do about it?"

      Indeed. What do you propose we should do?

      "Excellent post, Max (once again)!"

      Thank you ever so much, my darling *bowing*.

      Celeste, thank you ever so much for your fabulous input :D.

      Cheers

      Delete
  9. What is happening to this world? Just the other day a school here downunder outlawed soccer, touching and hugging as well as basketball, football and chasey. I just shake my head in disbelief.

    BTW. We're back from seeing our second grandchild, and etc, and feel the better for it.

    Take Care,
    Peter

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    1. Hi Peter :D!

      Mate!!! You are back: I missed you so much :D!

      "What is happening to this world? Just the other day a school here downunder outlawed soccer, touching and hugging as well as basketball, football and chasey. I just shake my head in disbelief."

      What in the world is happening in Australia? I am appalled *nodding*.
      But what led to this decision?

      "BTW. We're back from seeing our second grandchild, and etc, and feel the better for it."

      Ah, such an adorable baby. No wonder you are feeling great, Peter; and I am extremely happy for you and your wife :D.

      Pete, thank you ever so much for your input and it is great to have you back :D. It really is.

      Cheers

      Delete
    2. What in the world is happening in this Australian school? They appently fear legal litigation!

      Delete
    3. Legal litigation, for what: sexual harassment? My criticism is the following: it opens a dangerous precedent. Can't the Law do something about it?

      Delete
  10. Hi Max,

    Logic can provide solutions but in societies where religious fervor propels all thoughts and deeds, there is ample room for trouble. Humans around the world are called upon, more than ever in history, perhaps, to think critically and bow out of the visceral reaction arena!

    As always, an excellent and well thought-out post, my dear friend Max!

    And PS - I can't believe what Peter just revealed! How ridiculous is it, to not allow kids to hug or play any contact sports! Repression of this extreme, is very dangerous.

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    1. Hi Lynda :D!

      "Logic can provide solutions but in societies where religious fervor propels all thoughts and deeds, there is ample room for trouble."

      Agreed.

      "Humans around the world are called upon, more than ever in history, perhaps, to think critically and bow out of the visceral reaction arena!"

      The problem is: they haven't been listening.

      "As always, an excellent and well thought-out post, my dear friend Max!"

      Why, thank you *bowing*.

      "And PS - I can't believe what Peter just revealed! How ridiculous is it, to not allow kids to hug or play any contact sports! Repression of this extreme, is very dangerous."

      Right? It is rather appalling. It is a very dangerous form of extremism but I am still wandering what led to it and if it is reversible. Ah, the world has gone bonkers.

      Lynda, thank you ever so much for your comment, my dear :D. It was nice to have you here.

      Cheers

      Delete
  11. The U.S. is relying on surveillance and apparently sharing information with the governments involved.

    "The surveillance flights have taken on added importance in the turbulent aftermath of a March coup in Mali, which has enabled al-Qaeda sympathizers to declare an independent Islamist state in the northern half of the country."

    From http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-expands-secret-intelligence-operations-in-africa/2012/06/13/gJQAHyvAbV_story_1.html

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    1. Jean,

      "The U.S. is relying on surveillance and apparently sharing information with the governments involved."

      Yes, it is.

      Thanks for sharing the link. After the Homeland Security News Wire article came out many articles have been published ever since with different perspectives on the conflict...

      Cheers

      Delete
  12. Indeed this is one situation for which the entire world should be united to tackle especially the western nations. These terrorists may call themselves to be the believers of Islam, but I guess even the die-hard of the Islam proffesors wouldn't agree with it because they are nothing more than just fanatics, whose only aim is to destabilize other countries and spread their blind theologies. I completely agree with you. This is one area US and its intelligence agencies need to keep a better eye and have efficient monitoring to check spread these terrorists dirty tentacles to especially small and weak countries, who are more prone to these radical onslaughts. The citizens of these kind of countries should also be vigilant and aware, so that they remain united else to fight a smaller inner enemy, they unknowingly may be taking support from the lurking tiger, who initially may appear friendly like a cat, but well riding the tiger to fight the crocodile may be useful in the short run, but in the long run the tiger may well turn back to have its pie.

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    1. Hi Kalyan :D!

      "These terrorists may call themselves to be the believers of Islam, but I guess even the die-hard of the Islam proffesors wouldn't agree with it because they are nothing more than just fanatics, whose only aim is to destabilize other countries and spread their blind theologies."

      Yes, they are not Muslims; they are fanatics who use Islam to achieve their goals (with the much needed support they need).

      "The citizens of these kind of countries [weak and more prone to radical onslaughts] should also be vigilant and aware, so that they remain united else to fight a smaller inner enemy, they unknowingly may be taking support from the lurking tiger, who initially may appear friendly like a cat, but well riding the tiger to fight the crocodile may be useful in the short run, but in the long run the tiger may well turn back to have its pie."

      I agree, the citizens of such nations should be vigilant and aware as well.
      I so understand what you mean.

      Kalyan, thank you ever so much for your outstanding comment :D.

      Cheers

      Delete
  13. I don't see anything out of the ordinary here. My sense is that Islam is always waiting for an opportunity, and will exploit any kind of chaos. Just wondering when the West's deliberate seeking of economic and social chaos is going to be rewarded likewise.

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    1. Hi Looney :D!

      "My sense is that Islam is always waiting for an opportunity, and will exploit any kind of chaos."

      Your sense knows it.

      "Just wondering when the West's deliberate seeking of economic and social chaos is going to be rewarded likewise."

      Interesting, I was having that same conversation earlier today and a colleague wondered the very same thing...

      Looney, thank you ever so much for your outstanding comment :D.

      Cheers

      Delete

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