Godlike Productions - Discussion Forum
Users Online Now: 1,103 (Who's On?)Visitors Today: 161,862
Pageviews Today: 270,208Threads Today: 110Posts Today: 2,215
05:15 AM


Rate this Thread

Absolute BS Crap Reasonable Nice Amazing
 

Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali

 
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/20/2013 06:04 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
New security checkpoints being set up around Bamako

[link to translate.google.com]
insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/20/2013 06:06 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Hey, I think it was a good post. Especially given the fact that 3 Libyans just died of carbon monoxide poisoning and Niger has taken in Saadi Gaddafi & many Gaddafi loyalists...

I guess the question would be how old/derelict was the Nigerein ambassador's home. I wouldn't expect it to be that grand BUT some of the poorest countries have the most elaborate consulates...
 Quoting: DarbyDoom


Could only found this pic:
[link to previous.presstv.ir]
Tried to find some info about the ambassador but couldn't find anything worthy, had also the same name with a famous rower from Niger, made things hard.

Last Edited by insertfunnyusername on 01/20/2013 06:08 PM
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/20/2013 06:30 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Hey, I think it was a good post. Especially given the fact that 3 Libyans just died of carbon monoxide poisoning and Niger has taken in Saadi Gaddafi & many Gaddafi loyalists...

I guess the question would be how old/derelict was the Nigerein ambassador's home. I wouldn't expect it to be that grand BUT some of the poorest countries have the most elaborate consulates...
 Quoting: DarbyDoom


Could only found this pic:
[link to previous.presstv.ir]
Tried to find some info about the ambassador but couldn't find anything worthy, had also the same name with a famous rower from Niger, made things hard.
 Quoting: insertfunnyusername


Didn't look very slum-like...and it didn't look that old either...

People around the Gaddafis have been dropping like flies - the woman in England (Caroline something); Shokri Ghanem; even old girlfriends...

If someone else w/ a tie to Libya succumbs 2 carbon monoxide poisoning - we'll see an undeniable pattern...
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/20/2013 06:32 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Why Algeria Doesn't Negotiate w/ Terrorists -

...Algeria's experience with Islamist insurgency during the 1990s defines its response to events today. During that conflict, a debate emerged within the Algerian government about how to deal with the violent Islamists. One side favored a negotiated solution. The other, known as the eradicateurs, said killing the Islamists was the only approach. The eradicateurs won -- and they still remain in the drivers seat in today's Algeria....

The heart of all Algerian policies is the preservation of the Algerian state -- maintaining the sanctity of its sovereignty, defending the viability of its economy, and ensuring the safety of its citizens, all with a vision not just to the day-to-day but to the longer run. By attacking the In Amenas facility, the militants struck at these core interests, provoking an overwhelming response from the Algerian government.

Algiers not only wanted to show unequivocally that it has a monopoly on the use of force, it was also obliged to protect the goose that lays its golden eggs. The hydrocarbon sector is the backbone of Algeria's economy, accounting for more than 95 percent of export earnings. Any attack on oil and gas facilities was thus not just an attack on the energy sector but on the country's basic well-being. Hydrocarbon revenues pays for subsidies on basic foodstuffs, fuel, and housing -- any reduction in earnings, therefore, could undermine social stability and political stability.

How Algeria responded to In Amenas was also not just an answer to the particular crisis, but was a signal for the future. If this attack was intended as a game changer, if it was intended to be a harbinger of future attacks, then Algeria had to send a clear signal that the new tactic that would not succeed...

[link to www.foreignpolicy.com]
insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/20/2013 06:38 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Didn't look very slum-like...and it didn't look that old either...

People around the Gaddafis have been dropping like flies - the woman in England (Caroline something); Shokri Ghanem; even old girlfriends...

If someone else w/ a tie to Libya succumbs 2 carbon monoxide poisoning - we'll see an undeniable pattern...
 Quoting: DarbyDoom


Yep, looks decent.
Gaddafi's people need to disappear, they know too much, dangerous for TPTB plans.

Last Edited by insertfunnyusername on 01/20/2013 06:39 PM
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/20/2013 09:22 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
France Launches Total Reconquest of Mali

French troops consolidated gains in Mali's Islamist-held north as Paris said the aim was its "total reconquest" and Canada, Germany and Russia offered vital aid for the offensive....

The French advance towards the jihadist strongholds in Mali came amid reports that the militants were abandoning some of their positions and converging on the mountainous region of Kidal, their northernmost bastion, 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) from the capital Bamako and near the border with Algeria.

[link to www.google.com]
Chrit

User ID: 27088294
United States
01/20/2013 09:31 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
France Launches Total Reconquest of Mali

French troops consolidated gains in Mali's Islamist-held north as Paris said the aim was its "total reconquest" and Canada, Germany and Russia offered vital aid for the offensive....

The French advance towards the jihadist strongholds in Mali came amid reports that the militants were abandoning some of their positions and converging on the mountainous region of Kidal, their northernmost bastion, 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) from the capital Bamako and near the border with Algeria.

[link to www.google.com]
 Quoting: DarbyDoom


You ever watch them in action? They are way too conservative in my opinion, way to by the book in battle.

They need a lot more troops....
I'm only human, it's my biggest flaw.

We must all realize a sink a chair and a pillow are all luxuries of home and a soldiers helmet takes the place of all three.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/20/2013 09:36 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
France Launches Total Reconquest of Mali

French troops consolidated gains in Mali's Islamist-held north as Paris said the aim was its "total reconquest" and Canada, Germany and Russia offered vital aid for the offensive....

The French advance towards the jihadist strongholds in Mali came amid reports that the militants were abandoning some of their positions and converging on the mountainous region of Kidal, their northernmost bastion, 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) from the capital Bamako and near the border with Algeria.

[link to www.google.com]
 Quoting: DarbyDoom


You ever watch them in action? They are way too conservative in my opinion, way to by the book in battle.

They need a lot more troops....
 Quoting: Chrit


They already have 2,000 boots on the ground (who knows how many special forces) - the Islamists may just hide out until they leave - so short term they might be able to declare victory

(that's what I would do - let the French march around all they want & come back out when they leave)
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/20/2013 09:43 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Freed Hostages Tell Harrowing Tales

They hid in false ceilings and beneath beds. They blocked doors with furniture. They waited as hours turned into terrifying days, echoing with the sounds of gunfire and mortars. They were unarmed, unable to defend themselves. Many were captured. Some were forced to wear belts packed with explosives. Some were gunned down. Of those who survived, many believed they too would die.

As hostages taken at an Algerian gas plant return home, they have brought with them chilling memories of survival and escape....

At the outset of the attack, armed men attacked a bus carrying workers to the local airport. Gunfire broke out. Three Japanese workers, seeking safety, ran out of the bus. They were killed. An Algerian worker named Riad, an employee of a Japanese engineering firm, told Agence France-Presse that those still on the bus were taken to a residential compound at the gas plant, where they joined other hostages. It was not a safe haven. At one point, Riad told AFP, “a terrorist shouted ‘open the door!’ with a strong North American accent, and opened fire. Two other Japanese died then and we found four other Japanese bodies.”

[link to www.theglobeandmail.com]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 10:16 AM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Latest AP Story on Mali - Interesting Tidbits

- Town taken after Islamists fled

- French troops are surrounding (guarding) Malian military base near town

- 200 French soldiers w/ 6 helicopters seize control of Diabaly, patrol streets after Islamist rebels flee

[link to www.washingtonpost.com]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 11:00 AM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Blame Canada - Two Canadians among Algerian Hostage Takers

[link to twitter.com (secure)]

insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/21/2013 12:24 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Report: Mali Army Torturing, Executing Civilians
'If We Don't Have an Identity Card, They Kill Us'

[link to news.antiwar.com]

Article has a link to G**rdian with more details.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 01:12 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Really - Blame Canada - The Attack Leader was Canadian

An Algerian security source had earlier told R**ters that documents found on the bodies of two militants had identified them as Canadians: "A Canadian was among the militants. He was coordinating the attack," Sellal said, adding that the raiders had threatened to blow up the gas installation.

That Canadian's name was given only as Chedad. Algerian officials have also named other militants in recent days as having leadership roles among the attackers. Veteran Islamist Mokhtar Belmokhtar claimed responsibility on behalf of al Qaeda.

Source: R**ters
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 01:12 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Report: Mali Army Torturing, Executing Civilians
'If We Don't Have an Identity Card, They Kill Us'

[link to news.antiwar.com]

Article has a link to G**rdian with more details.
 Quoting: insertfunnyusername


Race war starting? Are they brown civilians?
insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/21/2013 01:17 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Report: Mali Army Torturing, Executing Civilians
'If We Don't Have an Identity Card, They Kill Us'

[link to news.antiwar.com]

Article has a link to G**rdian with more details.
 Quoting: insertfunnyusername


Race war starting? Are they brown civilians?
 Quoting: DarbyDoom


Fulani's are black civilians.
[link to en.wikipedia.org]
insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/21/2013 01:18 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Really - Blame Canada - The Attack Leader was Canadian

An Algerian security source had earlier told R**ters that documents found on the bodies of two militants had identified them as Canadians: "A Canadian was among the militants. He was coordinating the attack," Sellal said, adding that the raiders had threatened to blow up the gas installation.

That Canadian's name was given only as Chedad. Algerian officials have also named other militants in recent days as having leadership roles among the attackers. Veteran Islamist Mokhtar Belmokhtar claimed responsibility on behalf of al Qaeda.

Source: R**ters
 Quoting: DarbyDoom


Found a G**rdian one.

Canadian 'co-ordinated' terrorist attack, says Algerian PM
[link to news.apsou.gr]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 01:38 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Thanks IFUN - This is REALLY interesting - Senior BP Executive Among Dead Hostages

A senior executive at BP, who lived in London, was among those who died in the attack on the Algerian gas plant, adding to suggestions that the terrorists may have had inside information.

Carlos Estrada, who had worked for the company for 18 years and risen to be vice–president, lived with his wife and family in an exclusive flat in Chelsea, West London.

Sources told The Daily Telegraph that Mr Estrada, who was born in Bogota, Colombia, made no more than one or two visits to the site a year and was likely to be accompanied by other senior executives.

Read more: [link to www.businessinsider.com]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 02:00 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
WTH - Contrary to Earlier Reports - French Jets Headed to Mali DID NOT Fly Over Algerian Airspace

On January 13, Laurent Fabius, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that French Rafale aircraft flew over Algeria to bomb sites around Gao, Mali, involving the Algerian government in the conflict in Mali. Today, Jeune Afrique learns that the fighters are actually passed over Morocco.

[link to www.jeuneafrique.com]

In English - [link to translate.google.com]
insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/21/2013 02:31 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Thanks IFUN - This is REALLY interesting - Senior BP Executive Among Dead Hostages

A senior executive at BP, who lived in London, was among those who died in the attack on the Algerian gas plant, adding to suggestions that the terrorists may have had inside information.

Carlos Estrada, who had worked for the company for 18 years and risen to be vice–president, lived with his wife and family in an exclusive flat in Chelsea, West London.

Sources told The Daily Telegraph that Mr Estrada, who was born in Bogota, Colombia, made no more than one or two visits to the site a year and was likely to be accompanied by other senior executives.

Read more: [link to www.businessinsider.com]
 Quoting: DarbyDoom


Very interesting post Darby, this can go very deep, i believe we ain't learned nothing yet. Still conflicting reports about the number of dead hostages, changes by the hour.
ANNONYMOUS
User ID: 8415236
United States
01/21/2013 02:48 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
5a

An interesting point is that there have been rumblings on here from time to time about Africa which were for the most part ignored. Not only by myself but the other readers here. It wasn't until Erin Burnett a relatively obscure CNN newbie did a masterful piece on Mali and what was going on that it all came to the fore. While Erin's demeanor is somewhat snarkey her field work appears to be impeccable. Worth a watch on CNN from 7 - 8. This is in no way to demean either your reports Darby or In Funs which really fill in the blanks here. I often think that Erin lurks in the corners here.
insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/21/2013 02:55 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
5a

An interesting point is that there have been rumblings on here from time to time about Africa which were for the most part ignored. Not only by myself but the other readers here. It wasn't until Erin Burnett a relatively obscure CNN newbie did a masterful piece on Mali and what was going on that it all came to the fore. While Erin's demeanor is somewhat snarkey her field work appears to be impeccable. Worth a watch on CNN from 7 - 8. This is in no way to demean either your reports Darby or In Funs which really fill in the blanks here. I often think that Erin lurks in the corners here.
 Quoting: ANNONYMOUS 8415236


Haha, MSM journalists definitely lurk on GLP for info. You don't demean anything btw, we're all here seeking the truth. :)
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 04:50 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Looks like French MSM may have noticed who is funding the Islamists in Mali

Is Qatar fuelling the crisis in north Mali?

Oil-rich gulf state Qatar has a vested interest in the outcome of the north Mali crisis, according to various reports that have been picked up by French MPs, amid suspicion that Doha may be siding with the rebels to extend its regional influence...

Last week two French politicians explicitly accused Qatar of giving material support to separatists and Islamists in north Mali, adding fuel to speculation that the Emirate is playing a behind-the-scenes role in spreading Islamic fundamentalism in Africa...

“Mali has huge oil and gas potential and it needs help developing its infrastructure,” he said. “Qatar is well placed to help, and could also, on the back of good relations with an Islamist-ruled north Mali, exploit rich gold and uranium deposits in the country.”

Qatar’s foreign policy is also motivated by religion, wrote Lazar, and success in Mali would “greatly increase the Emirate’s influence in West Africa and the Sahel region”.

“If the Qatari influence in the current situation in Mali turns out to be real, it must be seen in the context of two branches of a global competition,” he wrote. “Firstly, competition with Saudi Arabia to be the centre of Sunni Islam; secondly, in terms of competition between the Sunni and Shiite branches of the Muslim faith.

“It would be an extension of the effort Qatar is already making in Egypt, Libya and in Tunisia.”

[link to www.france24.com]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 08:04 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
After Algerian Attack, Belmokhtar Promises France Many More Attacks on French Soil (Merahs)

...He also promised that France , France "Crusader and Zionist Jews" pay its "aggression against Muslims northeast Mali".

Belmokhtar as in a video broadcast last Sunday, his spokesman issued threats against the hexagon: "I hope that France realizes that there will be tens of Khaled Mohammed Merah and Kelkal, "he firmly told. "The attack Amenas is just the beginning," he promises.

[link to translate.google.com]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 10:06 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
British Forces About 2B Deployed in Mali.

British forces are on alert for an emergency deployment to Mali as David Cameron commits the UK to a fully-fledged battle against al-Qaeda in northern Africa.

The Times understands that units from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF are on “high readiness” to deploy if requested in support of France, which is attempting to repel Islamist extremists from the north of the country.

[link to www.thetimes.co.uk]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/21/2013 11:41 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Transcript from Belmokhtar Video Claiming Responsibility for Amenas Attack

[link to flashpoint-intel.com (secure)]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/22/2013 06:29 AM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
NATO Member Norway Mulls Sending Troops to Mali

Norway, which is still missing five citizens after a hostage siege in Algeria, is considering joining a European Union mission to Mali to help train soldiers backing French troops who are fighting Islamist militants.
Norway, which isn’t a member of the EU, has received an informal request from neighboring Sweden to contribute army officers and instructors,

Elisabeth Kjaer, a Defense Ministry spokeswoman, said by phone today. While the government has yet to respond, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Defense Minister Anne-Grete Stroem-Erichsen are open to offering army support, she said, confirming comments in local newspaper Aftenposten.

“It’s about stabilizing a region,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Kjetil Elsebutangen said in a phone interview from Oslo. “Military contributions are one element, but far from the only one. The efforts to create stable states, support of the rule of law, building institutions, are also an important contribution.”

[link to www.bloomberg.com]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 31243632
United States
01/22/2013 06:32 AM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
Islamist extremists gone from Mali town of Douentza; government extends state of emergency

Malian forces on Tuesday controlled the strategic town that was under extreme Islamist rule for four months, as the French-led military intervention pushed northward in its second week.

Douentza had been the outer edge of Islamist rebel control until the militants surged southward earlier this month. While far from the capital, Douentza is only 190 kilometers (120 miles) northeast from Mopti, which marks the line-of-control held by the Malian military.

On Monday, French and Malian troops arrived in Douentza to find that the Islamists already had retreated from the town, local adviser Sali Maiga told The Associated Press.

[link to www.washingtonpost.com]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 8260452
United States
01/22/2013 06:37 AM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
So if the Tuareg got ran out of Mali, where are they now? They surely can't go back to Libya.
insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/22/2013 07:08 AM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
British Forces About 2B Deployed in Mali.

British forces are on alert for an emergency deployment to Mali as David Cameron commits the UK to a fully-fledged battle against al-Qaeda in northern Africa.

The Times understands that units from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF are on “high readiness” to deploy if requested in support of France, which is attempting to repel Islamist extremists from the north of the country.

[link to www.thetimes.co.uk]
 Quoting: DarbyDoom



The paper says the "most striking" part of Cameron's speech was the fact he rejected the idea of "containing" the al-Qaeda threat and argued that the UK's ultimate aim was to "completely overcome them".

The move to put Britain's armed forces on alert for a possible deployment to Mali comes at a difficult time. The Army is preparing to make up to 5,000 soldiers redundant today in what is its third round of cost-cutting in recent times, despite already being stretched by Afghanistan campaign.



More details here:
[link to www.theweek.co.uk]
insertfunnyusername

User ID: 32224343
Greece
01/22/2013 07:09 AM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Watch as it Develops - The Staged War Against Islamists in Northern Mali
So if the Tuareg got ran out of Mali, where are they now? They surely can't go back to Libya.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 8260452


Hiding probably, they can't go back to Libya because they are indigenous population of N.Mali and not from Libya.





GLP