Middle East Policy has been one of the world’s most cited publications on the region since its inception in 1982, and our Breaking Analysis series makes high-quality, diverse analysis available to a broader audience.
Middle East Policy Council
Wolfram Lacher has co-authored a new article analyzing the international effort to stabilize Mali, including a history of the root causes of northern unrest and prescriptions for success. Mr. Lacher is an associate fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik [SWP]) in Berlin and is the author of the recent Middle East Policy article “Families, Tribes and Cities in the Libyan Revolution.”
The international military intervention in Mali is fraught with risks. The current cam-paign against extremists in Mali’s north could easily turn into a conflict between local communities. Attacks on civilians by the Malian army and African troops could cause the situation to escalate further. Progress in the north requires a government in the capital Bamako that has widespread support, which is currently lacking. The EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) will be confronted with the coup leaders of 2012 and ethnic militias in the army. By intervening, external actors are embarking on a long-term involvement in a complex conflict. To minimize these risks, stronger external focus is needed on the political process in Bamako, and the coordination of regional and international efforts must improve.
Middle East Policy has been one of the world’s most cited publications on the region since its inception in 1982, and our Breaking Analysis series makes high-quality, diverse analysis available to a broader audience.
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Middle East Policy Council
Wolfram Lacher has co-authored a new article analyzing the international effort to stabilize Mali, including a history of the root causes of northern unrest and prescriptions for success. Mr. Lacher is an associate fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik [SWP]) in Berlin and is the author of the recent Middle East Policy article “Families, Tribes and Cities in the Libyan Revolution.”