I read with some surprise the opinion of Ali Bluwi on France’s intervention in Mali. (“France’s intervention in Mali exposes risks,” March 2, Arab News).
There are some thoughtful comments in this article, but the general tone is clearly negative, starting with “France will not succeed…”
Of course differing views are always welcome if the facts quoted are accurate; and here I wonder where Ali Bluwi got this information:
•“France’s main objective to intervene in Mali was to defend Niger.” No, our main objective was to avoid Al-Qaeda taking power in Mali, thus establishing a new “failed state” that would have been a major threat to the stability of the region.
•“France tried to transfer the Arab Spring protests to Algeria and failed.” Wrong, destabilizing Algeria cannot be a French aim, especially when considering the possible impact of such a situation for France itself.
•“The American intelligence community was negative in assessing the French involvement in Mali.” Simply untrue, the US has not only welcomed our intervention, but has significantly helped us and continues to do so.
•“The aerial attacks are not going to make a huge difference.” The facts on the field demonstrate exactly the contrary.
• “It is not true that the terrorists cut off hands and destroyed the traditional places.” All the media have shown the destruction by the extremists of several historical and religious sites of great value for Islam and the whole world. And unfortunately cutting off hands did happen.
•“The new generation of Al-Qaeda is pragmatic and not that extremist.” Its barbarous behavior in Mali is the best demonstration to the contrary.
• “It is France that needs to reclaim its image to justify intervention in Mali”? Thank you, but France’s image in Africa is good, as shown by the popular welcome of President Sarkozy in Libya and of President Hollande in Mali or in Algeria. The fact that the whole international community has saluted France’s intervention in Mali shows that there is no need to justify it.
• “France is considering the establishment of two permanent military bases in Mali.” Where did Mr. Bluwi get such information which contradicts our public commitment to leave Mali as soon as possible?
Now, it’s clear to all that fighting Al-Qaeda and the drug dealers will take time and will not be easy. Our Saudi friends know it well and France is fully aware of that: But it is our honor to do so and to assist our friends, like Mali, to preserve their independence and Sovereignty.
• Finally I do agree with Ali Bluwi that “There should be a solution to the problem of Tuareg.” This is precisely why the French army will be staying a little more than scheduled time in order to help guaranteeing a political settlement including the population of North Mali. —
Bertrand Besancenot, Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia
French role in Mali: A clarification
