Franco-Malian offensive frees Timbuktu as the last major Mali town held by jihadi militias, but French moves handing over campaign against al-Qaeda allies in Mali to African forces raise doubts about future success.
France
France Celebrates Return of Convicted Kidnapper From Mexican Prison
Mexico’s Supreme Court frees Florence Cassez after seven years in prison for a 2007 kidnapping conviction that justices ruled was flawed by rights violations. Could that be the start of deep judicial reform in Mexico?
50 Years After Landmark Treaty, Can France and Germany Save Europe?
Ceremonies marking the 1963 Franco-German partnership pale in comparison to U.S. presidential inaugurations, but they mark an alliance credited with driving the E.U. — and the euro — toward greater stability and prosperity
The Malian Front: France Wins First Round of the War, but Now What?
Algeria’s Hostage Crisis: Did the Jihadists Have Inside Help?
As death toll in Algerian hostage attack grows, security officials examine Europe’s exposure to terror by al Qaeda-lined groups vowing revenge against France and the West for military intervention in Mali’s jihad.
In Mali’s Shadow: A Short History of French Military Mishaps in Africa
The French are not cheese-eating surrender monkeys. That’s an old canard—you know, a French word—sealed by unfortunate performances in the World Wars. But, as France’s robust recent intervention into Mali shows, …
Algeria’s Hostage Crisis: What Was Behind a Shadowy Militant Leader’s Plot?
As the Algerian hostage drama neared day four confusion remained high, information tight, and speculation about multiple motives behind the terror strike emerge
Westerners Kidnapped in North Africa — but Is France the Real Target?
Less than a week into France’s military intervention against Islamist militias in Mali, evidence builds confirming French concerns that their country has become the main focus of jihadi terrorist activity
Where Does France’s Unmarried President Really Stand on Same-Sex Marriage?
A demonstration drawing perhaps 800,000 showed mounting opposition to draft law granting marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples–and highlights wide ambivalence some claim Socialist President François Hollande shares.
Kurdish Assassinations in Paris Turn a Spotlight on Turkey-PKK Talks
The murder of three Kurdish nationalists in Paris amid reports of peace talks between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party has sparked clashing theories over who is responsible for the killings
Amid the Depardieu Tax Debacle, France’s Budget Minister Accused of Dodging Taxes
France’s controversy-weary President François Hollande sees a Cabinet member accused of tax fraud after the government’s proposed 75% tax on wealthy incomes is struck down
In France, Nothing Says ‘Happy New Year’ Like a Burning Car
France’s leftist government ends previous blackout on nationwide New Year’s Eve car burning by revealing figures confirming the spread of France’s distinctive tradition of auto arson as protest
France’s 75% Income Tax on the Rich Overturned as Unconstitutional
Socialist President François Hollande’s promise to create social “justice” by raising taxes on France’s wealthy overturned on constitutional grounds–for now.