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.
Military
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.
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
France’s Colonial Hangover: Apologizing Abroad, Ignoring Injustice at Home
French President François Hollande took strides to heal wounds between France and Algeria, but his recognition of “unjust” colonial history overlooks continued prejudice Algerian descendents still face in France.
Look the Other Way, Please: What Are Those Secret Talks in Paris All About?
Hush-hush talks staged near Paris by independent organizers bring leaders of enemy sides in the Afghan war together for informal talks. Will this lead to official peace negotiations?
Mali’s Crisis: Is the Plan for Western Intervention ‘Crap’?
Though significant differences over details remain, French officials tell TIME to expect an international intervention plan into Mali to get accepted by the U.N. before the year’s end
Algeria’s Ghosts: France Acknowledges a 1961 Police Massacre
French President François Hollande reverses 51 years of official denial about the violent deaths of perhaps 200 people killed during a 1961 demonstration against the Algerian war
Why the Syrian Rebels May Be Guilty of War Crimes
A new Human Rights Watch report details abuses by the Free Syrian Army
How Sending Fewer U.S. Troops to Israeli Joint Exercise Further Strains Relations
TIME’s report on the substantial scaling back of U.S. participation in next month’s joint military exercise with Israel created some waves. The story, posted on Friday, quoted military sources in both countries describing a …
Exclusive: U.S. Scales Back Military Exercise with Israel, Affecting Potential Iran Strike
A smaller U.S. contingent may make it more difficult for the Israeli government to launch a pre-emptive strike on Tehran’s nuclear program
Must-Reads from Around the World
India’s Prime Minister flees another crisis, Mexicans loose faith in police reform and China outlines its booming mineral resources-driven business in North Korea.
Must-Reads from Around the World
In today’s offerings: the U.S. and China’s increasing military competition, Ai Weiwei’s protege and Palestinian politics intersect with regional realities.