RE: one step forward,four steps back Could you please provide the links for that information. No question the West and U.N. are not happy with the coup Sanogo led and want a democratic process and government. But it would be suprirising if the West and U.N. twiddled their thumbs while the extremely radical and violent Muslims in the north continued their mayhem. I was under the impression, based on previous stories that no one was wiling to commit troops except ECOWAS. Western countries, specifically France and the U.S., had indicated that they would provide logistical and intelligence support to Mali and perhaps weapons but no troops.
In any event, there is some very significant good news and that is the Tuareg rebels have now indicated that they are no longer seeking territorial independence. No doubt they will supplement the Mali army because they do want to free themselves and their people of the radical Muslims. Here is the link re the Turareg rebels. https://www.euronews.com/newswires/1683238-malis-tuareg-rebels-soften-separatist-stance/