"Mali's isolation is largely self-inflicted. Turning away from traditional allies and Malian democracy, the junta has placed hopes in a new partner: Russia"
"Mali's isolation is largely self-inflicted. Turning away from traditional allies and Malian democracy, the junta has placed hopes in a new partner: Russia"
It is important that the withdrawal of foreign troops from Mali does not create a power vacuum for the jihadists to exploit, as was seen in Afghanistan
Russian President Vladimir Putin loves to play Russian roulette. Seeking to expand Moscow’s global influence, he continually places geopolitical bets, hoping they will pay off. While the world is currently watching the large number of chips he has placed on Ukraine, he also has wagers riding in other parts of Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Latin America. But perhaps his most troubling side bet is in Africa. While Russia may not be able to act as a great power there, it has enormous potential to be deeply destabilizing especially in the Sahal.