North Africa

French air-strikes open Mali intervention

France carried out air-strikes against Islamist rebels in Mali, helping government forces halt a drive southward by the militants who control the country’s desert north. 

North Africa

Tunisia frees Benghazi attack suspect

A Tunisian court unconditionally released Ali Harzi, the only suspect held in custody over the deadly attack on the US consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi.

North Africa

Attack on Coptic church in Libya

Two Egyptians were killed and two injured in an explosion at a Coptic church at Dafniya, near the Libyan city of Misrata. The blast came just as mass was ending.

North Africa

Mali: regime, rebels both divided

As Mali’s prime minister is removed by the junta, Ansar Dine rebels are embraced in peace talks—while the MUJAO rebels are sanctioned by the UN as an al-Qaeda front.

North Africa

Mali: final bid to avoid intervention?

Mali’s government is in talks with Islamist rebels who control the country’s north, while Gen. Carter Ham in Washington warned that al-Qaeda has established a haven in the country.

North Africa

Mali: Europe prepares intervention

Military experts from Africa, the United Nations and Europe have drafted plans to retake control of northern Mali, as West African nations prepare a request for armed intervention.

North Africa

ICC investigating both sides in Libya war: report

The International Criminal Court is collecting evidence for possible new war crimes charges against both Qaddafi supporters and opposition groups arising out of last year’s civil war. 

North Africa

Petraeus prostration: Benghazi blowback?

David Petraeus was scheduled to testify before Congress on the Benghazi attack when he was brought down by a sex scandal. Did the FBI instrument the revelation to silence him?

North Africa

Obama and Romney both fudged facts on Libya

In last night's debate, both Obama and Romney engaged in distortions over the question of when the deadly attack on the consulate in Benghazi was deemed "terrorism."