"Liberating Mali": The President of France hails the beginning of a long-term occupation (tags)
"Alongside the Malians and the Africans, we have liberated this town. Today Timbuktu. Tomorrow Kidal. And others are still to come. You have accomplished an exceptional mission." [France's President Francois Hollande, speech delivered to French troops in Timbuktu, 2 February 2013]
Is Western Condemnation of Cultural Destruction Reserved Exclusively for Enemies? (tags)
Djulfa’s destruction, like that of the Bamiyan Buddhas and Timbuktu shrines, merits widespread coverage, unwavering condemnation, and international liability, no matter who the perpetrator is.