Posted by: Alan Mercer

Canada sending C-17 transport plane to help allies in Mali CBC News | January 14, 2013

‘Canada will provide one RCAF C-17 transport aircraft in a non-combat role to support the operations of its allies in Mali for a week, the Harper government has announced….

‘”The government of Canada is not considering a direct Canadian military mission,” he [Harper] told reporters….

‘French military forces began an aerial bombing campaign late last week to try to support the weakened Malian military’s fight against insurgents with ties with the al-Qaeda terrorist network…

‘”The development of essentially an entire terrorist region in the middle of Africa is obviously of great concern to everyone in the international community,” Harper said last week….’

Why should Canadians be involved? It’s not our fight. They didn’t attack us. It’s none of our business.

Are the characterizations of the Mali insurgents accurate?

Isn’t it an incredible double standard to talk about al-Qaeda in Mali considering that the West has backed rebel groups in Libya and Syria that include al-Qaeda (see here, here and here).

What about national sovereignty and letting others manage their own affairs?

Isn’t this just an excuse for dominating Africa?

Innocent people end up being killed.

Reports about the events in Mali by Jason Ditz, Antiwar.com | January 13 & 14, 2013
As France Pounds Mali, Civilians in the Line of Fire: Air Strikes on Populated Areas the Center of French Strategy

‘…At least 11 civilians have already been confirmed killed in the attacks on Konna, the first town targeted by the French, with a large number of others wounded….’

US, Britain Helping in French Attack on Mali: US Offers to Send Drones to Mali

Mali Rebels Counterattack, Seize Another Town: Rebel Leader Vows Revenge Against France for Strikes

Here is an article from back in October in which Eric Margolis warns about Western adventurism in Mali and distorted characterizations of the rebels:
Beware Those Wicked Malians By Eric Margolis, ericmargolis.com | October 13, 2012

‘…The US has been rapidly expanding its influence in France’s former African sphere of influence, both in a drive for resources and to block China’s growing activity on the continent…’

‘…bunch of Saharan tribesmen and trouble-makers in pickup trucks in a place whose main city, Timbuktu, is a synonym for remoteness and obscurity. No matter. The US and French media are dutifully raising alarms about the “Islamic threat” from deepest Sahara …’

More info on Mali