Crisis in Mali: Could the Sahara become a haven for al Qaeda?

A caliphate in West Africa? Doubtful. But François Picard’s panel fears the Islamist push in Mali’s lawless north will only trigger more chaos after a coup in that landlocked West African state.

DEBATE

Jeremy KEENAN, Professor of African studies at SOAS, University of London;
Akli SH'KKA, Imuhagh International Youth Organization for Justice and Equality;
Thomas DEMPSEY, Chair of Security Studies, Africa Center for Strategic Studies;
Vincent FLOREANI, Deputy Spokesperson, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
Cyril VANIER, France 24 senior correspondent.

Watch the first part
Program prepared and produced by Christopher Davies, Anelise Borges and Mary Colombel

Presenter

François Picard

29/10/2010 - THE DEBATE

Bin Laden’s threats to France

The French government has authenticated a video message which shows the Al Qaeda chief issuing his first direct warning to the French telling them to “get their troops out of Afghanistan” and “stop oppressing Muslims at home with policies such as banning the burqa”. Does France have to take the threat seriously?

27/10/2010 - THE DEBATE

Simmering Fury in the French Suburbs - Part 2

Five years ago, the deaths of two teenage boys sparked three weeks of violent riots in the French city suburbs. Thousands of people were wrested and 200 millions euros worth of damage was caused. Has anything changed? Or are France’s urban areas still a ticking time bomb waiting to explode?

27/10/2010 - THE DEBATE

Simmering Fury in the French Suburbs

26/10/2010 - THE DEBATE

US - Midterm elections: can Obama bounce back? - part 2

Polls point to major losses for the Democratic Party just one week before America votes in mid terms. Hundreds of senators, congressmen and governors are battling it out for a seat. The Republicans, who lost out badly two years ago, are seeking to restore their influence but find some of their veteran candidates being ousted by members of the Tea Party.