France Pledges A 'Short' Campaign Against Islamic Rebels In Mali

Mali: France Pledges 'Short' Campaign Against Islamists -- BBC

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has said that France's involvement in the campaign against Islamist rebels in Mali will last "a matter of weeks".

On Sunday, French warplanes bombed the town of Gao in eastern Mali, extending their raids deep into rebel territory.

France's military has been in action against Islamist militants in Mali since Friday, helping government forces recapture the central town of Konna.

France has called a meeting of the UN Security Council on Mali for Monday.

Speaking to French media, Mr Fabius rejected any parallel with the protracted Western mission in Afghanistan.

"Later on, we can come as back-up, but we have no intention of staying forever," he said.

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My Comment: Other countries (besides France) are now committing their military forces to assist the Mali government in their war with Islamic rebels, while others are waiting to receive an official request from the Mali government.

But will this campaign be a short one .... hmmmm .... I doubt it. Niger is a huge country and the Islamic rebels have consolidated their strongholds in the north of the country. For them to be stopped, ground forces will need to be involved, and considering how vast the territory .... it is not going to happen overnight or in a few short weeks as the French are hoping.