France–Mali relations in Paris. There are over 120,000 Malians in France. In response to the rise of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in 2012 following the collapse of Azawad as part of Northern Mali conflict, France deployed 4,000 troops and sent many military equipments in part of Operation Serval. France has been very cautious of Mali's situation, as Mali was a former colony of France and has ties with France. In 2017, President Emmanuel Macron had vowed to fight every terrorist in Mali. France–Mali relations France–Mali relations refers to the current and historical relations between France and Mali. France was the former
James S. Robbins He serves on the Advisory Board of the National Civil War Museum. James S. Robbins James S. Robbins (born 1962) is a commentary writer for "USA Today" and Senior Fellow for National Security Affairs on the American Foreign Policy Council. He is the award-winning former Senior Editorial Writer for Foreign Affairs at the "Washington Times", an author, political commentator and professor, with an expertise in national security, and foreign and military affairs. He also served as special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His books include "The Real Custer: from Boy General to Tragic Hero" (2014), "Native