Trump Eyes Mali Terror Strikes That Would Humiliate Russia's Failing Africa Mission

Executive Briefing

• Experts confirm reports of potential U.S. military action against jihadist group JNIM in Mali appear credible.
• Mali's foreign minister says his government has received no official U.S. confirmation of any planned strikes.
• Analysts argue intervention would be framed around U.S. national security, not Christian persecution as in Nigeria.
• Experts warn any successful U.S. operation would embarrass Russia, whose Mali partnership has yielded poor results.
• CFR senior fellow cautions that effective intervention would require a long-term commitment, not a short-term mission.
• West Africa described as the global epicenter of Islamist insurgency, raising stakes for American strategic interests.