The French-led intervention in
Mali is gathering more support.
British,
American, and
Canadian support was offered in the form of transport planes as
well as communication and intelligence assistance. Today, Denmark
and Belgium offered to help with the growing mission in
Mali. 

The
Danes are sending a C-130 Hercules transport plane, which
will not take part in combat operations but will be providing
logistical support. Danish Foreign Minister Villy Søvndal said he
thought that sending assistance was necessary despite possibly
making Denmark a target of terrorism:

I think we let the people of Mali down if we don’t go in and
help in the situation. We also risk Mali becoming the next hotbed
of terrorism and extremism, and I don’t want any part of that,

Belgium has offered to send two C-130 Hercules transport
planes, two helicopters, and 75 troops. A meeting of E.U. ministers
is scheduled for Thursday when it is expected that a 400 to
500-strong European force will be announced.

While the number of countries getting involved in the
intervention in Mali is growing it is important to remember which
country produces much of the equipment they are sending. The
British, Canadians, Danes, and Belgians are all sending equipment
made by American companies. The C-17 Globemaster III, used by the
Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force, is made by Boeing
and the C-130 Hercules is made by Lockheed Martin.

There have been concerns that the French intervention could lead
to terrorist attacks in Europe, concerns that seem justified in
light of recent warnings from
the Taliban. France has
tightened security since the start of the intervention, a move
that included sending 700 troops to Paris. 

French President
François Hollande has said that he doesn’t want France to have
a permanent presence in Mali and that French troops will leave once
an African force is ready to take over. Officials from ECOWAS
(Economic Community of West African States) will finalize their
plans relating to Mali on Friday. Only after the plans are made
will Hollande get a better idea of how long French troops will be
staying in Mali.