As French and Islamist fighters continue to wage war over Mali, the Pentagon is hesitating to aid with reinforcements. The French have already sent out multiple airstrikes in order to push back Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents from the country's north, and in retaliation, the Islamist fighters pledged retaliation. 

SEE ALSO: Islamist Fighters In Mali Promist Attack On France

France has stated that they plan on increasing their troops in Mali from 800 to 2,500 and have begun taking support from West African troops. 

From BBC News: 

“The UN had previously approved plans to send some 3,000 African troops to Mali to recapture the north if no political solution could be found, but that intervention was not expected to happen until September.”

The Obama administration is currently addressing the needs and concerns the French face with Mali, and weighing what support, if any, should be granted. 

From The Washington Post:

“The United States is already providing surveillance and other intelligence help to France and may soon offer military support such as transport or refueling planes, according to U.S. officials, who stressed that any assistance would stop short of sending American combat forces to the volatile West African nation.”

The problem, however, lies in what the U.S. will gain from helping. Seeing as the rebels may not post a direct threat to the United States, the Obama administration is worried about being pulled into a new war too quickly. 

According to The Wall Street Journal: 

“Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called the French campaign critical to fighting al Qaeda, saying an attack on the U.S. and Europe is the terrorist group's ultimate objective. But he didn't commit the U.S. to do anything in talks with the French, a senior defense official said.”

SEE ALSO: France Launches Third Day Of Airstrikes In Mali

For now, the administration is waiting to sort out all of the underlying issues before jumping into a decision. Whether that decision involves dropping off land troops, providing air support, or simply backing out entirely, is expected to be determined soon.

 

 

Read more Neon Tommy coverage of Mali here.

Reach Executive Producer Eric Parra here.