Topic: Islamic Militants

France has intervened in Mali, officially to combat Islamic militants, but analysts suggest the move is driven by energy security. Mali possesses significant gold and uranium deposits, the latter of which is vital for France's nuclear power plants following labor strikes in Niger. The conflict is following a familiar geopolitical script similar to the intervention in Libya.

Former CIA officer Michael Scheuer discusses the political sensitivity of the Petraeus resignation ahead of Benghazi hearings. Scheuer criticizes the Obama administration's narrative on Islamic militancy and identifies John Brennan as a potential "yes man" successor for the CIA directorship.