Envoys: Mali Islamists tougher than France anticipated
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French troops' initial clashes with Islamist militants in Mali have shown that the desert fighters are better trained and equipped than France had anticipated before last week's military intervention, French and other UN diplomats said.
The realization that the fighting could be bloodier than anticipated in the weeks – or months – ahead might make Western countries even more reluctant to get involved alongside France. French officials, however, hope it will rally their allies behind them, diplomats say. (Reuters)
