In the latest turn of events in the decade-long war on terror, U.S. counter-terrorism policy in Africa was dealt a blow – or an opportunity – with the declaration of independence of the Azawad, the territory claimed by the Tuareg tribes of northern Mali.

The Tuareg national movement, the MNLA (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad), declared independence on April 5 for the Colorado-sized region north of the Niger river, following the withdrawal of Mali Defense Force troops from Kidal, Gao, and the legendary city of Timbuctu (in reality,, rather shabby in recent centuries), after weeks of combat.