MALI

France continued with the air strikes against Islamic rebels in Mali throughout Monday night and the U.S. is mulling sending drones and providing aid to the French troops. Efforts to deploy African troops gathered pace as well.

After France intervened to combat an Islamist insurgency in Mali, other superpowers have been gearing up to follow suit.

French fighter jets bombed an Islamist rebel stronghold deep in northern Mali Sunday as France poured more troops into the capital Bamako.

French President Francois Hollande tightened home security Saturday as French forces continued to target Islamist militants in northern Mali to force al-Qaeda-linked groups out of their strongholds.

French forces in Mali have launched air-and-ground operations to aid West African coalition troops in driving back al Qaeda-linked rebels.

French troops are already in Mali, where an Islamist insurgency is becoming a serious threat to West Africa and the world.

A new U.N. report says that 10 million to 15 million people in developing countries are being exposed to increasing levels of mercury in the environment.

Samsung’s Global Download Center page has showcased a new smartphone with the model number GT-i9500X, with many reports suggesting it could be the highly anticipated Galaxy S4.

The African continent is seeing some monumental changes, and is rife with conflict and potential.

The U.N. put out a series of new resolutions condemned violence against women, including the practice of female genital mutilation.

After a new kidnapping, French President Hollande expressed concern over AQIM's partnership with Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram.

The Security Council authorized an African-led force to help Mali’s government recapture the northern part of the country from rebels.

Apple launched the iPhone 5 in 33 new countries today, including China, Turkey, Israel and Russia.

For the first time, a French president will make an official voyage to Algeria before going to Morocco.

President Bouteflika will meet with his French counterpart Dec. 19 and 20 in the capital, Algiers.

In Bamako, the quick appointment of Prime Minister Django Sissoko to replace Diarra is just one more chapter in Mali's ongoing saga.

Spain holds a special place in the hearts of Islamic fundamentalists

Mali's Prime Minister Cheikh Modibo Diarra resigned Tuesday, after he was arrested by soldiers loyal to an ex-coup leader.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, is putting down roots in Africa by way of Mali and branching out into Libya, Nigeria, Somalia and beyond.

The European Union may send troops to Mali to train solders ahead of an African-led military offensive against insurgents.

ECOWAS has agreed on a plan to send troops into northern Mali; it will now be reviewed by the UN Security Council.