IntroductionMali, a landlocked country in Northwest Africa, is currently one of the poorest countries in the world. By the 1990s, Mali's fortunes were improving as the country's rapid economic growth and democracy flourished alongside social stability. The state was in control of the north and a military coup removed the president due to his failure to protect the soldiers. Soldiers returning from Libya who had equipped themselves with weapons from Libya's arsenals started the coup. The soldiers were tired of not being properly equipped to fight the Tuareg (NOSSITER). The French intervened with military action against the Islamic fighters who threatened to advance south. Civilian rule was re-established in 2013 (Brice, Mali Country Profile - Overview). The Taureg, a nomadic group that makes up over half of the citizens living in the north, fought for their own land called Azwad. The Tuareg broke the truce and resumed fighting a year later. Mali suffered from rebellions, drought, and 23 years of military rule until 1992. Mali in general is a very arid country (Review). Mali owes its livelihood to the Niger River and can support itself by growing its own crops thanks to the fertile basin. Cotton cultivation is one of the country's largest exports. With a foreign trade deficit, Mali does not yet have the capacity to sustain itself. It still receives foreign aid and many of its citizens work abroad (Review). French and African forces intervened in Mali to prevent the Tuareg from claiming more territory on January 11, 2013. More than 500 French air and ground forces repelled the insurgents. French special forces liberated the city of Kona hours after hitting the ground on February 15, 2013 (Group). France promises...... half the paper ...... in defense and security forces” in July 2013 (United Nations). Mali will become more involved in world affairs since it established its democracy. Mali will assist the United Nations peacekeeping mission in other parts of Africa. Their economy will improve for their citizens, preventing them from being dependent on aid from outside organizations. Mali will play a key role on the African continent in its role against terrorist groups (USAID)" (Marquardt). A close relationship between the United States and Mali will give the United States the ability to gather intelligence on Al-Qaeda and its affiliates in the region and globally. With the intelligence collected in the region we can target terrorist groups located not only in Mali, but also in Africa and the rest of the world (Wadossene). as well as to protect its citizens (Banco)" (Marquardt).