Northern Mali: An Islamic state?

Two rebel groups that took over northern Mali earlier this year had agreed to form an alliance and create an Islamic state. But just what are the regional implications of an Islamic territory in the West African country? Ansar Dine is said to have links to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, while the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad, or the MNLA, is led by the Tauregs.

The two sides signed an agreement on Saturday but now their deal appears to be unraveling because they disagree over how strictly to impose Islamic Law, or Sharia. Ibrahim Assaley, a member of the MNLA, explained: