The Malian government is calling on Tuareg tribesmen to intervene in the kidnapping of 15 Europeans by members of an Islamic extremist organization, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, who crossed over into Mali from Algeria several weeks ago. Due to the close cultural, familial, and trade connections that northern Malian Tuaregs share with southern Alegerian tribesmen, much confidence lies in their negotiating efforts.
