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little in the last 200 hundred years, most of the cities, including the
Timbuktu are decaying, modern conveniences are rare indeed, and finding
a working phone is next to impossible. Mali was forgotten by the
20th century, which is good for the people, but for the rest of the world
it is a great loss. Mali is home to more Archeological sites than
anywhere in Africa, and is home to a diverse people whose cultures and
lifestyle remain almost unchanged from their ancestors. Most of the
country still lives in mud dwellings and wear the traditional, although
flamboyant dress. Most of Mali's military carry antique weapons,
although recently China has begun selling them surplus weapons and goods,
as well as sending advisors. Westerners, whether they be American
or Europeans are completely distrusted, and travel to the country is not
advised. Even western archeology crews have been banned, and most
of the unfortunate westerns who have found themselves in Mali have been
tortured or killed. This policy is becoming more apparent as Mali
has aligned itself with Algeria, and its other anti EEC rebels in waging
war against European forces, sending troops into Algeria and Tunisia to
bolster their forces as much as possible. Of course they don't provide
a force large enough to fear by themselves, as Mali's Military forces aren't
large enough to do more than annoy the European titan, but they fight fiercely
and as far as Algeria and Tunisia are concerned every little bit helps
to eliminate the foreign threat.
(Written by Deric "D" Bernier)
