But the world is changing; some Tuareg connected with Al-Qaeda, they introduced the sharia; chopped hands off thieves, destroyed ancient mausoleums. It was only through a military intervention that worse was prevented. Dutch soldiers also helped to restore peace there. From noble savages to puritanical opportunists: what happened? Gerbert van der Aa goes to investigate. During his first visit to Mali, he was robbed and taken hostage. It didn't prevent him from returning many times.
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