James Baquet The name “Timbuktu” has become proverbial for “a remote place.” “Where’s the football stadium?” “Oh, way the heck out in Timbuktu.” “Really? Let’s just stay home and watch the game on TV.” This dates back to the writing of one Leo Africanus, a Spain-born Muslim scholar and traveler who wrote glowingly of Timbuktu in his “Description of Africa.” Remote, it was; but filled with riches, as the Europeans imagined? Not so much (though it once had been the center of a gold-trading kingdom). Still, as the capital of one of Mali’s eight administrative regions, it was and is of some importance. Starting in 2012, several groups of insurgents — especially members of a large Berber ethnic confederation called the Tuareg — began what has been called the Northern Mali Conflict, or the Mali Civil War. They are seeking greater autonomy or even independence from the central Malian government. So, in March 2013, the rebels launched an attack on Timbuktu. Malian government soldiers were guarding the town, and 150 French troops (the French had been the colonial overlords of Mali from the 19th century until 1960) protected the airport. Some 50 to 100 rebels attacked from the west at 10:19 p.m. on the night of March 20, and a suicide bomber exploded a camouflaged car at a checkpoint on the road to the airport. Another contingent attacked from the east, and the shooting continued for several hours. The French bombarded the rebels that night, and there was sporadic fighting in the morning. In all, eight Malians were injured and one killed, and the rebels’ loss was estimated at five to 11 killed in this First Battle of Timbuktu. Ten days later, at 10 p.m. on the 30th, the Second Battle took place, commencing with the act of another suicide bomber — this one on foot. But this was only a diversion; while it held the army’s attention, another group of rebels was infiltrating the city. Heavy street-fighting followed. By Monday afternoon, after more fighting, the rebels had fled. This battle ended with four Malians killed and 18 wounded; one French soldier wounded; and 29 rebels dead. Vocabulary: Which word above means: 1. masters 2. in very positive terms 3. action meant to divert attention 4. hidden by clever use of color 5. used as a common point of reference 6. passing in by stealth 7. right to self-government 8. far away, distant 9. the act of killing oneself 10. armed rebel | 