Somebody Needs to Cowboy Up

The West is edging toward intervention in northern Mali as other optionis disappear and the situation worsens. The entire Sahel is weakening from hunger and violence radiating out from northern Mali where jihadis are flocking to set up a caliphate alongside Tuareg's who have to be wondering just what the heck they got themselves into by making a deal with the Devil to expel the southern Mali government.

Strategypage explains:

There is great popular anger at the corrupt and inept politicians, and the politicians are shifting blame as quickly as they can. Everyone says they want to reclaim the north, but there's no enthusiasm for letting foreigners (including the UN) do it, or getting organized so the more numerous southern Malians can do it. The West is leaning towards taking unilateral action, as the al Qaeda controlled north turns into another terrorist sanctuary. The UN is stalemated over the issue.

The "West," I assume--as I have from the beginning--means the French Foreign Legion--plus French, American, and British special forces and aircraft; and American logistics.

How long before the French realize nobody else can do the job?