Re: al-Jazeera News -- Courtesy Abu Nasr

[gdunkel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

The coup in Nouakchott, (the more common spelling) according to
French television, was called by some recently dismissed officers who
were upset by the the pro-sionist and pro-western orientation of the
president.

France II presented scenes of a fairly peaceful capital, and the president
being whisked into a well-guarded building.

It's interesting that French tv and al-Jazeera both presented essentially
the same story.

I'd add that there is a serious national question in Mauretania, with the
ruling caste being Moors/Berbers/Arabs withe the rest of the people
being descendants of black slaves.  I'd add that the coup sparked a lot of
discussion with the Senegalese I know.  They wonder how it will affect
their homeland and what it means politically for west Africa.

/greg

On 8 Jun 03, at 21:58, Pieinsky wrote:

> According to al-Jazeera TV's website (report issued
> Sunday at 19:41 GMT) there's an attempted coup d'etat
> underway in Nuwakashot, Mauritania.  At least seven
> government soldiers have been killed and dozens
> injured.  A brigade of armoured troops early this
> morning stormed the presidential palace.  The
> president's guard fled but the president, Mu'awiyah
> walad Sidi Ahmad at-Tayi', is said to be in a safe
> place, i.e., away from the rebels, according to
> sources close to the president.