The Wahabist militia which has taken over the northern part of Mali is ensconced in Timbuktu. Its history is now being destroyed as the fanatics destroy shrines in the name of their God. One should not be surprised at the attempts to erase history. The embodiment of rival knowledge and rival beliefs proves a competitor to the black and white attitudes of the Islamist. Saudi financing of the school of Wahabi results in the intolerant erasure of Islamic history.
The revolutionary destruction of their own history and traditions will shorten the reign of fanaticism. Unable to draw upon deep roots, this belief system will collapse under the pressure of change, modernity and eradication. No doubt there will be more damage to Sufi saints and shrines along the way.