Not only were large numbers of former bedouin drifting to the area's sedentary centers, an act beyond contempt within the memory of the elders, but the best elements of the clans were often deserting Tuareg country completely and defecting to the new industrial centers, the dam projects, the afforestation projects, the new oases irrigated with the solar-powered pumps.
"Border, Breed Nor Birth"
Dallas McCord Reynolds
Large numbers of the survivors were defecting to the banner of El Hassan.
"Border, Breed Nor Birth"
Dallas McCord Reynolds
But how long before some of the militia starts defecting?
"Caribbee"
Thomas Hoover