/tags/timbuktu Timbuktu en-US Copyright KUNC/Community Radio for Northern Colorado 2020 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:15:00 GMT /npr-news/2013-04-26/book-news-delillo-wins-first-library-of-congress-fiction-prize Also: Rescuing precious manuscripts in Timbuktu; the birth of the Midwestern noir novel; and a campaign against explicit passages in The Diary of Anne Frank. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:15:00 GMT /npr-news/2013-04-26/book-news-delillo-wins-first-library-of-congress-fiction-prize Annalisa Quinn /npr-news/2013-02-22/in-document-left-behind-by-al-qaida-22-tips-to-avoid-drones-strikes Among them, specific tips on how to scramble signals and more obvious tips on hiding beneath trees. The document was left behind as al-Qaida fighters streamed out of Timbuktu. Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:14:00 GMT /npr-news/2013-02-22/in-document-left-behind-by-al-qaida-22-tips-to-avoid-drones-strikes Eyder Peralta /npr-news/2013-01-30/from-timbuktu-reports-that-most-manuscripts-were-saved It now appears that most ancient manuscripts at a library in Mali survived an attempt by Islamic radicals to destroy them. Local residents apparently removed them earlier, according to reports from Timbuktu. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:24:00 GMT /npr-news/2013-01-30/from-timbuktu-reports-that-most-manuscripts-were-saved Greg Myre /npr-news/2013-01-29/ancient-manuscripts-in-timbuktu-reduced-to-ashes A famed library and research center held books and manuscripts dating back to the 13th century. Residents say Islamist radicals torched them before fleeing the town. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:03:00 GMT /npr-news/2013-01-29/ancient-manuscripts-in-timbuktu-reduced-to-ashes Greg Myre /2013-01-29/timbuktu-freed-from-islamist-fighters In the West African nation of Mali, residents of Timbuktu were cheering in the streets Monday, after the city was liberated by French and Malian forces after months under the harsh rule of Islamist fighters. In a final act of cultural warfare before fleeing Timbuktu, the rebels are reported to have set fire to libraries housing priceless manuscripts. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:00:00 GMT /2013-01-29/timbuktu-freed-from-islamist-fighters Ofeibea Quist-Arcton /npr-news/2013-01-28/french-and-malian-forces-take-airport-in-timbuktu-islamists-burn-library It's feared that thousands of ancient manuscripts may have been destroyed in the fire. The oldest is said to date to 1204. Meanwhile, French and Malian forces are securing the ancient city and searching for the Islamist extremists. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:45:00 GMT /npr-news/2013-01-28/french-and-malian-forces-take-airport-in-timbuktu-islamists-burn-library Mark Memmott /npr-news/2012-12-06/why-no-ones-going-to-timbuktu-these-days The coup in Mali earlier this year and occupation of the north by al-Qaida affiliates have devastated the economy, especially the tourism sector, the country's third-largest revenue generator. Tourist arrivals have plummeted, and all Malians, from river guides to tailors, are suffering. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:31:00 GMT /npr-news/2012-12-06/why-no-ones-going-to-timbuktu-these-days Tamasin Ford /npr-news/2012-08-04/dueling-crises-crush-malis-cultural-treasures A coup in the capital and a rebellion in the north have put Mali's cultural treasures at risk. Ancient holy sites have been damaged or destroyed, and an international music festival in the Sahara Desert may be in jeopardy. Sat, 04 Aug 2012 09:53:00 GMT /npr-news/2012-08-04/dueling-crises-crush-malis-cultural-treasures Ofeibea Quist-Arcton /npr-news/2012-07-13/destruction-of-timbuktus-treasures-continues-humanitarian-crisis-looms Islamist extremists have been knocking down centuries-old tombs and other sites sacred to Sufis. Little can be done to stop them. There's no effective government in Mali. The democratically elected president was toppled in a coup earlier this year. Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:20:00 GMT /npr-news/2012-07-13/destruction-of-timbuktus-treasures-continues-humanitarian-crisis-looms Mark Memmott /2012-07-13/al-qaida-linked-group-infiltrates-timbuktu The ancient desert town of Timbuktu is under assault in the west African nation of Mali. Islamist forces have taken over much of northern Mali where Timbuktu is located. One group, allied with al-Qaida, has begun systematically destroying Shrines that celebrate ancient Muslim saints. Human Rights Watch Senior Researcher Corinne Dufka talks to Renee Montagne about the destruction. Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:00:00 GMT /2012-07-13/al-qaida-linked-group-infiltrates-timbuktu