On the road between Segou and Bamako on Tuesday, a CNN crew saw a large column of French mechanized infantry barreling toward northern Mali.

CNN: United States, Italy lend support for French in Mali

As a result of Turkey's disloyalty, the advanced 4th Mechanized Infantry Division had to sail around the Arabian peninsula to Kuwait to join the fight.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Turkey's cozy business with Iran

The 5th Corps' combat strength was estimated at 30, 000 troops when the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began March 20, but it is unknown what toll heavy airstrikes and desertions have taken on its three infantry divisions and one mechanized infantry division, U.S. military sources told CNN.

CNN: Coalition makes key advances in northern Iraq

Mr. MICHAEL EISENSTAT (Washington Institute for Near East Policy): It has to be a much larger, a much more capable force and it probably has to include light and mechanized infantry, armor, light artillery, as well as special forces who are capable of conducting a counterinsurgency and counterterrorist type operations.

NPR: Bush Calls for Peacekeepers �� But Where Are They?