AQIM is taking advantage of the social and economic fabric of Sahelian communities while exploiting the region's vast plains and porous borders that complicate counterterrorism operations.

Islamist militant and jihadist groups thrive on disenfranchised youths who lack opportunity and services in their native countries.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb remains a looming threat, with its proven adaptability and resilience, and its high capacity for destruction.

The January 2013 French intervention in northern Mali has severely degraded the military capabilities of militant organizations. But as violent extremists are being subdued in one area, new hot spots of confrontation are emerging.

The fragile states of the Sahara and just below the desert pose significant challenges—not just for the United States and Europe, but also for the North African states themselves.

As the crisis in Mali threatens to grow into a full-fledged regional security and humanitarian nightmare, nervous neighboring countries are looking to Algeria to lead a conflict management effort.