Numerous militant groups are active in North and West Africa, but al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is among the most notorious.

Stratfor's VP of Africa Analysis Mark Schroeder examines the militant and jihadist groups affecting countries in North and West Africa.

Stratfor Africa Analyst Mark Schroeder explains how the raid to free hostages held by jihadists illustrated Algeria's willingness to defend its national security regardless of foreign nationals' safety or international opinion.

Due to an increase in counterterrorism operations against AQIM, the jihadist group will likely conduct more kidnappings to increase revenue.

A prolonged militant threat similar to that faced in Egypt or Libya is unlikely to take root in Tunisia.

Since late Sept. 13, protests have intensified and spread to much of the Muslim world.

Stratfor's Chief Geopolitical Analyst Robert D. Kaplan discusses Chinese port expansion in the northern Indian Ocean, including the opening of a $1.5 billion port in Sri Lanka that was constructed and largely financed by the Chinese.

Analyst Reva Bhalla takes a closer look at the unique factors afflicting each of the Middle Eastern countries currently experiencing unrest.

Editor’s Note: Transcripts are generated using speech-recognition technology. Therefore, STRATFOR cannot guarantee their complete accuracy.