Stratfor's Vice President of Africa Analysis Mark Schroeder discusses the links between al Qaeda and the jihadist groups operating in north and west Africa, threats to Nigeria and the French intervention in Mali.

The French intervention has allowed other African countries to begin deploying to Mali.

Stratfor's Vice President of Africa Analysis Mark Schroeder discusses the challenges France faces in transitioning its emergency intervention operations to an African-led stabilization operation.

French air assaults come as the jihadists break under the pressure of military operations.

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.

Given the resources it is deploying, Paris is clearly preparing for any contingencies that could arise during its military operation against jihadists in Mali.

Stratfor Africa Analyst Mark Schroeder discusses the launch of a French-led effort to dislodge jihadists from northern Mali.

French and Malian forces have launched an offensive to push back advancing jihadist militants.

Al Qaeda may have targeted Col. Elhadji Ag Gamou because he could serve as a valuable asset for a potential intervention force in Mali.