Recent actions by a Salafist cleric could further divide the country along sectarian lines.

Geography and divisions within Yemeni security forces make it difficult to dislodge the country's militant groups.

Several European countries are reluctant to allow Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen zone.

More expensive wheat could lead to social unrest that may threaten Egypt's stability.

Northern countries are worried that popular discontent over unemployment will spread from the eurozone periphery into the core.

The disintegration of the M23 rebel group could destabilize the region but ultimately benefit Kinshasa.

Malaysia is deploying security forces to an area where armed Philippine nationals have seized a town.

Egypt can add environmental dangers to its growing list of concerns.

A number of al Shabaab fighters have headed north to mountainous redoubts in the autonomous Somali territory of Puntland.

Maputo will need to accommodate the opposition to develop new natural resources and infrastructure.