A hostage situation shows the risks foreign operations pose to Mali's neighbors.

France and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb each want to protect their interests in the country.

Paris is deploying additional troops while African forces mobilize for a northward push.

Operations by the French air force are meant to repel a militant advance into southern Mali.

Recent events shed light on how Islamist militias likely plan to slow an expected multinational offensive.

Shale gas production is part of Pretoria's plan to lessen its dependence on coal.

This is an internal Stratfor document listing significant meetings and events for the next week.

Recent troop deployment could hasten military involvement in the Western African country.

An evaluation and assessment of Stratfor's 2012 forecast and concise predictions for 2013.

Generational changes worldwide will be hard to deny in 2013.