William Maclean, a frequent African analyst for Reuters just published this great piece summarizing the AQIM situation.

-Shimron

ALGIERS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Fresh Islamist militant attacks including the second on foreigners this year has raised questions about Algeria's security strategy and triggered calls for new thinking in the struggle to end political violence.

To date the authorities in the OPEC-member say the only way to put an end to 15 years of bloodshed is to pursue "national reconciliation", a policy which grants amnesty to the al Qaeda-linked guerrillas in return for disarmament.

The Rest @ Reuters Africa