Muslim rebels in Mali impose martial law, cut off hands, and forcibly impress children into combat roles. Qatar is entwined with the rebels, hoping to extend Islam and its own regional power.

Israel does not want war with Iran. But it will protect itself.

Long an island of stability in the Mideast, Jordan was rocked last year by riots inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood. King Abdullah will have his hands full this year.

Both internal and external controls must be exerted to stem the tide of Islamist terrorism in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and world-class producer of oil.

The Boko Haram, which is linked to Al Qaeda, killed at least four persons in the city of Geidam in Yobe State, Nigeria.