U.S. operations in North Africa.

Here's a great article that provides much detailed information about the the Algeria-based Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), the operations of U.S. forces in North Africa and the Sahel, diplomatic initiatives in that region, and OBL's focus on support for jihadists from Sudan on east.

"Pursuing Terrorists in the Great Desert. The U.S. Military's $500 Million Gamble to Prevent the Next Afghanistan. Part One of Two: Hunting Ammari Saifi." By Raffi Khatchadourian, The Village Voice, 1/24/06.