Al Qaeda is militant organisation founded in 1988 and led by Saif Al Adel. It has many branches, notably in Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and in the Maghreb
Support for rebels in Syria is declaring 'war against Iraq'
France, UK appear headed for about-face on campaigns in Africa
Europe fears fight against militancy will shift to the home front
Timbuktu erupts in song to welcome French president
French and Malians close in on Timbuktu
Algeria militants' shrewd media game
Algeria siege was for Al Qaeda, says militant
Algerian assault ends crisis, leaving 19 hostages dead
US drone strikes on Yemen Al Qaeda kill nine
