1.  Who attacked a gasoline plant in Algeria?

2.  a) Why did they say they did it?
b)  Why do Western officials contradict this explanation? (see "Background" below the questions)

3.  An unknown number of foreign workers have been killed or taken hostage.  What countries are these men from?

4.  What do you learn from the article about the leader of the terrorists?

5.  a)  Why do you think the Algerian government did not consult U.S., British and other foreign leaders before sending the military in in a rescue operation?
b)  More news reports are indicating that Western governments say the Algerians should have consulted with them before launching their operation.  Do you think Algeria should have consulted with President Obama and our military before attempting a rescue operation?  (Would it have saved the lives of those taken captive?)  Explain your answer.

Read about the French military operation against al Qaeda in Mali at: studentnewsdaily.com/daily-news-article/mali-islamists-counter-attack-promise-france-long-war.