Threats

Pentagon Confirms US Air Strike Killed Al-Shabab Leader

Monday’s U.S. air strike in Somalia killed the co-founder of the terrorist organization al-Shabab. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

US Strike Against Al-Shabab Leader Reflects Obama’s Counterterrorism Strategy

A targeted U.S. air strike against al-Shabab’s leader in Somalia is exactly how the Pentagon wants it to work in Africa and the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Does Boko Haram Really Have Control Over a New Caliphate?

With international attention spread thin in recent weeks, it's hard to know whether or not Boko Haram's newly-announced caliphate even really exists. By John Campbell

Threats

Obama OKs $10 Million for ‘Unforeseen Emergency’ in Africa

President Obama is sending France $10 million in military aid to bolster the fight against Islamic extremists in Mali, Niger and Chad. By Molly O’Toole

Ideas

What’s Next for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit?

Fewer and less intense wars in Africa present the U.S. with an opportunity to increase accountability for human rights violations and the rule of law. But is America up to the task? By Amelia M. Wolf

Policy

Summit Showcases Africa’s Progress and Pitfalls

The U.S.-Africa summit showed that as quickly as Africa’s economies are growing, so too is the terrorist threat. How the continent responds will secure its future. By Molly O’Toole

Ideas

The U.S. Needs a New Approach to Security in Africa

The time is now and Africa is the place to adopt a more comprehensive approach to security that serves as a model for American global engagement in the 21st century. By Scott Bates

Policy

At the U.S.-Africa Summit, Economics, Electricity and Terrorism

African leaders are in Washington this week to find ways to boost economic and security ties with the United States. By George E. Condon Jr.

Threats

Nigeria’s Boko Haram Problem Is Still Spreading

Boko Haram's campaign of violence has now displaced more than 15,000 Nigerians and shows no signs of stopping. By John Campbell

Threats

Libya Is Stumbling Toward Civil War

Despite the deteriorating situation, the U.S. is unlikely to get involved in Libya again anytime soon. By Kaveh Waddell

Threats

Boko Haram Won’t Stop Nigerians from Watching the World Cup

Several well-attended viewing centers in the northeastern part of the country have been attacked by Boko Haram terrorists. By Kayode Ogunbunmi

Threats

U.S. Forces Capture Benghazi Suspect

Alleged ringleader finally picked up, taken to secure location outside Libya. By Matt Berman and Emma Roller

Threats

U.S. Special Ops Adds to African Presence for 'Secret' Price Tag of $70 Million

Increasing fears about the spread of al-Qaeda across Africa have the Pentagon sending its Green Berets back to their original mission. By Ben Watson

Threats

After Benghazi, Specialized Crisis Response Teams Are Now the ‘New Normal’

In the wake of the Benghazi attack, the Pentagon realized it needed a smaller, more agile footprint in North Africa. By Ben Watson

Threats

Lawmakers Fear Nigerian Forces Are Unwilling to Pursue Boko Haram

A 1997 U.S. law is preventing the Pentagon from taking a more active role in the hunt for Boko Haram. By Sarah Mimms

Ideas

How To Defeat Boko Haram

The Nigerian military must find the schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram -- but it also has to address the underlying issues that fuel the terror group. By Isobel Coleman and Sigrid von Wendel

Threats

Why the U.S. Has Few Options To Help Find Kidnapped Girls in Nigeria

Finding more than 270 kidnapped girls will be a challenge in Nigeria’s lawless northeast. By Ben Watson and Kedar Pavgi

Science & Tech

The Secret Weapon in the War on Poaching...and Terrorism

Forget drones. Big data makes finding rhinos easier than finding insurgents. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

Is There More to the U.S. Mission in Uganda Than Finding Kony?

The U.S. sent Special Forces to Uganda to intensify the hunt for the infamous warlord Kony. But is it just part of a larger plan to contain the growing conflict in Africa? By Hilary Matfess