Americans , others have been taken hostage by Islamist militants in Algeria . Comment: The hostage crisis is a warning that militants must be pushed back . She says war has been raging in neighboring Mali , with extremists gaining ascendency . As the rebels entrench their position , they build a stronghold in a part of the world where institutions are fragile and people are vulnerable . Ghitis : The U.S. should aid the Mali government and help stabilize that part of the world .
Americans , others have been taken hostage by Islamist militants in Algeria . Comment: The hostage crisis is a warning that militants must be pushed back . She says war has been raging in neighboring Mali , with extremists gaining ascendency . Ghitis : The U.S. should aid the Mali government and help stabilize that part of the world .