Backgrounder: MEND has gained global notoriety by disrupting oil supplies in the Niger Delta.

With suicide attacks up and the growing use of chlorine bombs, al-Qaeda in Iraq looks increasingly emboldened. But reports are surfacing of rifts among its factions.

Allegations of a murderous rampage by U.S. Marines directed at civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha, as well as a possible cover-up by military officials, may further damage the U.S. image abroad. …