Bruce Hoffman, professor of security studies, on why al-Qaida recruits in Western Africa:

"Al-Qaida's hallmark has always been both opportunistic and talent spotters. I think they saw a group that was in a zone that was already rife with instability and chaos."

Dead Al-Qaida Suspect Tied to Somali Youths In U.S.

September 16, 2009, NPR