As Mali militants made clear the Western hostages' lives are 'at risk', the war on the Islamists fighters is dangerously and rapidly developing into a global war
Obama, Vice President Joe Biden to present gun control measures at White House; president's agenda to include executive, legislative action
Al-Shabaab says it plans to kill French agent Denis Allex, who has been held hostage since 2009, after failed rescue attempt by French armed forces