Terrorism in North Africa is not a stagnant phenomenon but one that is constantly evolving with changing conditions. Whereas previously these organizations were nationalistic in nature, now there are more international connections, including with drug trafficking, that may herald a drift away from ideology and reflect a more criminal approach. Most of the opposition to governments is rooted in broken promises of development. There were two major turning points in the past that have resulted in the situation of today. The first was the overthrow of the Iranian Shah in 1979 and the second was the return of “Arab Afghans” in the late 1990s. These two events energized the opposition to north African governments that chance was possible. If this phenomena is to be defeated, it is necessary to use troops coupled with other programs to address real needs.