Terrorism is the unlawful, or threatened, use of violence against individuals or property to coerce and intimidate governments or societies for political objectives. More often than not the inevitable political objectives are couched in social, economic or religious terms. Terrorism is distinguished from common law crimes and other offences because the motivation is not for financial gain but a distinction critical in distinguishing terrorism from other organized criminal behavior. The physical targets for a terrorist attack may vary from state to state, from time to time, from attack to attack and would take into consideration the vigilance or relaxation of anti-terrorist measures related to potential targets. International terrorism has become the most serious threat to global peace, security and development. This unfortunate reality, along with all its manifestations around the world, and particularly in North Africa, undermine the most cherished values and fundamental principles of the 21st Century including development, democracy, human rights and freedom. North Africa is a region of growing importance in global efforts to counter terrorism. For the last decade, a significant number of terrorist attacks and operations have occurred in North Africa. In a region awash with weapons, human and drug trafficking and political unrest, North Africa has become a hot spot for terrorism. The main terrorist threat in this region arises from al Qaeda and the inability of African states to control their territory and to protect potential targets from terrorist assaults.