Algiers

The January hostage siege at Algeria’s In Amenas gas field has only deepened Algerians fear of militant Islamist, says Time magazine’s Vivienne Walt.

Early Thursday, the Algerian government forces launched an operation to try and free the hostages, some of whom are Americans. The operation apparently began when Algerian forces fired on a militant convoy that was carrying some of the captives.

Algeria is holding parliamentary elections. The country’s military-backed government describes them as the most open and transparent for decades. But Algerians aren’t rushing to the polls, according to Financial Times correspondent Borzou Daragahi.

We’re looking for the home of the world’s newest metro for the Geo Quiz. This rapid transit system has been in the works for 30 years.

Marco Werman talks with Karima Bennoune, a professor of international law and human rights at Rutgers University, about Algeria and whether it is likely to be a part of the “Arab Spring”.