January 22, 2008: The UN and Algeria are having a spat over the lack of security that led to the December Islamic terrorist attack in the capital that killed 41 people, including 17 UN staff. The UN has asked for better security before the attack, but the Algerians insisted there was nothing to justify it.

Most nations don't appreciate just how much Islamic radicals hate the UN, seeing it as an infidel (non-Moslem) controlled organization that is supported by the rulers of Islamic nations that the terrorists want to overthrow. Al Qaeda also sees the UN as a high value target, in that any attack on this infidel organization is sure to get maximum coverage in the international media. In other worlds, killing UN staff is great for recruiting.

There's another reason for going after the UN. Because of the many good works the UN has done in Moslem countries, al Qaeda also sees a need to demonize the international organization. The UN is especially active in taking care of refugees, a group the terrorists rely on for recruits, especially for high risk missions (suicide bombers.)

For al Qaeda, attacking the UN is simply good business.