From BBC:The main group of Tuareg ex-rebels in Mali has agreed to help the army tackle al-Qaeda's North African branch.
Both groups roam across the Sahara Desert and correspondents say the deal could prove significant.
The agreement was brokered by Algeria's ambassador to Mali. Algeria is where al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb stages most of its attacks.
Last month, the group killed a British hostage who was being held in Mali after being seized in Niger.
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Update: Spain to help Mali battle Al-Qaeda: official -- AFP
My Comment: The same tactic that was used in Iraq .... aligning with Arab tribes to disarm or rout Al Qaeda groups .... is being used here. It appears that Al Qaeda (like Iraq) has outstayed their presence in this part of Africa.