Sensing the inevitable side-effects of any military intervention in the Sahara, which had the potential to push back home the Islamist problem, the Algerian government has tried for a long time to promote a negotiated solution to the stalemate in northern Mali.

BBC: Siege awakens ghosts of Algeria's 'dirty war'

The crowd responded and Rangers boss Walter Smith, sensing a chance for his side to stamp their authority, sent on Thomas Buffel and Daniel Cousin for the hard-working Darcheville and Novo.

BBC: Rangers 0-0 Fiorentina

Sensing that it would soon be on the wrong side of the law, the University of Massachusetts announced last month that it would no longer attempt to increase diversity through racial preferences.

ECONOMIST: Affirmative action