As a newspaper, Charlie Hebdo suffers from constant comparison with its better-known and more successful rival, Le Canard Enchaine.

BBC: Charlie Hebdo and its place in French journalism

True to its position on the far left of French politics, Charlie Hebdo's past is full of splits and ideological betrayals.

BBC: Charlie Hebdo and its place in French journalism

It is already boosting security in some locations, including its embassies, and police vehicles were parked outside the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo late Tuesday.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS