And I look forward to deepening our counterterrorism cooperation even further when I meet with Prime Minister Singh in New Delhi.

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Keenan says he believes the Algerians see some benefit in the "specter" of al Qaeda roaming the desert because it heightens their importance to the United States as a partner in counterterrorism -- even as they simultaneously lead regional efforts to co-operate against extremist groups.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The tripwire program can work even when suspects don't buy the materials that counterterrorism officials worry about.

WSJ: FBI Uses 'Tripwires' to Catch Bomb Makers