"As developments unfold in Mali, the risks for infiltration and destabilization are real in some of the countries bordering Mali, as illustrated by the efforts of neighboring countries to tighten security along the borders, " said Said Djinnit, who heads the U.N.

CNN: Malian security forces push into rebel territory

The bull market in gold futures is linked with the rise in worldwide liquidity and fear of Middle Eastern destabilization.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The AU supports the sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS in Mali and "further decided to impose their own sanctions, with asset freezes and travel bans against leaders of the military junta and all those involved in contributing to the 'destabilization' of Mali, " said Ramtane Lamamra, commissioner for peace and security.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Sanctions targeted the supporters and relatives of the military junta and all those involved in contributing to the "destabilization" of Mali, the African Union said.

CNN: Grave conditions reported as rebels capture northern Mali

Russia cautioned against unpredicted consequences during the signing of the resolution and stressed that there was a need to avoid further destabilization in North Africa.

FORBES: Russia and China Team Up Against NATO Libya Campaign

The hostage crisis in Algeria is a "terrible warning" that the conflict in Mali "is not a matter between France and one of its former colonies in West Africa" but "a sign of the growing destabilization of the whole Sahel region, " the paper says.

BBC: Press links Algerian crisis with Mali operation