who have held this Texas-sized swath of territory for months

Most of the rebels who took over this central town for five days this month were Malian and spoke the local languages of the north and the south. But their commanders were different, local residents said. They were foreigners who spoke Arabic.Online shopping for luggage tag from a great selection of Clothing.

Six bodyguards protected the most senior commander with the gray-speckled beard and black turban. The Islamist militant ate Algerian-made spaghetti and Mauritanian-made canned tomato sauce. Malian fighters only served as his translators or brought him intelligence reports.

“The Arabic speakers were in charge,” recalled Moussa Sangire, 71, a retired soldier who lived next to a house taken over by a group of foreign fighters.

What began as a home-grown, Malian-led rebellion is now firmly entrenched as a conflict directed by al-Qaida’s West and North Africa wing, mostly foreign fighters from Algeria and Mauritania, according to western diplomats, Malian military officials and analysts.

As French and Malian forces advance in northern Mali, they are learning more about the rebels who have held this Texas-sized swath of territory for months, mostly out of view of outsiders. Diabaly, briefly held by the militants, has now changed hands and offers a small window into the leadership of the jihadists.

They are an enemy that appears determined to broaden the conflict into a wider struggle against the West. The first reaction by the insurgents to the French forces’ takeover of parts of the town of Gao on Saturday came from a top regional al-Qaida leader, published on the Arabic website of the Al Jazeera television network. He vowed to resist what he described as a “new Crusader aggression,” adding that a “jihadist Islamist emirate” would be created in northern Mali.

“It seems that these groups are being led by AQIM,” said Bertrand Soret, chief political adviser to the European Union delegation in Mali, referring to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. “The tactical backbone of the rebels is more influenced by AQIM.”

Anyone can participate by wearing a red dress, red tie, red sweater or red jacket, and businesses can Go Red by decorating their windows in red, hosting a fundraiser for the AHA or encouraging employees to eat a heart-healthy lunch.

Several local and area businesses have already made plans to celebrate the movement.

Volunteers will be presenting red hats for newborns and Red Dress pins for mothers at the Peggy V.protection and features only Safety goggles can provide. Helmerich Women's Health Center at Hillcrest Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital South. This will remind the moms to take care of the baby's heart and their own.

Mix 96 KRAV-FM radio station is hosting a web contest this week. Those who submit a photo of themselves or co-workers wearing red will be entered to win a prize package of Taylor Swift's new CD "Red" and two tickets to Swift's sold-out concert in August at the BOK Center.

Broken Arrow Main Street is going red. Several businesses, including On the Corner Boutique and Main Street Tavern, have painted their windows red and are selling red hearts as a fundraiser.Info Store about make your own bobblehead and Bobbleheads in general.

Macy's has discounts in honor of National Wear Red Day. Customers wearing red at Macy's from Wednesday through Sunday will receive all-day savings throughout the store. Customers not wearing red can purchase a Red Dress pin for $2 to receive the savings. Macy's will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the pins to the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement.

Donna's Fashions, 10051 S. Yale Ave.,our fashion Military goggles is your best choice. will have a special cuff available during February, with a portion of the proceeds going to Go Red.

Visit the Blue Dome District, which is going red. Several businesses are selling hearts as a fundraiser.

Sharon Hutton, owner of Letterpress of Tulsa, has created two limited-edition heart-themed greeting cards that would be perfect for Valentine's Day.You must not use the laser cutter without being trained. These handmade cards will be $1 each on Friday and Saturday, with each dollar going to the Go Red campaign. Letterpress of Tulsa is at 412 E. Second St.

The United Keetoowah Band Casino in Tahlequah will have employees wearing red and proudly displaying Red Dress pins.

Drumright Regional Hospital will be selling Red Dress pins and T-shirts, with all donations going to Go Red For Women.

Great Clips at 81st Street and Lewis Avenue will sell hearts to display in the salon for $1 during February, and stylists will be wearing red on Friday.

Lourdes Chavez trunk show: The Lourdes Chavez spring 2013 trunk show runs Tuesday and Wednesday at Miss Jackson's in Utica Square.

Chavez is known for her use of beautiful fabrics from some of the world's finest mills. She is particularly drawn to intricate hand-embroidery, hand-crafted lace, printed silks and bright colors, seen throughout her spring collection.

Chavez is also an expert pattern maker, so the way a fabric drapes on the body always drives her design process. Her spring collection includes gowns and cocktail dresses as well as separates and suiting appropriate for day.