There have been some questions about why CNN provides links to the websites of certain groups who are involved in the conflicts we are covering.

The stories we write and publish about the conflicts provide the latest news, perspective and analysis. CNN.com users are served when they are able to read about all the parties to the conflict.

Whether you agree with the point of view of some of the groups, however extreme they may be, reading their websites may provide the additional context to view their actions and statements. Of course, CNN's listing of these links is not an endorsement of any group -- and we state this on the page where the links are listed.

In Colombia, for example, we provide links not only to the government sites, but to the sites of the ELN and FARC rebels and the paramilitary groups. In Northern Ireland, we provide links to the British government, the Irish leadership and most of the groups who have faced off in that long conflict. In the Middle East, we provide links to the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority, but also to many other groups including Hamas.

Countries or groups which may be viewed as "terrorist" or "sponsoring terrorism" by any other government, will have a link to their website only if CNN, as part of its coverage, reports on those groups or countries, or interviews their leaders.