The migration crisis, in Europe

Spain is increasing naval and coastguard patrols as thousands of Africans risk their lives to get into Europe. They've also offered assistance to Mauritania to patrol their waters looking for illegal migrants. Mauritania is, obviously, the last stop for people trying to get to the Canary Islands, and thus into the EU.

The Canaries are only one front. Illegal immigrants also try to enter the EU through the Spanish north African cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

For vast numbers of Africans facing grinding poverty, incessant political crises, war, and tyranny, Europe is, increasingly, the promised land. Spain is the front line of Europe -- the country closest to the African continent. So it is the goal for thousands of people hoping to improve their lives. For Spaniards, and Europeans in general, the question is how to handle this influx. That's going to be a critical issue over the next few years.