AL QAEDA AND TERRORISM

Al Qaeda and Terrorism



Al Qaeda and Terrorism

Introduction

The devastating September 11 attacks were an exceptional event, unparalleled in the history of terrorism, with consequences imposed all over the globe. Al Qaeda expected its terrorist campaign to inspire jihadist groups worldwide to take up arms. It failed to do so. Instead, al Qaeda turned to indiscriminate slaughter of Muslims, which provoked widespread anger and rejection. Al Qaeda after bin Laden is likely to be even more decentralized, its threat more dispersed. While he was alive, bin Laden was able to inflict unity to his fractious enterprise. No successor will with the authority bin Laden used to speak with. Al Qaeda could become a group of independent field commands, held by a central command, united only in its beliefs.

Discussion

Al Qaeda survives by supporting the local insurgencies. It has joined such insurgencies in Afghanistan, Iraq, Algeria, Somalia, making itself part of a larger enterprise into which it can instill its own ideology. However, these insurgencies have their own trajectory. Al Qaeda is the beneficiary, not the instigator of political violence. Regardless of al Qaeda's fate, the insurgencies are likely to continue (www.stratfor.com).Decades of civil wars, internal conflicts and weak national institutions in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia guarantee continued clashes. Keeping control of these distant unstable states in order to safeguard public safety will be a lasting mission.

Al Qaeda's communications have expanded and improved. A strong and effective communication network is an essential part for any movement. The movement's leaders have identified this fact and made a number of steps to strengthen their communication network. The number of its websites has increased, and number of jihadist sites based on English language also has increased. Al Qaeda publishes an online magazine targeting an audience of young males. Its spokesmen based in America communicate ...