A detailed analysis of the political, military and psychological means by which Hafizal-Asad retained power in Syria for thirty years until his death in 2000.
Abstract This paper assesses the political, military and psychological means by which Hafizal-Asad retained power in Syria for thirty years until his death in 2000. With particular emphasis on the use of coercion, the paper gives an in-depth view of the internal politics of Syria, Asad's mechanisms of state control and coercion and the role of international relations on domestic Syrian affairs.
From the Paper "Syria was a country that had undergone tremendous political turbulence in the years preceding Asad's ascent to power in November 1970. The last three decades of the twentieth century saw constant upheaval throughout the Middle East and President Asad faced repeated challenges both internally and externally. Asad's success in simply remaining in power is, therefore, worthy of analysis and, as with his counterpart in Iraq, Saddam Hussein, much has been made of the regime's use of coercion in order to maintain its position. Coercion, that is government by force, undoubtedly played a crucial role in shoring up Asad's powerful position within Syria and he was not afraid to use all military means at his disposal to swiftly quash any opponents of the regime. It would be a gross over-simplification, however, to assume that this was the sole means by which Asad's remarkably long-lived presidency ensured its own survival. It is, perhaps, more helpful to view the use of coercion by the regime as the last line of defence of a shrewd leader who, although ultimately reliant on the military to ensure the control of his nation, nonetheless employed a varied and effective strategy to maintain both Syria's position internationally and his position within Syria."
Abstract This paper examines the ideology of al Qaeda terrorism. In particular, the paper attempts to understand why al Qaeda is particularly successful at attracting well-educated people in the Muslim world. The paper studies the appeal of radical Islamist terrorism, how it differs from terrorism of the 1970s and 1980s, and the emergence of the al-Qaeda movement. The paper then examines the theology of the al-Qaeda movement that glorifies death and the implications of radical religious based religious movements for the modern world. The paper concludes with an examination of the careers of the two top leaders of al-Qaeda: Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Tags: osama bin laden ayman al-zawahri, sayyid qutb al-qaeda alienation Terrorism
Abstract In this paper, the author argues that the rapid changes in society have allowed power to shift to "non-state" actors. The most notorious among them is the Al-Qaeda terror network. In this paper, the organization of Al-Qaeda is evaluated and its international connections are considered the reason for Al-Qaeda's continued operations. The author also examines Al-Qaeda's financing and the shared religious beliefs among its members. The September 11th attacks are also discussed.
Outline:
Research Questions
Introduction
Loose Network of People Connections
Case 1: Bombings in Istanbul
Solid Structured Organization
Finances
Case 2: September 11, 2001
Leads of the Al-Qaeda
The Al-Qaeda Today
Case 3: The Madrid Train Bombing
Conclusion
From the Paper "Al-Qaeda, the largest international terrorist network, is a distributed, roaming and non-territorial network. It functions as a hybrid peer-to-peer network through its combined use of advanced information technologies and traditional halawa exchanges, in which a central source triggers the actions that are carried out by individual nodes. It is organized in self-contained nodes that function autonomously and its responsibility and authority is devolved down to the lowest possible level. This networked structure of authority and accountability is most evident in al-Qaeda operations, as cells planned and carried out operations with considerable and independence."
Abstract This paper relates that terrorist activities can be examined as features of a general structural process, but it should be noted that al Qaeda's AGIL process is often distorted by factors not commonly faced by other organizations. The author explains that, in applying the AGIL process to the terrorist organization known as al Qaeda, factors such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration and latency are evident. The paper points out that these factors operate in al Qaeda to a more limited degree than they do in more traditional and mainstream organizations.
From the Paper "In applying the AGIL process to the terrorist organization known as al Qaeda, it is evident that factors such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency continue to al Qaeda, but to a more limited degree than they do in more traditional and mainstream organizations. Terrorist activities can be examined as features of a general structural process, but it should be noted that al Qaeda's AGIL process is often distorted by factors not commonly faced by other organizations. For example, many of al Qaeda's functions are in conflict more often and are "on" or "off" more frequently and unexpectedly because of the global war on terror, which compels al Qaeda leaders, strategists, financiers, and cell members to be reactive much more often than they can be proactive."
Abstract This paper describes al Qaeda. The author points out al Qaeda's current goals as a terrorist organization. The paper examines the difficulties involved in locating operatives and in gathering information because members form small groups called cells.
From the Paper "According to Benjamin Wittes writing in "Atlantic Monthly", al-Qaeda is not a traditional uniformed military force. In fact it's not a geographically distinct military force at all. Rather, the organization is composed of cells scattered worldwide whose members seek to blend into the societies they wish to destroy. The organization's very nature makes distinguishing between combatants and noncombatants extremely difficult. When captured al-Qaeda, operatives often deny their affiliation. However, it is known that al-Qaeda has a specific set of goals. Furthermore there seems to be no ... '
Tags:Al Qaeda, terrorists, September 11, Madrid, suicide bomber, terrorism
Abstract This paper examines the marketing problems facing the Al Ahram Beverages Company, a manufacturer and distributor of beer in Egypt. The paper looks at the unique cultural challenges of marketing such a product within a Muslim country.
From the Paper "Al Ahram Beverages Company (AABC) is in a period of transition. It has gone from a publicly-held enterprise to a privately-owned company in Egypt, as part of a reform movement that included the privatization of many..."
Tags:Al Ahram Beverages company, case study, Egypt, competition, 4 Ps, marketing, product, price, place promotion, social change, liberalization, government owned monopoly
Abstract The paper offers an introduction to the threat that Al-Qaeda poses to the world and outlines the background of Osama Bin-Laden, Ayman Al-Zawahiri and the fundamentalist movements that inspired them. The paper looks at the world view of the leaders of Al-Qaeda and the stages of Al-Qaeda's operations. Finally, the paper explores some options for dealing with the threat Al-Qaeda poses.
Outline:
Introduction
Osama Bin Laden and Ayman Al-Zawahiri History
Ideology: The Muslim Brotherhood
World View of Bin-Laden and Al-Zawahiri, Israel, the US and Infidels
Al-Qaeda Stages of Operation, The Arab World, The Third World and All the World
Conclusion
From the Paper "Al-Qaeda and its leaders, Osama Bin Laden and Ayman Al-Zawahiri are frequently popular world news subjects. The world seems to want to be constantly aware of the goings on of these people and their organization. There is no secret to the desired need for this information. As most people know Al-Qaeda is a significant and ongoing threat to the world, with regard to terrorist activities and continued fundamentalist extremism with regard to jihad, or what these extremists see as a holy war against the rest of the world, but mostly the Western world."
Abstract This paper explains the story from the Qur'an, Surat Al-Kahf, about Moses (Musa or Alai) and Al-Khidr (the Verdant One or the Fertile One). The author points out that research states that Al-Khidr was Koranic Idris that appears in Sura 18/66 in terms of the cave. The paper relates that, during the point when Moses met Khidr at the rivers, there were five particular laws of teachings or hanifs or illuminati: laws of involuntionary and evolutionary cycles, of emanation and manifestation, of the heart-mind (galb), of science of light (hikmat al-ilraq) and of the spiritual communion with the hierarchical beings. The author states that popular tradition suggests that Al-Khidr, the Green One, lived during the time of the biblical prophet Abraham and that he still may be seen at sacred places. The paper concludes that the person named, the Verdent One, still plays the critical role in Islamic mysticism.
From the Paper "One day, Moses delivered a sermon that was so powerful that people were so overwhelmed. Everyone had his attention and vowed to follow his advice. A person asked Moses, since he is the messenger of Allah, is there anyone else that is so equivalent in his teachings. Moses replied no, thinking to himself that Allah gave him this wisdom to persuade and guide, which is an honor coming from the Torah. However, Moses thought to himself, there have to be another person with greater wisdom and further knowledge than me. Moses prayed to Allah to identify this person or give him a sign that would notify him of this person with greater wisdom and knowledge (min ladunni ilma) than Moses."
Abstract This study takes a look at the Islamic group Al Qaeda and provides an overview of its organizational and developmental history. Additionally, the group's base and location of operations and its financing and support sources are reviewed, as well as an analysis of Al Qaeda's motivations, ideology and purpose. A list of Al Qaeda's adversaries and enemies and a description of locations and tactics used in its attacks is also provided. In addition, a review of countermeasures that have been shown to be effective against Al Qaeda is also presented, followed by an analysis of the projected future for the group. Furthermore, the paper discusses potential security management solutions and countermeasures that could be deployed against these projected future threats. This discussion is then followed by a summary of the research and important findings in the conclusion. This paper includes pictures and tables.
Outline:
Abstract
Al Qaeda: Current and Future Trends
Review and Discussion
Name of the Organization and "Type" of Terrorist Group.
Organizational and Developmental History.
Base or Sanctuary; and Location of Operations.
Financing/Support Sources.
Motivations, Ideology and Purpose.
Adversaries/Enemies.
Location of Attacks and Tactics Employed.
Countermeasures or Anti-terrorist Options/Strategies That Have Been Successful
Projected Future.
Security Management Solutions and Countermeasures.
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "There has been some progress in the war on terrorism since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and countering the threat represented by al Qaeda. For example, the removal of the Taliban government in Afghanistan served to eliminate al Qaeda's sanctuary and training camps and destroyed an important connection in the process that once provided al Qaeda's leadership with a continuing stream of new recruits. Unfortunately, continues to face a serious threat as the organization's leadership rebounds from setback after setback to reemerge in yet another region of the world to threaten U.S. interests at home and abroad. In this environment, identifying current and future trends for this organization represents a timely and important enterprise, and these issues are the focus of this study."
Tags: terrorism religion funding, war against terrorism
Abstract This paper explains that bin Laden continued the development of his ideological and religious radicalization and military acumen while fighting with guerrilla-style Islamic troops against the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 1980s. He became a raging tyrant against American and Saudi Arabia after the kingdom invited U.S. troops to use an air station in Saudi Arabia. The author points out that the motivation for members of the Al Qaeda Islamic combines both religious fanaticism and cool pragmatism. The paper relates that an example of the sophistication employed by al Qaeda in the pre-planning and strategic military preparation for September 11's attacks is that the 19 trained Muslim hijackers were kept in the dark about the specifics of the operation because letting all 19 know the details would risk one or more of them sharing that information with someone who might not be able to keep it secret.
Table of Contents
Bin Laden's Motivation
The Philosophy and Methods of al Qaeda's Terrorism
Military Training
New Breed of Terrorists
Motivation and Bloodthirsty Strategy on a Spiritual Level
Funding
The al Qaeda Military Strategy: Do Not Tell the Hijackers their Mission
The 9/11 Commission Report: What Happened and Why?
From the Paper "While at the university bin Laden also began studying the thinking of Egyptian Islamic radical, Sayyid Qutb, "whose writings deeply influence bin Laden's religious views", according to Bin Laden, Islam and America's New War on Terrorism. Qutb was an influential fundamentalist thinker and agitator who was arrested by Nasser, the Egyptian president, and executed in 1966. The writings of Qutb continue to inspire and motivate Islamic extremists throughout the world. Bin Laden obviously picked up some of his rhetoric and hate from Qutb's writings, in particular the "takfir method". A "kafir" in Arabic is "an infidel or unbeliever" and to "declare takfir is to ascertain who is the unbeliever in the midst." I t's important to note that Qutb was not talking just about Americans or westerners as "infidels" - he was talking about fellow Muslims who were not taking up the campaign of violence against the west."
Abstract This paper provides a broad outline of the various known elements and aspects of the Al Qa'ida terrorist network, with a special focus on the role Osama Bin Laden. A brief biography of Bin Laden's life is presented, as well as a history of the organization. The role of fundamentalist Islamic ideologies in relation to Al Qa'ida is examined as well as Al Qa'ida's links to international militant Islamic organizations. Terror attacks attributed to Al Qa'ida are also highlighted.
Abstract
Origins
Osama Bin Laden
From the Paper "A crucial part of the history of Al Qa'ida is that the fight against the Soviet Union was not conducted in conventional terms, but was seen as a holy war against the aggressor. This resulted in volunteers and supporters from throughout the Muslim world rallying to the call. Furthermore, the resistance experience fused together Islamic fighters from a wide range of backgrounds and views to create the central kernel of the new organization. "Muslims from Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, and beyond fought side by side, forging relationships and creating a cadre of veterans who shared a powerful life experience, a more global view,..." (Jenkins 2002. p. 3)"
Abstract This paper reviews the funding sources for al-Qaeda's past and current terrorist activities. The paper reports ways in which governments are attempting to block funds for terrorists. It discusses problems with some of the methods used to determine what money is being channeled to terrorist groups and reviews suggestions on how their efforts might be enhanced and improved.
Table of Contents:
Financing Al-Qaeda
Funding The Attacks Of September 11, 2001
Counterfeit Fund-raising
Solutions For Cutting Off Al-Qaeda Funding Sources
Islamic Charities Linked To Al-Qaeda
Counter-terrorism And Reality
"Shell Companies" Are Easy To Create
From the Paper "Meanwhile, some caution should be used when federal agencies in the U.S. seize assets of Islamic charities they believe to be connected to Al-Qaeda. That is the viewpoint of Patricia Rodriguez-Rey, whose thesis at the Naval Postgraduate School (Rodriguez-Rey 2006 p. 1) points to the fact that "Islamic charities account for a large portion of humanitarian assistance throughout the world." In her research paper ("A Balancing Act: Anti-Terror Financing Guidelines & Their Effects on Islamic Charities") the writer explains that the law enforcement agency within the Justice Department that handles seizures of charity-related assets is the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) division. Unfortunately, the PATRIOT ACT policies often "require little proof before assets are frozen and groups are blacklisted" (Rodriguez-Rey p. 4), and that can be unfair and unproductive."
Abstract This paper compares the Latin Kings, which are the largest Hispanic gang and the terrorist group Al-Qaeda which became the most infamous terrorist organization after the September 11th attacks on the United States. The paper discusses how even though these organizations have many similarities in how they operate as well as many differences. It looks at how some similarities involve the fact that they have leadership structures, are involved in criminal activities and will not hesitate to take the life of anyone who opposes the organization. It also examines how some of the differences between the groups include the reasons the organizations came to be, their motivation for action and the willingness to die for the organization.
Outline:
Introduction
History of the Latin Kings
History of Al-Qaeda
Latin Kings v. Al-Qaeda: Similarities
Latin Kings v. Al-Qaeda: Differences
Conclusion
From the Paper "Unlike the Latin Kings, the terrorist organization of Al-Qaeda has not been in existence nearly as long. In Arabic Al-Qaeda means, "The Base," and is a network of extremists organized by Osama bin-Laden. (Hayes & Brunner, 2006). Bin-Laden is said to have begun Al-Qaeda during the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 after studying with radical Islamic thinkers. Bin-Laden became outraged when the government allowed U.S. troops to be stationed in Saudi Arabia which is considered the birthplace of Islam. The Saudi Arabian government expelled bin-Laden for anti-government activities in 1991. (Hayes & Brunner, 2006). Upon being expelled from Saudi Arabia, he established a headquarters for Al-Qaeda in Khartoum, Sudan. However, in 1994 under pressure from Saudi Arabia and the U.S., Sudan expelled bin-Laden as well. "
Abstract This paper discusses how Al Qaeda conceptualises the western world and in turn how the West chooses to envisage what is arguably its most potent threat. The paper first looks at the religious assumptions of Islamic fundamentalism and, in particular, how these conceptions of the Islamic faith impact upon the outlook of Al Qaeda and the religious factors that facilitate its continued development and increasing appeal amongst Muslims around the world. The paper then assesses how Al Qaeda impacts upon the individual and general society in the Islamic world and discusses the links between Al Qaeda and the previous Taliban rulers of Afghanistan.
From the Paper "We must take it as sacrosanct that the existence of Al Qaeda is destabilising and thwarts any wish to inaugurate a period of history based on peace and stability. However, the actions of the western world, in particular the United States does not in any way facilitate a move in this direction. There exists, within the bastions of American republicanism unfounded and misguided conceptions of how to deal with the question of Islam and international terrorist networks such as Al Qaeda. Such outlooks go a long way to compete with Islamic extremism in terms of their destabilising and dangerous connotations. Personally, I believe that if progress is to be made in understanding the current international situation, and if we are to safeguard a brighter future, free of extremism both Muslim and Western, it is the centre that has to prevail. We all have a role to play."
Abstract This paper explains that understanding Al Rumi's poetry largely depends on a willingness to accept the complexity of the philosophical and spiritual ideas that they express and the manner in which they challenge the very notion of the self.
From the Paper "Jalal El Din Al Rumi, a thirteenth century Moslem Sufi poet, is currently the most popularly read poet in the West. Norman M. Brown, the leader of the Community Unitarian Universalist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, has an interesting theory regarding Al Rumi's popularity. As he argues, most people, whether conscious of it or not, have spiritual needs and desires. The rational outlook of twentieth century Western civilization suppresses these types of needs and desires, does not give them the opportunity to express or fulfill themselves and, as a result, many people become spiritually frustrated (Brown). The minority who are conscious of their spiritual frustration turn to various religions in search of some type of fulfillment. However, few, if any, of these religions provide such fulfillment. The exception to this, according to Norman M. Brown is Sufi "mystical" Islam which appears to address both human spiritual needs and emotions on one hand, and the human respect for rationality and intellect, on the other (Brown). As Brown argues, Sufi thought, combining between philosophy and spirituality, and concisely expressed in the poetry of Al Rumi, satisfy the inborn human spiritual and intellectual desires and, in this, lies the popularity of the Sufist poet in the West."
