Abstract This paper discusses how Lawrence Wright's "The LoomingTower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 "contains a wealth of information and gives some real insight into just what on earth caused the horrifying terrorist attack of 9/11. The paper looks at how the book includes key themes such as the origins of the extremist Islamist ideology that would fuel Al-Qaeda, and the way it was fanned into extremism by the horrors of torture in Egyptian jails in the 1980s. The paper also examines how the book describes how it was possible for American intelligence to fail so utterly to foresee or prevent the disaster.
From the Paper "Wright traces the origins of Al-Qaeda all the way back to Egypt, beginning in 1948 in Alexandria with Sayyid Qutb, foreign student in the USA - who would later write some of the books that would inspire and inflame those Muslim radicals who were turning to Takfir (the mirror image of Islam, which purports to be orthodox, while at the same time encouraging murder). Geographically his extensive background spans universities in Egypt, building construction sites in Saudi Arabia, the war in Afghanistan, the rise of the Taliban, the setting up of radical Muslim cells in Pakistan - not to mention Qutb's happy days in Greeley, Colorado."
Abstract The paper looks at how Lawrence Wright in his work "The LoomingTower" explores the origins of the Islamic fundamentalist movement and its relationship to Osama bin Laden. The paper posits that Wright makes the terrorists more real to us and makes the complicated world of terrorism easy to understand.
From the Paper "In Chapters 1 through 11, Wright make the complex workings of al-Qaeda easy to comprehend. The first half of the book traces the history of al-Qaeda back to post World War II, where the ideas of a jihad were but seeds of thought in Sayyid Qutb's mind. Wright does well to explore the main players' characters religious and political involvement. Political ideas coupled with religious persuasions help us to understand the aspirations of these men that help form the underground movement that we would later come to know as the Islamic fundamentalist movement."
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 describes alQaeda. The author points out alQaeda'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:AlQaeda, terrorists, September 11, Madrid, suicide bomber, terrorism
Abstract This paper examines the ideology of alQaeda terrorism. In particular, the paper attempts to understand why alQaeda 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 This paper discusses whether al-Qaeda is still a threat to the world community. It outlines history of al-Qaeda and its ideology, which differs fundamentally from "traditional" terrorist organizations with specific political causes. The author argues that al-Qaeda has "metastized" from an organization into an ideology and cause.
From the Paper "On a Monday morning in the late summer this writer got a phone call from a friend telling him to turn on CNN. "Buddy, we're under attack," the friend said. What the writer and millions of other Americans saw in the ..."
Abstract This paper relates that terrorist activities can be examined as features of a general structural process, but it should be noted that alQaeda'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 alQaeda, factors such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration and latency are evident. The paper points out that these factors operate in alQaeda 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 The paper delves into the origins of the pro-jihad, pan-Islamic Al-Qaeda terrorist organization. This paper discusses the ideology of the organization, while also profiling its leader, the man believed to be the mastermind behind the 9/11 terror attack, Osama bin Laden. The writer of this paper examines Iraq's direct involvement with Al-Qaeda and that of Islamic terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi who heads the Iraqi branch of the organization. This paper explores the relationship between bin Laden and al-Zarqawi as well as the groups terrorist training camps which are located throughout in the middle east. This paper also discusses the strategies used by the U.S. and Britain in combating the increasing terror coming out of both Iraq and Afghanistan.
From the Paper "The leadership of both conjoined terrorist groups shows the national diversity of the leaders of terrorist organizations of the Muslim world, as Osama bin Laden is a Saudi, while a Jordanian leads the Iraqi group, as well as the different techniques open to the groups, from bombs to poisons, to engage in acts of mass terror. In terms of its current choice of activities, the United States military has attributed some of Iraq's bloodiest suicide bombings and some hostage beheadings to Tanzeem Qaedat Al Jihad Fee Bilad Al Rafidain. The military also believes that the group has long used Fallujah as its key base and continues to do so, despite United States control and the attempts to instate a new Iraqi government. The group now known as Tanzeem Qaedat Al Jihad Fee Bilad Al Rafidain has long used highly inflammatory ways of conveying its message and committing its acts of violence against innocent American civilians, most notably the beheading of a United States civilian."
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 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 AlQaeda Islamic combines both religious fanaticism and cool pragmatism. The paper relates that an example of the sophistication employed by alQaeda 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 alQaeda's Terrorism
Military Training
New Breed of Terrorists
Motivation and Bloodthirsty Strategy on a Spiritual Level
Funding
The alQaeda 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 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 The paper relates that the AlQaeda training manual outlines the main qualities, attributions and actions relevant for the terrorist organization, as well as different means of training and communication routes. The paper discusses each of its constituting elements and analyzes how they can be incorporated into a counter-terrorism strategy in order to prevent events like the 9/11 attacks.
From the Paper "The so called Al Qaeda Training Manual, retrieved from a Manchester based suspected Al Qaeda member is an important source of information for the counterterrorist services around the world. It represents an essential set of rules and norms about the way in which terrorists conduct their activities inside their terrorist organization and outside, in the states they activate. The importance of the document resides in the fact that it outlines the main qualities, attributions, and actions relevant for the terrorist organization, as well as different means of training and communication routes."
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 study takes a look at the Islamic group AlQaeda 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 AlQaeda's motivations, ideology and purpose. A list of AlQaeda'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 AlQaeda 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
AlQaeda: 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 discusses how AlQaeda 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 AlQaeda and the religious factors that facilitate its continued development and increasing appeal amongst Muslims around the world. The paper then assesses how AlQaeda impacts upon the individual and general society in the Islamic world and discusses the links between AlQaeda 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."
