8/13/2019 Al Qaeda Strategy

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8/13/2019 Al Qaeda Strategy

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21/11/13 Publicador de contedo web

https://globalecco.org/pt/ctx-v1n1/alqaeda-strategy/-/journal_content/56_INSTANCE_gJ10nkhNbgz8/10180/507463;jsessionid=39B04F136E910F0AE3D15 2/2

1. Attrition.Al Qaeda seeks to overwhelm, distract, and exhaust its adversaries. Given both the U.S. and the

world's profound economic travails and attendant financial upheaval, al Qaeda likely perceives the imminent

success of this strategy of attrition as more tangible than at any previous time.

2. Division.In tandem with the above, al Qaeda also actively seeks to create, foster, and encourage fissures

and divisions within the global alliance arrayed against it . This entails the select ive targeting of coalition

partners in the U.S.-led war on terrorism both in operational theatres like Afghanistan and at homethrough

attacks on mass transit and other "soft" targets in the national capitals and major cities of European

countries allied with the U.S.

3. Failing states.Meanwhile, al Qaeda continues to conduct local campaigns of subversion and

destabilization in critical operational theaters where failed or failing states provide new opportunities for al

Qaeda to extend its reach and consolidate its presence. Countries and regions such as Afghanistan,

Pakistan, Yemen, Algeria, the Sahel, East Africa, and Somalia fall within this category.

4. Force Multiplier.Al Qaeda also actively provides guidance, assistance, and other help to local affiliates

and associated terrorist movements. Al Qaeda thus works behind the scenes in these theaters "plussing-up"

the capabilities of indigenous terrorist groups both in terms of kinetic as well as essential non-kinetic

operationsincluding information operations, propaganda, and psychological warfare.

5. Converts and "Clean Skins."Al Qaeda continues to seek out citizens of enemy countries, especially

converts to Islam, who possess "clean" passports and thus can be more easily deployed for attacks in

Western countries without necessarily arousing suspicion.

6. Opportunism.Al Qaeda continues to be as opportunistic as it is instrumental: seeking to identify

defensive gaps that can be quickly and effectively exploited for attacks.

In sum, al Qaeda stubbornly continues to pursue strategies that, however unrealistic or fruitless, extend its

longevity, and sustain its potential to cause death, destruction, and global disruption.

About the Author: Bruce Hoffman is the Director of the Center for Peace and Security Studies at GeorgetownUniversity's Walsh School of Foreign Service.