Skip to page content

Al Qaida

Featured

Commentary
The Question of Succession in Al-Qaida
Two months after the death of al Qaida leader Aymin al-Zawahiri, experts continue to debate potential contenders for his replacement while waiting for al-Qaeda to make an announcement. A dark horse contender with long ties to Osama bin Laden could upend predictions and threaten to revive one of history's most lethal terrorist groups.
Sep 29, 2022
Commentary
After the al-Zawahiri Strike, the U.S. May Lack Capabilities in Afghanistan
The U.S. drone strike that killed al Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Afghanistan took out one of the last remaining key figures behind the 9/11 terror attacks. But it also highlighted how little the United States got out of its 2020 bargain with the Taliban, and raised questions about the U.S. ability to adequately monitor the developing threat from this quarter going forward.
Aug 3, 2022

Explore Al Qaida

Commentary
Countering ISIL as a Transregional Threat
The U.S. counter-ISIL strategy must recognize the long-term nature of the global violent jihadi threat. U.S. diplomatic and military actions should focus on reducing the appeal of ISIL and disrupting the transregional network that supports it.
Jan 31, 2017
Testimony
Fifteen Years After 9/11: A Preliminary Balance Sheet: Addendum
Document submitted on January 11, 2017 as an addendum to testimony presented before the House Armed Services Committee on September 21, 2016.
Jan 12, 2017
Commentary
Al Nusra Is Stronger Than Ever
While the West targets ISIS, Jabhat Fateh al Sham, formerly known as Jabhat al Nusra, is quietly laying the groundwork for al Qaeda's resurgence.
Nov 2, 2016
Commentary
Al Qaeda's Ruthless Pragmatism Makes It More Dangerous Than the Islamic State
Al Qaeda presents a graver long-term threat to the West than the Islamic State. It has proved more effective in exploiting U.S. policy in the Middle East to legitimize itself as an armed force and, increasingly, as a viable political player.
Oct 27, 2016
Testimony
Fifteen Years After 9/11: A Preliminary Balance Sheet
Fifteen years after 9/11, the United States is better organized and equipped to combat terrorism. But the country still faces a multi-tiered threat, and its citizens remain fearful.
Sep 21, 2016
News Release
Al Shabaab Weakened but Not Defeated in Somalia
Efforts to weaken the al Qa'ida-linked terrorist group al Shabaab in Somalia have had some success, but the U.S. campaign there is in jeopardy. Urgent steps are needed to address the political, economic, and governance challenges at the heart of the conflict.
Sep 13, 2016
Report
Al Shabaab Is Weakened but Not Defeated in Somalia
Efforts to weaken the al Qa'ida-linked terrorist group al Shabaab in Somalia have had some success, but the U.S. campaign there is in jeopardy. Urgent steps are needed to address the political, economic, and governance challenges at the heart of the conflict.
Sep 13, 2016
Commentary
September 11: The Day That Changed My Country (and My Career Path) Forever
New York City native Colin Clarke discusses how terrorism has evolved since the September 11 attacks and how the tragedy motivated him to become a terrorism expert.
Sep 11, 2016
Commentary
Fifteen Years After 9/11, What Is the State of the 'War on Terror'?
Much has changed since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Counterterrorism efforts have made progress, and Americans are safer. But it's unclear how much further the fight against terrorism has to go.
Sep 7, 2016
Commentary
A Persistent and Resilient Adversary: Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
The history of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula catalogues every dimension of frustration in combatting terrorism. But is it possible that the United States and its Gulf allies are finally getting the measure of AQAP?
Aug 22, 2016
Report
Authorities for Military Operations Against Terrorist Groups: The State of the Debate and Options for Congress
U.S. counterterrorism operations rely on authorizations from 2001 and 2002. This report surveys the debate over requirements for a new authorization, the terrorist challenge, purposes and key elements of such legislation, and congressional options.
Jul 22, 2016
Commentary
Is the Surge in Terrorist Attacks Coincidence or Coordinated Campaign?
Whatever the investigations of recent terrorist attacks reveal, the facts may be portrayed (or ignored) to fit narratives written even before the blood has dried.
Jul 11, 2016
News Release
Declassified Documents Provide Insight into Origins of the Islamic State and How to Defeat the Group
Looking at more than 140 recently declassified documents from the predecessors of the Islamic State, it is evident that the group has been operating for years with remarkable continuity in its philosophy, methods, and goals, including the long-standing aspiration for creating a caliphate.
May 19, 2016
Report
Foundations of the Islamic State
A thorough examination of the Islamic State's history and practices is useful for designing a coordinated and effective campaign against it — and for understanding why the group might be able to survive such an effort and sustain itself in the future.
May 18, 2016
Commentary
In the Event of the Islamic State's Untimely Demise...
If they haven't already, the Islamic State's leaders will soon formulate a contingency strategy, a “Plan B” that the West will then be forced to contend with.
May 11, 2016
Commentary
Five Years After the Death of Osama bin Laden, Is the World Safer?
What effect did killing bin Laden have on al Qaeda's ability to pursue its jihadist goals? Does high-value targeting contribute to counterterrorist strategy more broadly? Does killing terrorist leaders work?
May 2, 2016
Commentary
A Saudi-Led Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism Could Benefit U.S. Interests
A military alliance of Muslim-majority nations to fight terrorism poses no danger to U.S. interests. In fact, the Saudi-led initiative could be helpful in several ways beyond current levels of cooperation.
Apr 19, 2016
Commentary
Could ISIS and Al Qaeda, Two Giants of Jihad, Unite?
It could take a change in leadership in both Al Qaeda and ISIS and perhaps some compromises on mission and strategy, but there are enough points of confluence to make a united jihadist front a realistic and frightening possibility.
Mar 14, 2016
News Release
New Book Outlines How French Strategies Prevented Al Qa'ida's Expansion in Mali
France's 2013 military intervention in Mali to stop Al Qa'ida from advancing was quick, effective, and relatively low cost. What France accomplished offers lessons for the fight against terrorist groups in Africa and worldwide.
Dec 10, 2015
Commercial Book
The French War on Al Qa'ida in Africa
France's 2013 military intervention in Mali to stop Al Qa'ida from advancing was quick, effective, and relatively low cost. What France accomplished offers lessons for the fight against terrorist groups in Africa and worldwide.
Dec 10, 2015

Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next

Research conducted by

RAND National Security Research Division