What is a caliphate? What ideals does such an Islamic state embody - and how could or should it be implemented? Analysis consults a range of voices to explore how the concept has evolved and has been expressed over the centuries. BBC, Analysis, Dur: 29 mins 20 Oct 2014.
This examination of al-Qaeda's decline since the 9/11 attacks focuses on the terror organization's mutation and fragmentation. It looks at its partnership with the local and regional jihadist networks that played a pivotal role in the Madrid, London, and Fort Hood attacks, arguing that, although initially successful, such alliances actually unraveled following both anti-terror policies and a growing rejection of violent jihadism in the Muslim world
Analyzes the Al Qaeda belief that violence is required to achieve its goals and the common Al Qaeda perception that violence was used effectively by the colonialists and the West, particularly the United States and France• Identifies the precursors to Al Qaeda organizations and how al Qaeda became what it is today• Examines Al Qaeda's business associations and its ties to piracy and organized crime, identifying the opportunities these ties create; as well as the organization's use of emerging technology—especially the Internet—to reach out to a younger, technology-savvy audience for their message.
This book focuses on the crises facing Al Qaeda and how the mass killing of Muslims is challenging its credibility as a leader among Islamist jihadist organizations.
Books
Al Qaeda, the Islamic State, and the Global Jihadist Movement by Daniel Byman
Call Number: HV6433 .M628 B96 2015
Daniel L. Byman, an eminent scholar of Middle East terrorism and international security who served on the 9/11 Commission, provides a sharp and concise overview of Al Qaeda, from its humble origins in the mountains of Afghanistan to the present, explaining its perseverance and adaptation since 9/11 and the limits of U.S. and allied counterterrorism efforts.
Inside Al-Qaeda and the Taliban by Syed Saleem Shahzad
Call Number: HV6432.5 .Q2 S53 2011
The author uses first-hand accounts and his own local knowledge to build up a convincing and compelling picture of the aims and motivation of the leaders and fighters in radical Islamic movements.
The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright
Call Number: HV6432.7 .W75 2007
A sweeping narrative history of the events leading to 9/11, a groundbreaking look at the people and ideas, the terrorist plans and the Western intelligence failures that culminated in the assault on Americah.
DVDs
PBS Frontline: Kill / Capture
Call Number: DVD
Behind the strike that killed Osama bin Laden on May 1st was one of the U.S. military's best kept secrets: an extraordinary campaign by elite U.S. soldiers to take out thousands of Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters.
A weekly international news and business publication, offering reporting, commentary and analysis on world current affairs, business, finance, science and technology, culture, society, media and the arts.
New America’s International Security Program is focused on providing evidence-based analysis of international security issues, including the rise of political Islam, U.S. counterterrorism operations, and cyber warfare. This data site houses all of the databases that the program has compiled in its effort to bring greater transparency to such issues. They are maintained and updated on a regular basis.
For more than a decade, the IPT has investigated the operations, funding, activities and front groups of Islamic terrorist and extremist groups in the United States and around the world.
Updated every morning and throughout the day, RCD culls and publishes the best commentary, news, polling data, and links to important resources from all points of the political compass and covering important issues of the day.
The Small Wars Journal facilitates the exchange of information among practitioners, thought leaders, and students of Small Wars (insurgencies, terrorist campaign, guerrilla operations), in order to advance knowledge and capabilities in the field.
The Center’s 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change.
GTD is an open-source database with information on terrorist events around the world from 1970 through 2015. Includes systematic data on domestic and international terrorist incidents and now includes more than 150,000 cases
SSI conducts strategic research and analysis and serves as a bridge to the wider strategic community with analysis, reports, newsletters, papers and more.