Unique Challenges Posed by Al-Qaeda

Al-Qaeda went practically unnoticed by the United States for many years. This terrorist organization was not actually taken seriously as a threat to our country by the majority of Americans until after the September 11, 2001 attacks. In fact, until these horrifying attacks on our own soil, the vast majority of Americans were completely oblivious that such an organization even existed (myself included) (Byman, 2003; Elliott, Crumley, Gibson, Graff, MacLeod, & Novak, 2001).

History of al-Qaeda

In all actuality, though, al-Qaeda has been a violent presence in our world since the 1980s. This sprawling terrorist organization was founded by two men: an affluent Saudi named Osama bin Laden and a Jordanian-Palestinian, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Azzam, who was bin Laden's mentor for several years. Originally, these two men sought out to join Afghan forces (and their allies) in their fight to rid all Afghanistan of Soviet occupation. Because of their combined extensive wealth, knowledge, and connections with individuals across the region, Azzam and bin Laden were able to offer valuable support for this cause, especially in the form of training, and recruiting freedom fighters (Center for Defense Information, 2002).

However, tension soon began to grow between bin Laden and Azzam. Azzam was content in helping Afghanistan to rid itself of all Soviet control and to assist other Arabs to become completely free from outside domination. But bin Laden did not want to settle until the entire world was free from any threat to Arabs or Islam. Therefore, when his mentor (and Azzam's two sons) died in Peshawar, the ambitious terrorist totally seized al-Qaeda to use the terrorist organization to declare war against anyone that does not share his Islamic extremist beliefs (Center for Defense Information, 2002). In early 1998, however, bin Laden revealed to every nation that he will not rest until the U.S. and its allies are destroyed. Ultimately, it is his firm belief that it is "the duty of all Muslims to kill U.S. citizens-citizen or military-and their allies everywhere" (Howard, & Sawyer, 2006, p. 549).

The Power of al-Qaeda's Ideology

Currently, this terrorist organization is now regarded as "the world's most dangerous terrorist group" (Byman, 2003, IV. Why is al-Qaeda so formidable?, para. 1). Al-Qaeda possesses a number of unique characteristics which give it immense strength and versatility, making it particularly challenging to combat. First, even though the Muslim world is severely torn by war between different sects and factions, bin Laden and other al-Qaeda notables have developed an ideology that miraculously unites the different groups with a common righteous cause. In the end, this ideology has brought and continues to attract countless Muslims regardless of their background or ethnicity, producing a never-ending supply of recruits and supporters (Byman, 2003; Elliott, Crumley, Gibson, Graff, MacLeod, & Novak, 2001).

Al-Qaeda's Organizational Structure

Furthermore, al-Qaeda's unique organizational structure makes it incredibly difficult to combat. Of course, like a traditional terrorist organization, this group is directed by a number of leaders, which are divided into six committees and one council. First, the entire organization is headed the Shura (the Advisory Council). It is made up of bin Laden's closest associates and is responsible for directing the general policies and goals of al-Qaeda (GlobalSecurity.org, 2008a).

Then, below the Shura are the six committees, which handle the different aspects of the terrorist organization: (1) the Finance Committee (e.g., raising money and hiding all assets); (2) the Foreign Purchases Committee (e.g., obtaining weapons and other necessities from foreign nations); (3) the Information Committee (e.g., producing and spreading propaganda to support cause); (4) the Military Committee (e.g., developing attacks and running training facilities); (5) the Security Committee (e.g., gathering intelligence and safeguarding vital information); and (6) the Sharia (the Political Committee) (making Islamic decrees to the Muslim world) (GlobalSecurity.org, 2008a).

Nevertheless, al-Qaeda also has a whole other side to its structure, which makes it practically indestructible. Instead of having a single structure underneath its leadership, al-Qaeda actually consists of separate cells located most likely in every country around the world. Although these cells usually maintain regular communication with the leadership structure and nearby cells, a vast number of them are purposely designed to operate completely independent of al-Qaeda leadership if need be. But more startling is the fact that there is not a single face to these terrorist cells. These terrorists come from a variety of nations, ethnic groups, and backgrounds. In fact, some of these cells contained individuals that are not even actual members of al-Qaeda. Instead, they may be close allies, devoted supporters, or even members of other terrorist groups (Byman, 2003). Ultimately, these individuals can easily blend into their location and still be part of a network that is probably thousands strong (Howard, & Sawyer, 2006, p. 549).

Various Types of Terrorist Cells

It is essential to realize that al-Qaeda's terrorist cells often have different objectives. For example, one cell might be responsible for raising support in an area, while another may only be designed to gather intelligence. Furthermore, the cells may or may not be in an area long before an attack. If a cell was established in an area for a fairly long stretch of time before it attacks to carefully observe and prepare, it is considered a sleeper cell. However, if a cell enters the targeted area close to or at the point in time it plans to attack, it is called a hit squad (GlobalSecurity.org, 2008b).

Al-Qaeda's Terrorism Methods

Lastly, let us quickly explore a few methods this terrorist group has employed to harm countless innocent people. Naturally, any terrorist group today strives to cause as much harm as possible so they can spread fear and intimidation everywhere (Howard, & Sawyer, 2006, p. 549). And al-Qaeda is no exception, favoring bombings (Frontline, 2008; Zill, 2008). But, in reality, al-Qaeda is not beyond using any type of shocking violence, including such methods as hangings, assassinations, kidnappings, and hijackings (the 9/11 terrorist attacks) to ensure that the U.S., its allies, and all corrupt Arab governments are being punished for their crimes against the Muslim world (Byman, 2003; Center for Defense Information, 2002).

Conclusion

As you can see, al-Qaeda is a formidable enemy for our country and its allies. It possesses such resilience and an endless supply of recruits and supporters that it is now one of the largest threats to our society. The al-Qaeda cell network is strong, united, and worldwide, and yet, the average cell is quite capable of operating independently if communication is disrupted with the leadership structure. But what is most alarming about this terrorist organization is that it will stop at nothing to try to completely destroy the U.S. and any other nation that opposes al-Qaeda's ideology, even if it means taking their own lives to destroy others.

References:

Boettcher, M. (2002, July 31). Al Qaeda forming new cells worldwide. Retrieved January 21, 2008, from http://archives.cnn.com/2002/US/07/31/al.qaeda.super.cells/index .html

Byman, D. L. (2003, October). Al-Qaeda as an adversary: Do we understand our enemy? World Politics, 56(1). Retrieved January 22, 2008, from Dr. Alan S. Alexandroff's Web site: http://www.alanalexandroff.com/Byman.htm

Center for Defense Information. (2002, December 30). Terrorism project - In the spotlight: Al Qaeda (the Base). Retrieved January 21, 2008, from http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/alqaeda-pr.cfm

Elliott, M., Crumley, B., Gibson, H., Graff, J. L., MacLeod, S., & Novak, V. (2001, November 12). Hate club. Time Canada, 158(20). Retrieved January 22, 2008, from Colorado Technical University Online Library, Articles & Books, EBSCOhost, Business Source Premier: https://ctuonline.edu

Frontline. (2008). Hunting bin Laden: "Al Qaeda." Retrieved January 22, 2008, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/who/alqaeda.html

GlobalSecurity.org. (2008a). Al-Qaida /Al-Qaeda (the Base): Al Qaeda organizational structure. Retrieved January 21, 2008, from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/al-qaida-structure.htm

GlobalSecurity.org. (2008b). Sleeper cells. Retrieved January 21, 2008, from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/al-qaida-sleeper-cells.htm

Howard, R. D., & Sawyer, R. L. (2006). Terrorism and counterterrorism: Understanding the new security environment (2^nd ed.). Dubuque, IA: McGraw Hill.

Zill, O. (2008). Hunting bin Laden: The U.S. embassy bombings trial - A summary. Retrieved January 21, 2008, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline /shows/binladen/bombings/bombings.html