Publication

This backgrounder discusses the possibility of Abu Mohammed al-Joulani, who is the current leader of Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria, becoming al-Qaeda’s (AQ) next general manager. While exploring this possibility, the text's author 1) provides a brief profile of Joulani, the views he holds, and the organization he now leads; 2) speculates on AQ's strategic objectives in wanting to elevate the al-Nusra head to the general manager position, which would include passing the torch to a more vibrant and youthful cadre of leaders; 3) describes the organizational shifts that would be required within AQ should Joulani or some non-core member be tapped as the organization's next chief; and 4) spells out how the US should respond if AQ does indeed pursue a youth-centered succession strategy.