No. 98: Al-Qaida's Uncertain Future

No. 98: Al-Qaida's Uncertain Future

Author(s): Alex Wilner
Editor(s): Daniel Möckli
Series: CSS Analyses in Security Policy
Issue: 98
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich
Publication Year: 2011

The political upheaval sweeping North Africa and the Middle East and the recent death of Osama bin Laden have weakened al-Qaida. But the terrorist organisation has a record of turning crises into opportunities. Depending on how the Arab Spring unfolds, al-Qaida's regional affiliates and allies may gain ground by focusing their energies on consolidating local gains. And despite the loss of bin Laden, al-Qaida's ideology will continue to resonate with Western aspirants. Importantly, how the West responds to these developments will help determine how well al-Qaida adapts to its new environment.

Graphics:

Enlarged view:
Al-Qaida and its Affiliates and Allies in a Changing Regional Environment
Enlarged view:
Ayman al-Zawahari: Al-Qaida's New Leader (2011)
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