Al Qaeda Archives

Al-Qaeda 2.0 in Syria: Extreme Makeover of Salafi Jihadism

The rise of HTS and the seeming attempt by some Western states to normalise relations with this Al-Qaeda-tainted grouping is bad news for global peace and security.

Adil Rasheed
January 10, 2025
Issue Brief

Radicalisation in the Northern Caucasus

As the rebel forces, including those affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have taken over Syria, Russia can expect mounting challenges to curb rising terrorism back home as it fights the military challenges in Ukraine.

The Islamist Challenge in West Asia: Doctrinal and Political Competitions After the Arab Spring

Publisher: Pentagon Press

Following the Arab Spring, the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region is witnessing interactions between the various strands of Islamism-Wahhabiya in Saudi Arabia; the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and its affiliates in other Arab countries, and the radical strand represented by Al Qaeda and its associated organisations - in an environment of robust competition and even conflict. This work examines these issues in some details. It provides an overview of the political aspects of Islamic law – the Sharia, as it evolved from early Islam and, over the last two hundred years, experienced the impact of Western colonialism. This book draws on a rich variety of source material which has been embellished by the author’s extensive diplomatic experience in the Arab world over three decades.

ISBN 978-81-8274-737-1,
Price: ?. 695/-
E-copy available

Al-Qaeda vs ISIS: Competitive Extremism and Turf Wars

Al-Qaeda and ISIS have attempted to monopolise the transnational jihadist movement and emerge as the sole vanguard of the Ummah (community).

US Drone Strike on Al-Zawahiri: Significance and Implications

The strike against Zawahiri is being hailed as a vindication of the US’s ‘over-the-horizon’ strategy in eradicating terrorism without placing boots on the ground.

Evolving Threat of Transnational Terrorism in Africa

This backgrounder attempts to understand, trace, and analyse the evolving nature of transnational terrorism, modus operandi, and security threats posed by the two infamous terrorist organisations of Africa namely Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram with their various factions due to their transnational classification.

Abhishek Kumar
March 14, 2022
Backgrounder

Two Decades After 9/11: The Liberal Security Community Lies in Tatters

It may seem premature to discuss the advent of an illiberal global order, however, the numerous catalytic events of recent years and the apparent decline of American heft in shaping global norms and structures might indicate that the international system is on the cusp of a major transformation.

A. Vinod Kumar
October 12, 2021
Issue Brief

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and its Relations with Afghan Taliban

The relationship between TTP, or Pakistani Taliban, and Afghan Taliban will continue to be dictated by religious-ideological convergence, ethnic-fraternal linkages and the close camaraderie that emerged while they were fighting together against the foreign ‘occupying’ forces in Afghanistan.

Ashok K. Behuria
September 16, 2021
IDSA Comments

St. Petersburg Metro Bombing: Al Qaeda Redux

The Imam Shamil Battalion has claimed responsibility for the April 3 metro bombing in St. Petersburg and conveyed that the attack was retaliation against Russia’s targeting of jihadis in Syria, Libya and Chechnya.

Prabha Rao
May 25, 2017
Issue Brief

SINAI: The Middle East’s New Hot Spot

Since the revolution that toppled Mubarak, Sinai has become a no man’s land where jihadists from Egypt and Gaza as well as local Bedouins have begun to engage in militant activities.

Rajeev Agarwal
November 30, 2012
Issue Brief