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September 30, 2011 | It's Too Early to Write an Obituary for Al Qaeda

Shanthie Mariet D’Souza & Bibhu Prasad Routray : As more high-ranking Al Qaeda leaders are eliminated, officials in Washington appear increasingly confident about their progress in dismantling the terrorist network. Contrary to this assessment, Al Qaeda remains far from defeat. The US cannot afford to get complacent.

October 4, 2010 | Terrorism: Should Europe and the US Go to Red Alert?

Editorial Team: Counterterrorism officials in France, Germany, Britain, and the United States have given warnings this week about the rising threat of attacks by Al Qaeda and its affiliates, especially in Europe. Are our politicians listening? Are you concerned?

July 6, 2010 | Ahmed Rashid: Descent Into Chaos

Sepideh Parsa:

March 1, 2010 | Al Qaeda - A Geopolitical Interpretation

Antonio Buttitta: Contrary to the common assumption that terrorism is an irrational and unfathomable threat, having a closer look at the place and nature of the terrorist attacks helps us understand terrorists’ logics.

August 29, 2007 | Iraq: Who's Got the Best Plan?

The Atlantic Community Editorial Team: presents a comparative analysis of the most promising plans from policy makers and think tanks across the US. See all the strategies here, or download and print out a PDF with the full matrix of options.

July 5, 2010 | Draining the Terrorist Swamp in Yemen

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the terrorist organization’s franchise in Yemen, must be countered with a comprehensive strategy that stresses local development along with diplomacy and defense. ++ Understanding the needs of AQAP’s potential recruitment base is vital. ++ A focus on preventive measures will strengthen the social contract and provide the most sustainable

February 8, 2010 | Yemen is Not Afghanistan - Yet

Sana,  the capital city proves the country is far from the gloomy picture of a terrorists’ homeland. ++ In spite of Al Qaeda’s deterring influence on tourism, there are English-speaking newspapers, N.G.O.s and a Yemeni population willing to overcome difficulties.++ But Sana’s week central government over a “patchwork of rural tribes” has allowed Al Qaeda to take root in the lawless southern

February 6, 2009 | Welcome to the Quagmire, al Qaeda

No-one in their right mind would go up against the combined forces of Gen. Petraeus, Amb. Holbrooke, Defence Sec. Gates, Sec. of State Clinton and the Iraq-hardened US military. ++ But a US victory still needs coherence of military and regional strategy, increased civilian capacity and improved cooperation with allies. ++ Add Afghani hatred for Taliban-imposed tyranny and poverty and Obama’s

October 30, 2008 | Old Bush/Cheney Tricks in Syria

US interests, and its allies, were dealt a severe blow when US commandos attacked an alleged Al Qaeda operative in Syria, killing seven civilians. ++ The risks of such an attack include “sabotaging Israeli-Syrian peace talks, reversing the trend of Syrian cooperation in Iraq and Lebanon, and playing into the hands of Iran,” which undoubtedly outweigh any “fleeting tactical

July 21, 2008 | Al-Qaeda in Israel

For the first time, Israelis have been arrested because it is believed that they were members of al Qaeda. ++ Scientists now discuss whether al Qaeda has become a loosely organized network or whether it still has a strong leadership. ++ The crucial role of bin Laden is out of question. ++ Nonetheless, the network has branches throughout the Middle East which are in contact with the center, but

June 6, 2008 | US Should Acknowledge Al Qaeda as a Hybrid Threat

The question of whether al Qaeda is engaged in a “leaderless” Jihad or one that is “alive and well” - a fundamental issue when determining US counter-terrorism policy - provides for heated discussions in the US. ++ Al Qaeda is in fact both resilient and disorganized: it has reconstituted itself and spread geographically yet its lack of grassroots supporters and constructive ideology will

April 29, 2008 | US Should Work With Pakistan's New Government

Musharraf and Bush’s failure to calm Pakistan’s lawless border enabled Al Qaeda to take refuge and gain strength. ++ Pakistanis now think the war is Washington’s because of the civilian casualties. ++ New government has adopted a different course. ++ US should develop a new military strategy, provide more non-military aid, and support the new government which has exceeded

September 27, 2007 | Europe + America = Geopolitical Sense: Europeans Rebuilding Transatlantic Bridges

Anti-Americanism in Europe has had its day, writes Stryker McGuire of Newsweek International. With Bush’s departure in sight and the gradual fading of contentions over Iraq, an amicable attitude towards the United States appears to be emerging with unlikely duo France and Germany leading the way.

However, where French President Nicholas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel both