Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb

Examining the Underlying Conditions Presdisposing Societies to Terrorism

by Patrick Little

Thesis written for the requirements of the Global Security Studies M.A. Program at Johns Hopkins University.

The document examines theories of underlying conditions which predispose societies to the use of terrorism stemming from cultural, socio-economic and political, and individual psychological factors.

Chapter Summaries- pg. 17
Chapter 1- Case study of Northern Ireland, pg. 20
Chapter 2- Case study of Algeria, pg. 43
Chapter 3- Case study of Chechnya, pg. 79
Conclusion- pg. 103

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine the underlying conditions which predispose societies to... more Abstract

This paper attempts to examine the underlying conditions which predispose societies to terrorism. The paper will specifically focus within three different regions to provide balance to the discussion. These areas are Western Europe in Northern Ireland, Northern Africa and the Middle East in Algeria and Eastern Europe in the North Caucus within the territory designated as Chechnya.

Each chapter of this thesis presents a different case study of the history of a terrorist group and its country of origin. After setting historical foundations, the chapters then analyze these accounts in relation to modern theories of terrorism.

The thesis tests theories of terrorism which are based on the arguments derived from five working groups on the topic at the March 2005, Madrid Summit. The groups included the top experts from around the world who are knowledgeable on the categories of terrorism resulting from cultural, economic, political, psychological and religious (or ideological) factors. The case study used the working groups to test the arguments that have been developed by theorists within these categories in order to help bring further understanding to the topic of terrorism.

This thesis also tested the hypothesis that claims that multiple combinations of underlying conditions within society blend together to predispose societies to the use of terrorism. In spite of the fact that the combinations of factors varied in importance from case to case, the thesis found that all of the potential underlying conditions which predispose some societies to terrorism mentioned at the Madrid Summit are confirmed in the case studies presented.

The thesis shows that the most comprehensive explanations for predisposition of terrorism come from a combination of multiple underlying conditions with varying degrees depending on which society is targeted.

Thesis Advisors: Dr. Ken Masugi, Dr. Mark Stout, Dr. Ariel Roth

Order Fatwa on Terrorism; Osama Bin Laden, Hatred, Al Qaida, Al Qaeda by Dr. Tahir ul Qadri

by sun rise

The Next Battle of Algiers: An Analysis of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb- Its Radical Roots, Present Threat & The Franchising of Global Terrorism

by Giuseppe Grillo

Master's Thesis for Division of Global Affairs, Rutgers University, October 2009

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) was founded in 2007 as the latest offshoot of the global jihad. But it is... more Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) was founded in 2007 as the latest offshoot of the global jihad. But it is deeply rooted in a long and complex history of political violence in North Africa, including the recruitment “Afghan” volunteers in the 1980s, the civil war raging in the 1990s, and the more recent crisis of salafi-jihadist terrorism. Despite all its global rhetoric, AQIM has not fully transcended its local dynamics, between its Algerian strongholds and its Saharan Sahel hideouts.
In analyzing the threat of AQIM, one must take into consideration the reasons why a global terror organization would be receptive to limited regional nationalist Islamist groups in North Africa, and vice versa. In navigating through the historical underpinnings of these Maghreb nationalist groups, one sees a philosophical commonality between decades-old Fanonian revolutionary thought, and current anti-Western Salafist ideology. Both advocate violence as a means to overthrow an oppressive regime. Both call for a reawakening of a Pan-Arabic identity. Although the ends may differ, the means to get there are strikingly similar. Even more so, in taking a look at both Al Qaeda’s and the regional groups’ strengths and weaknesses, the reasons for a merger become clearer, in terms of finance, geography, and operational logistics.
A study in the security threat of Al Qaeda in North Africa would not be complete without the counterterrorism measures being implanted by both North African nations, and their American and European allies. This includes various regional and transnational security partnerships, as well as American and European assistance initiatives such as PSI, TSCTI, and the establishment of AFRICOM. Also, because no plan is perfect, there is more that can be done to both contain and eliminate the terrorists in North Africa presently, and prevent the incubation and flourishing of more in the future. To a young North African Muslim male, the message of Al Qaeda is pervasive and persuasive. Therefore, the counter-narrative, as well as the counter-action, must be just as effective.