Al-Qaeda Five Years On: The Threat and the Challenges

Briefing Paper
Maha Azzam, September 2006

Five years on, the challenge to al-Qaeda is coming from within as traditional Islam attacks the use of terror as un-Islamic and popular support wanes as terrorist attacks target Muslims.
Nonetheless, there has been an increased radicalization of the Muslim street but this seems to be finding expression in Islamist groups who are keen to use democratic channels.
Al-Qaeda's main success has been to highlight the link between the West's policies in the Middle East and terrorism.
Despite its religious rhetoric, al-Qaeda's strength lies in its political message which resonates with many but whose tactics have attracted only the fringe.
The West faces a terrorist challenge that comes from within its borders and which impinges on community relations and civil liberties.