U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy Must Address Ideological and Political Factors at the Global and Local Levels

摘要

Although the U.S.-led global war on terrorism has had some notable successes--such as the destruction of al-Qaeda's sanctuary in Afghanistan, the elimination of many of the group's leaders, and the growing resolve of many countries to take action against al-Qaeda and its associates--no informed observers believe that al-Qaeda will be eradicated any time soon. Indeed, in some respects, al-Qaeda has metastasized into an even more formidable adversary, dispersed across the world, largely self-sustaining, and constantly adopting new and innovative tactics. The United States itself continues to be threatened by large-scale attacks. Thus, countering al-Qaeda is likely to preoccupy U.S. national security institutions for at least the remainder of this decade, and probably longer.