Still Plotting, Still Recruiting

As America and the world enters the “danger season” for terrorist attack, the British International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) think tank asserts that the American pursuit of regime change in Iraq has strengthened the terrorist network Al-Qaeda, now even more resolute on the destruction of the United States and other western powers. Fury directed at the American-led occupation has increased recruitment for the nearly reconstituted terror network. Osama bin Laden's presumed survival is credited with helping Al Qaeda add to its estimated 18,000 operatives worldwide, experts said. The purported goal of the war in Iraq, which was to establish a western democratic element in the Arab world and to promote US influence in the region, is anathema to the aims of Al-Qaeda, IISS says. This essential disconnect has allowed the ranks to rebuild, even in the absence of 30 or so main leaders. The remaining “middle managers” now spearhead Al-Qaeda’s pursuit of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons in 60 countries. Credible information suggests that the group seeks these materials for future use, and the task now rests with national governments to protect citizens, either through satisfying Al-Qaeda’s political whims or hunkering down for a dangerous fight. –YaleGlobal