Latest Briefs

The Death of Man Chari Reveals Uncertainties in Boko Haram

Since early 2019, the Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau has been conducting a media surge. One possible reason for this is the desire to demonstrate Shekau’s resilience despite being demoted from the Islamic State-affiliated faction in 2016 and that faction’s own leadership turmoil... MORE

Al-Qaeda’s Man in the Indian Kashmir Insurgency: Zakir Musa

Apparently, al-Qaeda finds it difficult to lure in fresh Islamist militants amid the rise of the Islamic State (IS) in 2014 and the establishment of its self-proclaimed Islamic Caliphate. This is not the case in South Asia. Al-Qaeda Central remains strong in the region, and... MORE

AL-BARNAWI VS. SHEKAU—JIHADIST RIVALRIES IN NIGERIA

In August 2016, the Islamic State designated Abu Mus'ab al-Barnawi as the new leader of its Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) (Jihadology, August 3, 2016). Abubakar Shekau, in turn, was dropped from that position, leading him to revive Jamā'at Ahl al-Sunnah li-l-Da'wah wa-l-Jihād... MORE