Latest Terrorism Monitor Articles

Security Implications of Muqtada al-Sadr’s Return to Iraq

Muqtada al-Sadr, the firebrand Iraqi Shi?a cleric whose militia experienced a major military defeat by the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, stated angrily in April 2008: “The occupation has made us the target of its planes, tanks, air strikes and snipers. Without our support... MORE

Al-Shabaab Desertions Increase in Southern Somalia

Disgruntled al-Shabaab fighters are increasingly deserting the radical Islamist group after years of fighting for the movement in southern Somalia. The deserters are mainly from southern Somalia’s Hawiye clan, while the movement’s current leader, Shaykh Ahmad Abdi Godane “Abu Zubayr,” hails from the Isaaq clan... MORE

The Salafist Challenge to al-Qaeda’s Jihad

When commentators analyze Salafism, it is crucial to distinguish between mainstream Salafism and the kind of revolutionary Salafism promoted by al-Qaeda.  To do otherwise is to lump together peaceful communities and violent revolutionary jihadists.  This distinction has become increasingly important over the last few years... MORE