Latest Terrorism Monitor Articles
Profiles of Pakistan’s Seven Tribal Agencies
The notion of "tribal culture" in the West often brings to mind images of backward, uneducated and unsophisticated societies. Perpetual chaos in states like Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, for instance, is often attributed to tribal culture. It is a sweeping judgment as in many cases... MORE
Shifting Alliances in the Salafi Movement After the Lebanon War
The recent war in Lebanon could become a significant factor leading to a transformation within the Salafi movement in the Arab world. The conflict may also have a similar impact on Salafis as did the Gulf War of 1991. Transformations within the Salafi movement tend... MORE
The Effects of Thailand’s Coup on the Southern Insurgency
One of the justifications for the recent coup in Thailand was Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's mishandling of the southern insurgency, which has claimed some 1,700 lives in the past two-and-a-half years. The generals chafed at the political interference of Thaksin and his deputy Chidchai, their... MORE
The Danger of Homegrown Terrorism to Scandinavia
The recent rounds of arrests in North America and in Europe highlight the changed face of jihadi terrorism in the West. The profile of the cells dismantled in Toronto and London this past summer confirms a trend that had become apparent after the November 2004... MORE
Assessing Shukrijumah’s Nuclear Plot Against the United States
Hamid Mir is loved, hated, revered and slandered by his fans and cautious observers alike. The Pakistani journalist has battled his way from the dregs of anonymity to the bright lights of evening programming, hosting the popular political talk show Capital Talk since 2002. What... MORE
Hassan Nasrallah and the Strategy of Steadfastness
When speaking about Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's political strategy, it is necessary to study the organization as a whole. According to Hezbollah's leaders, the party was born as a resistance movement, not as a political party in the classic sense. Nasrallah emphasizes the collective nature... MORE
The Threat of Terrorism to Kenya
Debate is brewing in Kenya over the issue of radical Islam in the wake of the global war on terrorism. In a country where both Christians and Muslims have co-existed harmoniously for years, the talk has turned emotional and has been equally controversial. Experts are... MORE
Pakistan’s Peace Deal with Taliban Militants
On September 5, Pakistan signed a peace deal with "Taliban militants" in North Waziristan, where its military has been battling insurgents since 2004. Under the deal, military troops have now been redeployed to their designated camps and forts within the region. The political agent, who... MORE
Mount Qandil: A Safe Haven for Kurdish Militants – Part 2
The following information and assessments are based upon the author's first-hand observations from his March 2006 visit to Kurdish camps on Mount Qandil. Part 1 of this article can be found in Issue 17 of Terrorism Monitor. Since coming to Mount Qandil, the PKK has... MORE
Mount Qandil: A Safe Haven for Kurdish Militants – Part 1
The following information and assessments are based upon the author's first-hand observations from his March 2006 visit to Kurdish camps on Mount Qandil. In recent months, Turkey has renewed its threats to enter Iraqi Kurdistan to attack the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Any Turkish attack... MORE