Latest Terrorism Monitor Articles
Maritime Terrorism in Southeast Asia: Potential Scenarios
In Southeast Asia, home to one of the world's most strategic sea lanes—the Straits of Malacca, and the world's second largest port, Singapore—the vulnerability of the maritime sector is of great concern. As a result, over the last few years various scenarios of how terrorists... MORE
Al-Qaeda & the Muslim Brotherhood: United by Strategy, Divided by Tactics
For many years, Ayman al-Zawahiri has denounced Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood for what he claims is the misguided direction they have taken political Islam. In a recent statement, al-Zawahiri renewed his criticism of the Ikhwan al-Muslimun ("Muslim Brotherhood") for their participation in Egypt's parliamentary elections. The... MORE
Islamists Stay Clear of Terrorism in Oman
A sudden crackdown and arrest of "Islamists" in 2004-05 raised fears about Oman becoming entangled in the vicious cycle of terrorism, much like several other countries in the Persian Gulf region. The trial of the "saboteurs"—who attempted to challenge the status quo like in 1994—and... MORE
Japan: A Target for al-Qaeda?
While surprising, Japan is a secondary target for al-Qaeda. Tokyo backed the intervention in Afghanistan and deployed a small detachment of troops to Iraq; these two moves were interpreted by Osama bin Laden as a declaration of war. On October 18, 2003, in a message... MORE
The Madrid Attacks: Results of Investigations Two Years Later
On Thursday, March 11, 2004, 10 rucksacks packed with explosives detonated in and around Madrid, causing the death of 191 people and injuring 1,800 more. Two days later, the police had detained the first suspects, and within three weeks had broken up the nucleus of... MORE
Jamaat al-Muslimeen on Trial in Trinidad and Tobago
The ongoing legal case against Imam Yasin Abu Bakr, the founder and leader of Trinidad's and Tobago's Jamaat al-Muslimeen (Muslim Group), continues to shed light on the group's radical and criminal activities. The 64 year-old Abu Bakr is a former police officer and Afro-Trinidadian Muslim... MORE
Yemen’s Passive Role in the War on Terrorism
For the past five years, Yemen has been what is best described as a passive partner in the U.S.-led war on terrorism. It has taken a number of steps to limit the activities of al-Qaeda and other like-minded groups within the country, but most of... MORE
Saudi Oil Facilities: Al-Qaeda’s Next Target?
At a time of record-high oil prices, analysts are beginning to consider the implications of possible terrorist attacks on Middle Eastern oil facilities. The crown jewel of these facilities is Saudi Arabia's oil production infrastructure. It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia possesses 261.9 billion... MORE
Baluchistan in the Shadow of al-Qaeda
The sudden surge in violence in southern Afghanistan, which Kabul blames on Pakistan-based al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters, has thrust Baluchistan into the international spotlight (Dawn, January 21). Afghanistan's southeastern province of Kandahar and southwestern province of Helmand, which border Baluchistan, have recently convulsed with violence.... MORE
Italy: The Threat to the General Elections
The upcoming general elections in Italy, scheduled for April 9, present a perfect opportunity for Islamic militants to disrupt the Italian political process and destabilize a key U.S. ally by staging a massive terrorist attack. On January 24, the director of Italy's Military Intelligence and... MORE