| ID | 072125 |
| Title Proper | Al Qaeda's scorecard |
| Other Title Information | a progress report on Al Qaeda's objectives |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Abrahms, Max |
| Publication | 2006. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Terrorism scholars are divided over whether terrorism is an effective tactic. Disagreement derives from the fact that the objectives of terrorist groups are often highly contested. Nowhere is this clearer than in contemporary statements on Al Qaeda. This article explores the most common interpretations for why Al Qaeda attacked the United States on 11 September 2001, and then analyzes their empirical support. After determining the most compelling interpretation of Al Qaeda's objectives, the article evaluates Al Qaeda's success in achieving them since perpetrating this watershed attack. The following analysis provides a timely case study in the classic debate over whether terrorism is strategically rational behavior. |
| `In' analytical Note | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 29, No. 5; Jul-Aug 2006: p509-529 |
| Journal Source | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol: 29 No 5 |
| Key Words | Terrorism ; Al Qaeda |