| ID | 164604 |
| Title Proper | Al Qaeda and the Islamic State's Break |
| Other Title Information | Strategic Strife or Lackluster Leadership? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Bacon, Tricia |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Employing counterfactuals to assess individual and systemic explanations for the split between Al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), this article concludes that individual leaders factor greatly into terrorist alliance outcomes. Osama bin Laden was instrumental in keeping Al Qaeda and ISIS allied as he prioritized unity and handled internal disputes more deftly than his successor, Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri. Although a troubled alliance, strategic differences between Al Qaeda and ISIS were not sufficient to cause the split. Rather, the capabilities of Al Qaeda's leader determined the group's ability to prevent alliance ruptures. |
| `In' analytical Note | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 42, No.1-3; Jan-Mar 2019: p.229-263 |
| Journal Source | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol: 42 No 1-3 |
| Key Words | Al Qaeda ; Islamic State ; Strategic Strife |