(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Yoram Schweitzer - The main obstacle in the way of an alliance between the jihadist organizations is ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's provocative step of appointing himself as Caliph, placing him above all other Muslim leaders. Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri announced the establishment of "Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent" (AQIS) in September. According to reports from Pakistan, AQIS has already tried to carry out ambitious attacks designed to damage a Pakistani warship and an American destroyer. The planning of such attacks refutes the assessments by senior American administration officials that al-Qaeda is a spent force. A considerable proportion of the cadres of jihadi fighters may eventually choose to join al-Qaeda, particularly if ISIS proves unable to institute an Islamic caliphate. It is also quite clear that al-Qaeda is preparing for a renewal of its activity under the smokescreen of the terror inflicted by ISIS that is blinding the world. The writer heads the INSS Program on Terrorism and Low Intensity Conflict, after a career in the Israeli intelligence community.
2014-10-29 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive