In general, the operational methods described are elementary to any graduate of a western intelligence organization but not to be underestimated, especially for their effectiveness in the under-developed world. There is some advanced knowledge of weapons and explosives techniques, however, their greatest asset -- and most fearsome characteristic -- is ideology, through which they stand to recruit those who can improve their level of sophistication. As they gain sophistication, the threat they present to the west increases proportionally.
The intelligence techniques described by the manual are low-tech, but rooted mainly in sound theory. The tradecraft described for cell structure follows basic principles of compartmentalization; that described for intelligence gathering follows basic techniques for avoiding pursuit, for minimalizing documentation, for recruitment, etc.; the assassination techniques described must be called rudimentary at best. While the low-tech nature of is a hindrance to Al Qaeda, it must also be accepted that, in the under-developed countries they operate in, low-tech is less of a disadvantage than it would be in the west. Furthermore, brothers of the organization are encouraged to substitute old-fashioned discipline for technology: thorough preparation, reconnaissance, practice, and patience can sometimes go farther than geosynchronous satellites and the great lengths to which the organization is willing to go must not be underestimated. These are, after all, operatives with an ideology of martyrdom and, in the face of martyrdom, what will a few hours, days, or even weeks on a stake-out matter?
Identifying this type of operative will require equal persistence and patience. Because they will operate through low-tech, undocumented means, it may often be necessary to follow them to the streets, go door-to-door, shop-to-shop, review long hours of video footage; in general to practice old-fashioned gumshoe work.
An important advantage of the organization is that, as compared to western intelligence...
One of the most useful sections of the Al Qaeda document is how the terrorist organization inconspicuously communicates and establishes cells. If counterterrorism specialists decide to use surveillance on a suspected cell, they should keep in mind the ways suspects cloak their conversations using code, secret signals, and other communication cloaks. The section on invisible inks should remind counterterrorism specialists to carefully examine each and every piece of correspondence issued
Al Qaeda's Next Major Domestic Attack On The United States The fact that the United States has not experienced a major domestic attack since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 is firm testament to the relentless work by the Western intelligence community in identifying potential threats and preventing them from reaching fruition. In fact, a number of such attempts have been detected and eliminated in recent years, some of which
82), and through charities, which has been mentioned in this paper in previous pages. By the middle of the 1990s, the CIA estimated that "...fifty Islamic charities 'support terrorist groups, or employ individuals who are suspected of having terrorist connections'" (Gunaratna, 83). And as to the international "formal" banking infrastructure of al-Qaeda - such as it was prior to September 11, 2001 - President George W. Bush issued executive order
Specifically, individuals responsible for tenant selection, approval, and relations (particularly in newly developed areas) must be apprised of the operational patterns used by al-Qaeda operatives so that they will recognize behavior consistent with potential terrorist activities in the realm of property rental and use. Travel Procedures and Transportation Security: The al-Qaeda Training Manual includes considerable attention to the operational use of public transportation for travel and surveillance activities. Specifically, BM-40, Item
Some have even been detained for long periods of time without being informed when they would be released or even the reason for their detention. The situation at airports is no less dire. Some airlines have even refused to let Arabs on board because of their ethnic heritage and their perceived connection to terrorism. One important issue that is overlooked with regard to this is the fact that many white
Patriot Act On September 11, 2001, after the terrorist attacks occurred, a contentious piece of legislation was adopted and passed called the U.S.A. Patriot Act. Research shows that the title for this bill is an abbreviation for what is recognized as "the United and Strengthening America by Giving Appropriate Tools Required to Interrupt and Obstruct Terrorism Act" (Dolar). Years later since the Patriot Act was passed, there has been much debate
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now