Countering the Global Islamist Terrorist Threat

Abstract

Worldwide terrorist attacks since September 11 suggest that the threat fromIslamist terrorism is far from being over. This is despite the arrests and eliminationof a significant number of leaders, both of Al Qaeda and its associated groups. Withthe loss of its leadership, Al Qaeda has become more dispersed and more difficult topredict and preempt. More significantly, Osama Bin Laden has become a beacon forjihadi insurgents everywhere.On the other hand, the use of overwhelming force in the global war on terror iscounterproductive. A militaristic approach has further radicalized the Islamic world,increasing the ranks of the jihadis. Similarly, the U.S. invasion of Iraq exacerbatedMuslim resentment and nourished those forces, which the world community wishesto undermine and destroy. Terrorists have a powerful advantage: they need to succeedonly occasionally; but as defenders, the global community needs to be successfulalways.This article argues that failure to understand the Islamist terrorist threat in itsentirety and to deal with the threat poses significant dangernot only for the UnitedStates and its interests, but also for the international community as a whole. Islamistterrorism represents a global ideological battle. It is a battle of hearts and minds. Asideology is at the centre of the current wave of Muslim terrorism, it is necessary toundercut the appeal of radical Islam. This involves empowering moderate Muslimsto counter the influence of the radicals. No single country can do this alone.The Korean Journal of Defense Analysis , Vol. XVIII, No. 1, Spring 2006