Synopses & Reviews
'The RAND Corporation... has provided an excellent two volume analysis [to defeating al-Qaeda]. The first volume looks at the ideology of the movement, its tactics, finances, and the \'nebula\' of al-Qaeda that includes local affiliate groups from Southeast Asia, South Asia, North Africa, the Caucasus, and of course, Iraq... This volume covers the al-Qaeda phenomena in a competent and comprehensive way... [The two volumes] are sober, evenhanded, and worthwhile reads.
Middle East Quarterly, Spring 2008
For a reader seeking a description of al-Qaeda\'s history, structure, financing, tactics, and evolution, this work provides a concise explanation of these key elements of the terrorist network. It is free of unnecessary and confusing jargon and accessible to students at any level... While the first part focuses on al-Qaeda, as the title suggests, the second part examines the multitude of Islamist, left-wing, and right-wing terror groups around the world. Part 2 clearly shows that al Qaeda is but one of many. Readers will find this work useful in developing a general understanding of al-Qaeda and the terror nexus that is the focus of the current global war on terror. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.
Choice Magazine, May 2007In addition to examining the evolution of al-Qaeda since 11 September 2001, the authors outline the threat posed by al- Qaeda affiliates and other groups that share its worldview and operational goals. They conclude with a four-pronged strategy to defeat terrorist groups. [In part 2] the authors profile major \'independent\' terrorist organisations -- both Islamist and non-Islamist -- around the world, and offer strategies that could be used to prevent their destructive activities.
Survival, August-September 2008
\'Know your enemy\' is as foundational a military maxim as there is, yet it can be surprisingly difficult to get military and policy communities to focus on the nature of the adversary with meaningful depth or breadth.... With this in mind, one can only praise RAND: Project Air Force for the publication of the two-book set Beyond al-Qaeda... a current, thoroughly researched, and accessible analysis of the adversaries and potential adversaries in the WOT... Those looking to get a sense of the landscape, to better understand the full range of the al-Qaeda or terrorist threat, or in need for professional reasons of an accessible, encyclopedic reference on modern terrorist groups are well served by Beyond al-Qaeda.
Strategic Studies Quarterly, Fall 2007While few Americans had heard of Osama Bin Laden prior to September 11th, 2001, the United States learned the full extent of al Qaeda s hatred for America on that fateful day. Since then, much has changed in the global terrorism environment and there are many more groups both Muslim and non-Muslim - that would harm the US if they had the chance. This study examines potential threats to the US emanating from al Qaeda, al Qaeda-inspired groups, groups without links to al Qaeda, and the nexus between terrorism and organized crime. All of these potential threats must be taken seriously and the authors identify unique strategies to deal with each.
Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security International, Fall 2007
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Synopsis
Examines al-Qaeda's evolution and the emergence of the broader global jihadist movement-groups affiliated, associated, or inspired by al-Qaeda-and the threat that they pose to the United States and U.S. allies and interests. The authors conclude by setting out a four-pronged strategy to counter the jihadist threat.