Al-Qaida in Afghanistan

This book presents an alternative narrative of al-Qaida's aims, goals and strategies prior to the events of 9/11.

Anne Stenersen (Author)

9781107427761, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 July 2017

220 pages, 4 maps
22.7 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.32 kg

'Fifteen years after 9/11, we finally have an in-depth organizational history of al-Qaida in its 'golden age'. Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of why 9/11 happened must read this book.' Thomas Hegghammer, Norweigan Defence Research Establishment

Since 9/11, al-Qaida has become one of the most infamous and widely discussed terrorist organizations in the world, with affiliates spread across the globe. However, little-known are the group's activities within Afghanistan itself, something which Anne Stenersen examines in this book. Using an array of unique primary sources, she presents an alternative narrative of al-Qaida's goals and strategies prior to 9/11. She argues that al-Qaida's actions were not just an ideological expression of religious fanaticism and violent anti-Americanism, but that they were actually far more practical and organised, with a more revolutionary and Middle Eastern-focused agenda than previously thought. Through Stenersen's analysis, we see how al-Qaida employed a dual strategy: with a small section focused on staging international terrorist attacks, but at the same time a larger part dedicated to building a resilient and cohesive organization that would ultimately serve as a vanguard for future Islamist revolutions.

1. Vanguards
2. Training under pressure
3. Return of the Sheikh
4. The troublesome guest
5. Training under the Taliban
6. Taliban's policies towards the Arabs
7. Frontline participation
8. International terrorism
9. Al-Qaida's dual strategy
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Constitution: government & the state [JPHC]