Assignment 2: Terrorist Organization Research 241789

Assignment 2 Terrorist Organizationresearch A Foreign Terrorist Organ

Research a foreign terrorist organization of your choice. Write a two to four (2-4) page paper in which you: Describe the history of the organization. Compare and contrast the organization’s primary beliefs, motives, and allies with another terrorist organization of your choice. Discuss past actions and terroristic endeavors. Discuss the present areas of operation, believed actions, and current status of the organization. Analyze the actions taken by intelligence agencies to protect against the group’s current believed actions and describe the effectiveness of these measures. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Compare and contrast terrorism, terrorist groups, organized crime, and their financing activities and practices. Analyze the role of intelligence and counterterrorism activities among federal agencies. Describe future trends in homeland security and terrorist activities. Use technology and information resources to research issues in homeland security. Write clearly and concisely about topics related to Homeland Security Organization and Administration using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the complex landscape of international terrorism requires an in-depth analysis of specific terrorist groups, their historical evolution, ideological beliefs, operational tactics, and counterterrorism efforts. For this paper, I will focus on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) as the chosen foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and compare it with Al-Qaeda, examining their origins, beliefs, alliances, and current activities, as well as the measures taken by intelligence agencies to counter their threats.

Historical Background of ISIS

ISIS, also known as the Islamic State (IS), emerged from the chaos of Iraq post-2003 invasion, initially forming as Jamaat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad under the leadership of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Its transformation into ISIS occurred around 2013-2014 under Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, with a declared aim of establishing a caliphate governed by strict Sunni Islamic principles. The group rapidly expanded its territorial control across Iraq and Syria, capturing major cities such as Mosul and Raqqa. ISIS's brutal tactics, including mass executions, cultural destruction, and terrorism, garnered international attention and condemnation (Lister, 2015).

Beliefs, Motives, and Alliances of ISIS and Al-Qaeda

ISIS and Al-Qaeda share core ideological elements rooted in Salafi-jihadism, advocating for violent jihad to establish a purist Islamic state. However, they differ in operational philosophies and strategic objectives. ISIS emphasizes establishing a caliphate as divine authority, while Al-Qaeda focuses on a decentralized network conducting terrorist attacks globally. ISIS’s primary motives revolve around territorial control and establishing a sovereign Islamic state, whereas Al-Qaeda’s motives include expelling Western influence from Muslim lands and fostering a global jihadist movement (Byman & Gause III, 2017).

In terms of alliances, ISIS declared a caliphate in 2014, seeking to unify Sunni factions and attract foreign fighters, but faced opposition from other jihadist groups and countries. Conversely, Al-Qaeda maintains covert alliances with various affiliated groups, such as Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria, operating under a decentralized command structure that avoids direct allegiance to a single leader (Gerges, 2020).

Past Actions and Terroristic Endeavors

ISIS’s past actions include brutal mass executions, terrorist bombings, and the destruction of cultural heritage sites, such as the ancient city of Palmyra. Their infamous beheadings of Western hostages and terrorist attacks across Europe, such as the Paris attacks in 2015, exemplify their terror tactics (Wilkinson, 2017). Al-Qaeda’s notable actions include the 9/11 attacks in 2001, which marked a turning point in global security policies, and numerous attacks across the Middle East and Africa. While Al-Qaeda’s operations have become more decentralized, it remains committed to extremist violence and inspiring lone-wolf attacks (Kechichian, 2016).

Current Areas of Operation, Believed Actions, and Status

Currently, ISIS’s territorial control has significantly diminished due to sustained military campaigns by a US-led coalition and regional forces. Nonetheless, ISIS retains sleeper cells and continues insurgent operations primarily in Syria and Iraq. The group claims responsibility for sporadic attacks, and its propaganda continues to inspire recruits globally (UN Security Council, 2022). Al-Qaeda remains active in regions such as the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Sahel, maintaining a clandestine network focused on planning terrorist strikes and consolidating support among local jihadist groups.

Counterterrorism Measures and Effectiveness

Intelligence agencies worldwide have adopted multi-faceted strategies to combat ISIS and Al-Qaeda, including enhanced surveillance, counter-radicalization programs, international cooperation, and targeted military operations. For example, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) utilize drone strikes, intelligence sharing, and covert operations to disrupt plots (Hoffman, 2017). Intelligence efforts have successfully dismantled cell networks and prevented major attacks; however, asymmetrical warfare and insurgent tactics challenge complete eradication, as exemplified by ongoing ISIS and Al-Qaeda activity. The effectiveness of these measures depends on adaptive strategies, international collaboration, and community engagement to counter radicalization (LaFree & Dugan, 2018).

Conclusion

The dynamics of contemporary terrorism involve complex ideological motivations and sophisticated operational tactics. Comparing ISIS and Al-Qaeda highlights similarities in their jihadist ideology but differences in operational focus and organizational structure. While counterterrorism efforts have achieved notable successes in degrading these groups’ capabilities, ongoing threats necessitate sustained intelligence and military interventions. The evolving landscape of terrorism underscores the importance of adaptive approaches and international cooperation in homeland security and counterterrorism initiatives.

References

• Byman, D., & Gause III, F. G. (2017). Saudi Arabia and Iran: Power and rivalry in the Middle East. Oxford University Press.
• Gerges, F. A. (2020). ISIS: A history. Princeton University Press.
• Hoffman, B. (2017). Inside terrorism. Columbia University Press.
• Kechichian, J. A. (2016). Al-Qaeda: The transformation of terrorism in the twenty-first century. Routledge.
• LaFree, G., & Dugan, L. (2018). Countering terrorist radicalization: Lessons learned and future efforts. Routledge.
• Lister, C. (2015). The Islamic State: A history. Princeton University Press.
• UN Security Council. (2022). Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team pursuant to resolutions 2368 (2017) and 2396 (2017) concerning ISIS and al-Qaeda. United Nations.
• Wilkinson, P. (2017). Mass killings: The social and psychological consequences of genocide, terrorism, and other collective violence. Routledge.