Al-Qaida is thriving. From the secluded tribal areas of Pakistan to Somalia’s deadly shores, the threat al-Qaida poses is great and immense. With thousands of devoted fighters around the world, a reach that extends from North Africa to Central Asia and the ability to launch large-scale attacks, al-Qaida is still a major and deadly threat to global security.
The recent attack in Kenya, perpetrated by al Shabaab, an Islamic extremist group based out of Somalia and recently merged with al-Qaida, is evidence of that fact. An attack, eerily similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, showed to the world that the fight against terrorism is not complete, and assuming so is incredibly naive and extremely dangerous.
In order to confront this threat, states around the world must grow their counterterrorism capacities, increase security relationships between other nations and use reconstruction and development to re-strengthen nations. However, it is absolutely critical that the public understands that al-Qaida is still a dominating force. The war on terror has only just begun.
Although the threat al-Qaida poses is substantial, this devoted and dangerous enemy can be defeated. The answer lies with international cooperation. Through the strength of individual nations, alliances such as the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) and the African Union (AU) and the ability to engage with the UN Security Council, attacks by al Qaeda can be preempted and prevented, and the safe havens that are used to grow and develop the organization can be destroyed.
Al-Qaida has expanded globally, and with a more unique and international foundation, we must use unprecedented cooperation and trust in order to dislodge the roots of terror embedded in our daily lives. This war is not an American war, nor is it a war for conquest, resources or treasure. This is especially not a war of religion. This is a war for peace and stability, defending the citizens of the world against a determined foe.
Although international security is important and being ready to use aggressive force to fight is critical in winning battles, there is the battle of hearts and minds that must be waged and won. In order to achieve such ends, international reconstruction and development must be employed to ensure that the strength once built by al-Qaida does not return. Communities and countries with poor economics, social systems and government control in general are perfect breeding grounds for extremists, who fill the gap of those services and provide stability to the community.
However, as seen with Mali and Syria, these groups create a community based on the principles of an extreme interpretation to Sharia law, which is violent and repressive. To deny these groups sanctuary through aid and reconstruction is critical, and is necessary to ensure stability for years to come.
The threats we face are increasing and pose immense danger to global stability and security. Through direct action and engagement with communities and states, the foundation of al-Qaida will crumble, and the world will not have to fear another Kenyan-like attack. At the end of the day, these actions are not only the right solution, they are the only solution
