Al-Qaeda Doctrine

Ever since it was first established the senior leadership of Al-Qaeda has sought to communicate its core values rationalizations and principles to the world. Altogether these statements convey Al-Qaeda's doctrine and the beliefs for which the leadership claims to be fighting. <br/><br/>This volume in the New Directions in Terrorism Studies series analyzes over 250 statements made by the organization's two key leaders Ayman Al-Zawahiri and Usama Bin Ladin over the last two decades. It provides an in-depth and systematic analysis of these communications showing which key issues emphasized by the two leaders evolved over time and highlighting their core principles. It explore Al-Qaeda's problem diagnosis the solutions offered by its two leaders their escalating --although often contradictory-- approach towards violence and their chosen communication strategy for different types of audiences. <br/><br/>The book shows how Al-Qaeda's leadership began to develop an increasingly critical approach towards Islam in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and discusses tensions that may undermine the resilience of its doctrine. This unique evidence-based analysis of Al-Qaeda will attract academics specializing in terrorism and counterterrorism as well as the policy community.