Understanding Al Qaeda

This book controversially argues that Al Qaeda has clear aims, and that the only way to defeat it is to engage with its arguments in a serious way. Since the publication of the first edition in 2006, Mohamedou has brought the text right up-to-date. Starting with Al Qaeda's creation almost twenty years ago, Mohamedou explains that there is a clear strategy to Al Qaeda's actions. He shows that the "war on terror" is failing, only serving to recruit more terrorists to Al Qaeda's cause. He also puts forward a case for how best the international community can respond. Arguing that it is dangerous to dismiss Al Qaeda as illogical and irrational, this book is ideal for undergraduates in international relations and Middle East studies.