How al Qaeda has Evolved

The evolution of the Al-Qaida group in ideology and structure is apparent, notably where they use operatives with legal access to the target area. This minimizes the chances of detection, increasing the probability of success in their mission. In addition, the group is recruiting members of the target states. The group is resorting to the use of locally available materials in the making of explosives. These measures ease the transportation of the bombs to the target sites.

Since the 9/11 attack, the Al-Qaida group has maintained the potent threats of devastating attacks a daily phenomenon. For instance, the group successfully carried out an attack in Mombasa Kenya, in 2002. In 2003, the group was the main suspect in Istanbul bombing. In July 2005, Al-Qaida was linked in the London bombing that left fifty-two people dead. In the same month, there was an attack in Egypt, in which ninety people died. Identification of the group with terror attacks is an indication that the group is effective and a constant threat to security (Sageman, 2004).

The religious and doctrine foundation of the group is in Salafism, which is linked to Wahhabism. The influence that these beliefs have on the Al-Qaida group is controversial.  Although Osama Laden, the group leader, was a Wahhabi follower, his ideologies are not the groups’ foundations. In any case, while the Islamic religion is associated with Wahhabism, not all Muslims support the activities of the group. For instance, Wahhabi Sheiks in Saudi Arabia terms suicide bombing as un-Islamic (Sageman, 2004).

The structural organization of the group remains unknown. However, for an organization to run and be effective in the face of challenges there has to be some form of coordination. The group has a militant committee that is responsible for getting weapons, training operatives and planning attacks. There is the money committee, travel office and pay roll office. The group further has law committee and Islamic duty committee. The names given to the committees reflect the roles and responsibilities they undertake.

The strengths of the group lie in the composition of its members and the location of the Al-Qaida base. Seventy percent of the Al-Qaida members are scientists (Sageman, 2004). The group is a composition of bright, intelligent, respectful and least suspicious members. They are able to design and implement operations effectively (Sageman, 2004). The mobility of this people is high both upwards and geographically. Thus, the group can plan its operation globally through its members.

The leadership of the group is strong and able to hold the group together. The base of the group is in a conflict area thus; they have support from likeminded organization. The group has finances to run its operations. The weakness of the group has been because of attacks from the United States. In 2004, the United State military raided the group in Iraq base hindering their operations. Imprisonment and killing of crucial leaders of the group has been a serious blow to the Al- Qaida.

The members of this group are radicals who follow a cause passionately. The Al-Qaida members voluntarily involve in violence to uphold their beliefs.  They are irrational in dealing with those they perceive as their enemies. The beliefs of an individual, environmental exposure and individual personality make someone susceptible to radicalization. The members of Al-Qaida are radicals who come from diverse ethnic groups connected by radical version of Islam (Sageman, 2004).

Sageman, M. (2004). E notes Understanding Terror Networks.  Philadelphia: Foreign Policy             Research Institute.