Stephen R Brooks

Undercutting the Extreme Ideology Supporting Global Terrorism Stephen R Brooks

This paper addresses why the Al-Qaeda Associated Movement (AQAM) continues to exist and why the efforts taken by the United States and its Western allies have not ended the global War on Terror (WOT). AQAM uses its extreme ideology to exploit people who reside in failing states, where the government is unable to provide basic services. In addition, AQAM manipulates the Islamic religion to garner support for its goal of reestablishing an Islamic caliphate and bringing an end to Western influence in the Land of Islam. Finally, AQAM masterfully uses the internet to conduct operations and spread its extreme ideas. These actions provide fuel for the Islamic "jihad" against the West and allowed AQAM to garner the popular support which it needs to survive. Until the US-led efforts in the global WOT undercuts the extreme ideology the terrorists espouse, there will be continued support for AQAM across the globe. In analyzing the past insurgencies of the Philippines, Israel, and Malaysia, it became evident the popular support for the insurgencies is heavily influenced by the government's actions. The ruling government's actions and words together must be credible and genuine or it loses legitimacy. Therefore, in order to win the US-led global WOT, the United States requires an information "czar" to coordinate the information operations and public affairs needed to counter the extreme ideas the terrorists espouse. In addition, all US Government (USG) and non-government actions must be applied in a coherent effort to win the hearts and minds of the people. These actions must be married up with a clear and concise information campaign, or the actions will appear to be disjointed and self-serving.