Slaying the Hydra: Al Qaeda's Evolution and America's Plan of Attack
Date of Award
6-2-2011
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Liberal Studies
Organizational Unit
University College, Global Community Engagement
Disciplines
Global Affairs
First Advisor
Naomi Starosta
Keywords
Afghanistan, Al Qaeda, Bush Doctrine, Insurgency, Iraq, Pakistan, Taliban, Terrorism, War on Terror
Abstract
In response to 9/11, the U.S. launched airstrikes in Afghanistan against al Qaeda to diminish its ability to conduct future attacks. Next, the U.S. turned its attention to Iraq. A series of problems and missteps there subsequently created an opportunity for al Qaeda to evolve, aligning itself with active insurgencies and other terrorist groups around the world. This paper identifies the largely preemptive strategies employed by the U.S. and analyzes how those efforts positively and negatively impacted the War on Terror. While some significant gains were made, the results show that al Qaeda remains a threat to the international community and demands more effective U.S. and international counter-radicalization strategies, including diplomacy and aid, to curb its global appeal.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Wade, Mary, "Slaying the Hydra: Al Qaeda's Evolution and America's Plan of Attack" (2011). University College: Global Community Engagement Capstones. 7.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_gs/7