Al Qaeda

From jihadists to Syria's new rulers, HTS's evolution explained

Over 13 years, Syria's largest armed faction has evolved from IS offshoot to Al-Qaeda affiliate to local militia and, finally, the national government. Like Syria, it has completely transformed.

Abbas Sharifa 30 January 2025

1- An ISIS official announcing the capture of Tabqa air base to residents of Raqqa province, Syria, August 24, 2014. (Stringer/Reuters)

ISIS’s Leadership Crisis

It is only February, and already, the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) has had a rough year. ISIS’s supporters quickly went from cheering on a large prison break in northeast Syria to learning,…

Haroro Ingram, Craig Whiteside 25 February 2022

A Pakistani man reads a newspaper with the front page displaying news of the death of Osama bin Laden at a stall in Lahore on May 3, 2011. (Getty)

How a Courier's Phone Call Led to the Killing of Osama bin Ladin

On 2 May 2011 President Obama gave permission to the operation lead to the killing of Osama bin Laden, one of the most wanted people in American history. “Tonight I can report to the American people…

Dr Mujahed al Somaidai - London 07 May 2021

Mike Pompeo alleged that Iran has become a new "home base" for Al-Qaeda worse than Afghanistan

The Al-Qaeda-Iran Relationship

As the Trump administration winds down, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed a New York Times report that Al-Qaeda's second-in-command was killed last year in Tehran and accused Iran's government…

Al Majalla - London 15 January 2021

Al Qaeda's Franchise Reboot

Nineteen years after the terrorist attacks ofSeptember 11, 2001, doesal Qaedastill pose a significant threat toU.S.national security? Among researchers, military and intelligence officials, and…

Asfandyar Mir and Colin P. Clarke 18 September 2020

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