The Effects Of Jihadist Groups On The Recruitment Of Aq

This chapter explores how other jihadist groups, notably ISIL, are likely to impact the standing and operations of AQ. It seeks to determine the likely impacts on AQ caused by specific actions by these other groups such as their recruitment and support. In doing so, emphasis is placed on two main aspects. These are the effects of other jihadist groups on the recruitment of AQ and the extent to which, if at all, competition between AQ and these other jihadist groups can push AQ into carrying a spectacular terror attack that would in turn make it vulnerable.

Effects of ISIL and other Jihadist Groups on the Recruitment of AQ
Although ISIL and AQ may have started out as the same outfit with the former being know as Al Qaeda in Iraq, the two have parted ways at least within the Syrian context. The two one-time allies are now in competition with each other at least for the control of parts of Syria (Montoya and Hofstetter, 2014). This has far-reaching ramifications for AQ in terms of its strategic position and specifically in terms of recruitment of personnel. AQ, just like ISIL, needs to continually recruit new members and supporters for the group. These recruits can be corporate …show more content…
In the case of AQ, this progress has clearly been at best very slow compared to ISIL whose progress towards a caliphate has been rapid. In a very short time, ISIL has emerged from a little-known organisation (Al Qaeda in Iraq) to one that is almost unrivalled in the world in terms of military power, strategic planning, and financial and logistical support (Husain, 2012). Unlike AQ which has been targeting the ‘far enemy’ more than the ‘near enemy’, ISIL has been directly seeking to capture territory and convert it into its