Breaking Al-Qaeda Psychological and Operational Techniques, Second Edition

Breaking Al-Qaeda: Psychological and Operational Techniques, Second Edition explores the background and history of al-Qaeda, covers recent developments, and explains how, why, and where the al-Qaeda network is expanding. The author examines the current state of the terrorist network and describes what groups in the network are doing to recruit, plan, and carry out attacks worldwide.The book reports on intelligence and counterterror methods being used to garner information on al-Qaeda. It describes how the destabilization of Arab countries has led to opportunities for terrorists to capitalize on that instability and gain a foothold in countries such as Egypt, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria. Addresses information collection and analysis Provides an overview of the business of informational influence Explains how psychology can be used to understand and exploit individuals in terrorist networks Explores the relationships between the core of al-Qaeda and other groups Illustrating the message and ideology of al-Qaeda since the death of Usama bin Laden, the text explains the steps being taken to counter this threat. It also details psychological and operational techniques that can be used to counter network groups and fracture relationships between groups.

The Road to Breaking Al-Qaeda Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and the Resilient Network The Arab Spring and the Al-Qaeda Foothold Combating Terrorism: U.S. Counterterrorism Initiatives Bureaucratic Solutions: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) The PATRIOT Act and Expansion of Government Power The National Security Agency (NS A) and Domestic Spying Fears Government Detention and Guantanamo Beware of the Buzzing Drones The Nature of International Cooperation Intelligence Leaks Ceding Ground to Terrorists Challenging the Bureaucracy Informational Strategies Informational Influence Chapter Outline The Origination and Continuation of the Threat The Failure of Bureaucracy Unwinding the Puzzle: The Afghan–Soviet War From Saudi Arabia to Somalia: The Mujahedeen Expands World Trade Center One and Bojinka Return to Afghanistan and the Fatwas Joining Forces against the Jews and Crusaders, and Global Jihad Pre–9/11 Attacks9/11: The Justification 9/11: The Immediate ResponseContinuation of the Threat Post–9/11 Attacks Vilification, Degradation, and Iraq Post-Iraq Implications The Homegrown Threat Learning Strategies Concerns about Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) The Terrorism–Criminal Nexus The Mentality of the Threat Are Terrorists Crazy? Understanding Complex Motivation Demographic Profiling Vast Network of Propaganda Uses of Propaganda The Propaganda Message The Enemy Defined Tailored Propaganda Information Dissemination Swear Allegiance to Al-Qaeda Magazine Jihad Network Books Video Productions Edicts and Fatwas Singing the Songs of JihadPoint and Shoot: Killing the Kuffar Propaganda Dissemination The Business of Influence Intelligence Collection Psychological Influence TechniquesOperational Influence Techniques Source Credibility and Delivery Breaking IndividualsThe Leadership Framework Personal Characteristics Operating Environment Advisory System Information EnvironmentThe Case of Ayman Al-Zawahiri Some Background and Early Traits Quest for Relevance and Power Influencing Al-Zawahiri Breaking Groups The Nature of Groups Group Fissures Fissure: Personal Conflict and Mistrust Fissure: Substantive and Procedural Disagreement Fissure: Deviants Breaking Relationships between Groups Relationships between Groups Fissure Points Diverging Goals and Ethnic Differences Security Risks Leadership and Authority Competition over Resources Other Exploitable Situations The Final Break The Learning Process The Final Piece Hindering ChangeIndex Each chapter includes a conclusion and notes.

Elena Mastors, Ph.D., is the vice president and dean of Applied Research at the American Public University System (APUS). She is the former vice president and dean of the School of Security and Global Studies and program director of the Graduate Intelligence Studies and National Security programs.Previous to her work with APUS, she was an associate professor in the National Decision Making Department of the Naval War College, and also held various senior intelligence and policy positions in the Office of Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and the Defense Intelligence Agency.Dr. Mastors is an expert on political psychology as it pertains to conflict, terrorism, and political leadership. She writes frequently on understanding leaders and group dynamics from a political–psychological perspective. She is also a frequent lecturer on the important role of individuals and group dynamics in armed groups. Dr. Mastors is on the Board of Directors at the Institute for the Study of Intercommunal Conflict at Washington State University. Her professional affiliations include the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE), the International Studies Association (ISA), the International Society for Political Psychology (ISPP), and Women in Security (WIS).Dr. Mastors has published on the subjects of conflict and armed groups. Her coauthored books include Introduction to Political Psychology (Psychology Press, 2010) and The Lesser Jihad: Recruits and the Al-Qaida Network (Rowman & Littlefield, 2007).