WEST’S SKEWED APPROACH ON JIHADISM

A TERROR GROUP WHICH GLOBALISED THE CONCEPT OF JIHAD AND HAS EXISTED FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES IS NOT DEPENDENT ON JUST ONE LEADER FOR ITS SURVIVAL. THE MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR AL-QAIDA’S ASPIRANTS AND SUPPORTERS ARE STILL VERY MUCH IN PLACE WHICH WILL ENSURE STEADY SUPPLY OF CADRES

- MANISH RAI

With the recent killing of al-Qaeda (AQ) chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in Afghan capital Kabul, a lot of speculation is happening on the future of this terror outfit. Some analysts even going to the extent of suggesting that al-Qaeda is nearing its end. But certainly that is highly unlikely. The group survived its ideological chief Osama bin Laden’s death in 2011. In fact with the killing of Zawahiri, al-Qaeda may regenerate itself and become more dynamic. Ayman al-Zawahiri was an Egyptian-born jihadist, who became al-Qaida’s top leader in 2011 after his predecessor, Osama bin Laden, was killed by a US operation. Zawahiri neither had a very charismatic personality, nor was he effective at connecting with the younger generation. As a leader of AQ for over a decade, he could not bring back the lost capabilities. But he managed to keep the terror brand alive amidst the rise of Islamic State (IS). A new leader might not have these shortcomings. The trajectory of the movement might shift dangerously with a new and more effective communicator, reaching and inspiring a new generation. This happened previously with Anwar al-Awlaki reinvigorated al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in the late 2000. Reaching out to new audiences in new ways and identifying with Westerners in particular. Ironically, a new leader might benefit the movement, offering an opportunity to reinvigorate itself.