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Combating a
Modern Hydra: Al Qaeda and the Global War on Terrorism
Combating a Modern Hydra: Al Qaeda and the Global War
on Terrorism
is number eight in the Combat Studies Institutes Global War on Terrorism (GWOT)
Occasional Paper series. This work resulted from discussions at Fort Leavenworth
about the nature of the enemy facing the United States and its allies since 11
September 2001. Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network had been present at
some level in the national and international consciousness since the late 1990s.
The events of 11 September 2001 and subsequent global operations taken against
Al Qaeda have brought this group to the forefront of the GWOT. While successes
have been achieved in the GWOT, the enemy has proven to be resilient and
adaptive. This study by Mr. Sean Kalic, of the Department of Military History,
US Army Command and General Staff College, examines modern transnational
terrorism from the 1960s to the present day, with special emphasis on the
adaptation Al Qaeda and other nonstate actors have taken in response to the
actions of the United States and its allies. This work provides a cautionary
warning about the likelihood Al Qaeda will continue to survive and execute
missions in the current operating environment. Mr. Kalic synthesizes much of the
pertinent literature and offers insights into the actions taken to fight
terrorists. Most importantly, he advises a continual reevaluation of the threat,
based on Al Qaedas flexibility, resiliency, and adaptability. Officers and
soldiers who have recently served in operations against the terrorist worldwide
will certainly see utility here. As the US Army
continues its efforts in combating terrorists, the thoughts found in this
narrative are well worth considering.
Click here to download the paper
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