From Leaderless to Senseless Al-Qaeda

By African Bulletin on May 16, 2011

What makes the difference between Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups is its global scope and degree of decentralization, based on a religious radicalism rather than a political radicalism.

The goals are probably the same, with the difference that Al Qaeda has never claimed to take power. Under strong pressure since 2001, the organization has been forced to metamorphose into small groups (atomization), as did the political terror groups before it, and returned to underground, making their actions even more harmful. Al Qaeda has done the same thing and “sub- groups” have been created in Iraq, North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and Asia; and that is why some analysts said that Usama Bin Laden(UBL) was not anymore that charismatic and strong man, but was only a source of  inspiration; while others argue that he was still holding the operational role. However, this does not explain the fears of retaliation and upsurge, especially in the Western world, after UBL has been killed. Perhaps the answer lies in the book of Marc Sageman, titled “Leaderless Jihad”, where the author explains that the jihadist ideology is sufficiently widespread – particularly by the Internet means, enabling Al-Qaeda to survive without leadership, and allowing the organization to evolve into a headless functioning. Concretely, that means the   emergence of “lone wolfs” acting independently of any central leadership. But there is another theory that explains that any terrorist organization (System), religious or political, needs a sanctuary (population) and a spiritual or an operational leader to last and function, exactly like the complex brain has a natural ability to conduct the body. The organs are added values for the body, as are, religion, traditions, metaphysical beliefs, and culture, for the system. If we consider that one vital value is missing, like the eyes for the body or some moral philosophies for the system, then the brain and the system will lose one of their important sensors, and the reality becomes senseless. All forms of extremism (Religious or political) are condemned, over time to disappear and disintegrate, because simply against the will and belief of the majority…