Comments on: Al-Qaeda and Numerology in the Maghreb http://middleeast.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/12/25/al-qaeda-and-numerology-in-the-maghreb/ The World Affairs Blog Network Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:08:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 By: Brian O'Neill http://middleeast.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/12/25/al-qaeda-and-numerology-in-the-maghreb/comment-page-1/#comment-494 Brian O'Neill Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:08:19 +0000 http://middleeast.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/12/25/al-qaeda-and-numerology-in-the-maghreb/#comment-494 I agree. My point with the 11s is that if the population was making a big deal about it, it would behoove the terrorist groups to follow suit, to maximize the dread. Of course, random terrorism is effective as well. But I agree with your main point. It is hard to maintain control over groups. There are always foot soldiers, but a lot of people want glory and fame, and strong personalities chafe against each other. Plus, the logistics of a multi-country organization are incredibly difficult, and maintaining communication and formulating plots could make these groups a cogent whole in name only. I agree. My point with the 11s is that if the population was making a big deal about it, it would behoove the terrorist groups to follow suit, to maximize the dread. Of course, random terrorism is effective as well.

But I agree with your main point. It is hard to maintain control over groups. There are always foot soldiers, but a lot of people want glory and fame, and strong personalities chafe against each other. Plus, the logistics of a multi-country organization are incredibly difficult, and maintaining communication and formulating plots could make these groups a cogent whole in name only.

]]> By: Gregory D. Johnsen http://middleeast.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/12/25/al-qaeda-and-numerology-in-the-maghreb/comment-page-1/#comment-493 Gregory D. Johnsen Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:41:11 +0000 http://middleeast.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2007/12/25/al-qaeda-and-numerology-in-the-maghreb/#comment-493 Your final point, about bringing splinter groups under the umbrella of al-Qaeda is, to me, the more interesting of the two. I don't believe the first - 11's in Algeria is worth much. But while it may be possible to attract splinter groups to a more centralized decision-making structure, I'm not sure organizations and groups of this nature can be very successful maintaining control over such groups. Your final point, about bringing splinter groups under the umbrella of al-Qaeda is, to me, the more interesting of the two. I don't believe the first - 11's in Algeria is worth much. But while it may be possible to attract splinter groups to a more centralized decision-making structure, I’m not sure organizations and groups of this nature can be very successful maintaining control over such groups.

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