Topic: Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

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Correspondent reflections: The 10 news events that shaped 2011

In this special section, we look at the year’s biggest stories, and seven staff correspondents reflect on events in hot spots from Latin America to the Libyan front.
Yemen 101: Who's who in the escalating conflict

As Yemen’s crisis escalates, President Ali Abdullah Saleh is battling opponents on multiple fronts who have diverse backgrounds and agendas. Here's a rundown of the players you need to know in order to understand the unrest in Yemen.
Europe on alert: fall 2010 terror plots

Al Qaeda-linked terror threats in Europe this fall put intelligence and security forces, as well as the public, on edge. Most recently, Germany ramped up its security in anticipation of a possible attack. Below, an overview of those threats and incidents:
Five key members of Al Qaeda in Yemen (AQAP)

Here are five leaders and key members of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
Top 5 attacks linked to Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki

The Yemen bomb plot has brought fresh scrutiny to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, of which Islamic cleric Anwar al-Awlaki is thought to be a key leader. Mr. Awlaki has not been officially linked to this latest attack, although Yemen – under international pressure to rein in AQAP – put him on trial in absentia today for plotting to kill foreigners.

Mr. Awlaki, a Yemeni-American fluent in English who has been on the radar of US intelligence and military for several years, has a track record of promoting attacks against US targets. Here are some of the incidents to which he has been linked:

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Focus
Are terrorists beyond redemption?

The record shows that some radicals can be persuaded to give up the gun when inducements and local conditions are right. The Pentagon recently spent $4.5 million to find out more.
Terrorism & Security
Yemen vows to defy Al Qaeda's intimidation campaign

As Yemen celebrated a national holiday with a parade in Sanaa today, President Hadi said that recent attacks, including a bombing yesterday that killed more than 90 people, would not derail his government's campaign against terrorism.
Terrorism & Security
Suicide bomber kills scores in Yemen as government pursues Al Qaeda group (+video)

Yemen's military has been carrying out an offensive in the south for the past 10 days against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Today's bombing could be payback.
US sends troops to Yemen as Al Qaeda gains ground

Civil unrest in Yemen has enabled Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which perpetrated the foiled underwear bomb plot, to expand its reach. US troops are arriving to train Yemeni soldiers.
After underwear plot, Saudi officials cite headway against AQAP

Saudi officials refused to discuss their involvement in disrupting the latest underwear bomb plot from Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), but say they are making gains against the group.
Backchannels
Saudi's Al Qaeda intelligence coup and the perils of too much disclosure

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's second underwear bomb plot went nowhere thanks to great intelligence work. But this is a case where too much disclosure is a problem.
'Undetectable' bomb reveals how Al Qaeda threat to US is evolving (+video)

The foiled plot to plant another 'underwear bomb' on a US airliner shows that as the core of Al Qaeda declines, affiliates like Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula are taking the lead.
Why Bin Laden disapproved of Al Qaeda in Yemen, Iraq, and Somalia

Osama bin Laden held some of the Al Qaeda franchises in disdain, according to the 17 letters released. Bin Laden also ordered an attack in 2010 on Air Force One, Obama's plane.
Backchannels
One year after Osama bin Laden's killing, Al Qaeda is in tatters

While his murderous ideology persists in pockets of the Middle East and beyond, Al Qaeda as it was understood after Sept. 11 has failed.
Yemen's President Hadi surprises pessimists with moves toward reform

Two months into office, the longtime deputy of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh has sacked numerous Saleh appointees and shaken up the military leadership.
Attack in Yemen: Is Al Qaeda stronger now? (+video)

Yemenis are hopeful that Yemen's new president will be more effective at reining in Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula than his predecessor.
US eager to send foreign aid to Yemen, a land battling poverty and Al Qaeda

The West sees foreign aid as a way to help counter extremism and issues like child malnutrition, but Yemenis caution against too much, too soon – and point to Afghanistan.
Profile: Yemen's new president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi

Mr. Hadi is a relative unknown in Yemen, despite serving as former President Saleh's deputy for 17 years.
Underwear bomber gets life: He never expressed doubt or remorse, judge says

Underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, sentenced to multiple life sentences, declared in federal court in Detroit: 'Mujahideen are proud to kill in the name of God.'
US to seek life sentence for underwear bomber, saying he remains a threat

The sentencing hearing for the so-called underwear bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, takes place Thursday. Prosecutors argue that he remains willing to carry out another martyrdom mission.
Four British men admit guilt in London Stock Exchange bomb plot

A quartet of British men pleaded guilty to their roles in a plan to detonate explosives at the London Stock Exchange and other sites in December 2010.
After Egypt, Tunisia, Libya overthrows, Arab upheaval begins to settle

Egypt quietly moves into another phase of voting, while the monarchs in Morocco and Jordan have stabilized their rule through reforms.
Terrorism & Security
Yemen's President Saleh departs for US, apparently ending his rule

President Ali Abdullah Saleh's departure from Yemen probably marks the end of his 33 years in power, but questions are being raised about Washington's decision to take in the strongman.
Correspondent reflections: The 10 news events that shaped 2011

In this special section, we look at the year’s biggest stories, and seven staff correspondents reflect on events in hot spots from Latin America to the Libyan front.
Backchannels
Is kidnapping older, unarmed civilians all that's left for Al Qaeda?

Ayman Zawahiri, the current Al Qaeda boss, released a recorded speech claiming credit for the kidnapping of veteran US aid worker Warren Weinstein.
Unmanned drone attacks and shape-shifting robots: War's remote-control future

The Pentagon already includes unmanned drone attacks in its arsenal. Next up: housefly-sized surveillance craft, shape-changing 'chemical robots,' and tracking agents sprayed from the sky. What does it mean to have soldiers so far removed from the battlefield?
Where is Yemen headed as Saleh tries to reassert power?

President Ali Abdullah Saleh's recent return to Yemen has emboldened Saleh loyalists and angered protesters further. A civil war in Yemen could have repercussions for global trade.
Underwear bomber trial: Will it shed light on American cleric killed in Yemen?

The trial of accused underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is set to begin Tuesday. Will testimony support Obama's contention that slain cleric Anwar al-Awlaki 'directed' the failed plot?
Global News Blog
Good Reads: the Anwar al-Awlaki effect, Amanda Knox verdict, and Israel's offer

Foreign Policy magazine questions how much safer the world is without Al Qaeda propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki; the press awaits the Amanda Knox verdict; and Israel offers peace talks, again.
Anwar al-Awlaki: Is killing US-born terror suspects legal?

Civil libertarians and some constitutional scholars say the targeted assassination of US citizens like Anwar al-Awlaki – even in war time – cannot be justified. The Obama administration says it's a matter of necessary self defense against terrorist attacks.