Topic: Combating Terrorism Center

Osama bin Laden papers cast his successor as a pompous know-it-all

US military officials released the seized documents this week in a clear attempt to sow discord among Al Qaeda leaders. Ayman al-Zawahiri is the current Al Qaeda honcho.

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.

Bin Laden documents diss Joe Biden. Did he get 'The Onion' in Abbottabad? (+video)

According to declassified Osama bin Laden documents found at his Pakistan compound, Al Qaeda's late leader called Joe Biden 'totally unprepared' for the presidency, and left him off a hit list.

Mistaken identity? Top Al Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel probably not arrested in Cairo.

So far, reports of the arrest of Al Qaeda's Saif al-Adel, once the group's top military planners, in Cairo don't appear to be correct.

Yemen Al-Qaida chiefs still menace US: Report

Yemen Al-Qaida: A year in the making and written before Friday's drone strike that killed al-Awlaki and fellow U.S.-born propagandist Samir Khan, the report also suggests that its leaders' strength is key to the group's end.

Qaddafi claims Al Qaeda could overrun Libya. Could it?

While most experts say Qaddafi is grossly exaggerating the influence of Al Qaeda, new questions are being raised about its true scope as Washington debates arming the opposition.

Obama speech on Iraq August 31: The rest of the story on Al Qaeda

Al Qaeda's new online magazine: Is it for real?

Al Qaeda's new online magazine in English reportedly is called Inspire. An attempt at English-language outreach such as this would fit with the evolving nature of Al Qaeda’s use of the Internet.

Times Square bomb: Did Pakistan Taliban send its 'C' team?

If Faisal Shahzad, the suspect in the Times Square bomb case, trained with the Pakistan Taliban, as US officials say, why was his bomb so poorly built?

German terror trial convicts four for plotting attacks on US targets

A German terror trial that convicted four Muslims of planning an attack on US targets inside Germany shows the country is taking terrorism more seriously.

Can the US exploit divide between Taliban and Al Qaeda?

New details have emerged about the tense relationship between Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda, and Mullah Omar, the head of the Taliban, in the days before 9/11. In Afghanistan, the US aims to exploit that divide.

Is Al Qaeda’s new terrorist strategy making the US less secure?

Obama outlined his tougher security measures in the wake of the Christmas Day bombing attempt. But terrorist-related incidents in recent months raise questions about their adequacy.

US and Iraq try to contain Iran weapons smuggling

The US military steps up efforts to stop Iran from using the marshes of southern Iraq to smuggle weapons.

Algeria hosts regional summit amid rise in terrorism

The conference focuses on the trans-Sahel, a desert area spanning four N. African countries where Al Qaeda operatives are believed to be training.

Ten countries on the brink of failure

Somalia, still No. 1, proved so lawless that even Al Qaeda complained.

Jihadi dispute points to deeper radicalism among youths

A leading jihadi theologian – and adviser to the late leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq – is under fire for ‘moderating’ his views.

US considers broadening drone airstrikes in Pakistan

Obama urged to expand attacks beyond tribal areas to territory controlled by the Pakistani government.

At Iraqi border outpost, signs of improving ties with Iran

As US forces pull back, Iran is expected to widen its influence in Iraq, despite the two countries' history of war and mistrust.

US forces kill senior Al Qaeda in Iraq leader

Hajji Hammadi, a senior member of Al Qaeda in Iraq, was believed by US military officials to have been responsible for the abduction and murder of US Army Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin in 2004.

US crossing more borders in terror war?

The alleged incursions into Syria, and previously into Pakistan, could be risky.

Jihadis shift attention to war in Afghanistan

Afghan and NATO officials are seeing a rise in numbers of foreign fighters in Afghanistan at the same time US officials say attacks by Al Qaeda in Iraq have sharply dropped.

New look at foreign fighters in Iraq

An analysis shows that the bulk of them come from countries allied with the US.