Publisher's Synopsis
Of the 18,814 deaths caused by terrorists around the world last year, well over half were due to the actions of just four groups: al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, the Nusra Front, and Boko Haram.
Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, the world has struggled to define al-Qaeda, an amorphous, growing, and seemingly inexhaustible organization. Once a relatively organized group based in one country with a defined hierarchy and clear leadership, al-Qaeda has transformed into a transnational phenomenon over the last few decades, with branches and affiliates operating in dozens of countries across the world. Many call al-Qaeda an enemy, while some define it as an ideology, and others analyze it as a network. Of course, a small minority takes it up as their cause and an extension of their religion...
