Introduction
Terrorism has emerged as the most important problem facing the global community in the 21st century.
Arguably the most notorious Terrorism Group is Al-Qaeda
This terror network was headed by the slain terrorist, Osama Bin Laden.
Under his leadership, Al-Qaeda carried out many devastating attacks in different countries.
However, it can be stated that the Al-Qaeda’s jihad against the US has failed due to retaliatory action by the government forces.
Significant Attacks by Al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda has carried out attacks against foreign US installations in East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
However, the worst attack was on US soil on September 11, 2001.
This action necessitated intensive military action by the US and her allies to flush out the terrorists from their haven in Afghanistan.
This US led invasion led to Al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan being effectively dismantled.
Justifications given by Al-Qaeda Terrorists
Al-Qaeda has relied on extremist Islamic ideologies to justify their attacks on Western nations (James & Lombardi, 2010).
A common accusation made against the US is that is has desecrated holy Islamic Territories.
With this justifications, the terrorist group has killed innocent civilians all over the world.
The group has received support from extremist Islamic groups mostly from the Middle East.
Decline in Al-Qaeda Influence
Al-Qaeda has been experiencing a decline in its ideological influence over the past decade.
In spite of its efforts to win the hearts and minds of Muslims, the growing group of Moderate Muslims who are tolerant to other religions is undermining this efforts.
This ideological shift was reduced the ability of the group to plan and execute attacks on US soil.
The turning point in Al-Qaeda influence can be said to be the 9/11 attacks.
This attacks caused many Muslims to perceive that Al-Qaeda is making the world a more dangerous place to live in.
Many countries in the Middle East started to renounce extremist Islamic ideology.
The Bush administration also contributed to Al-Qaeda’s declining influence.
The administration strengthened ties with civil society bodies in Islamic countries to foster good relations between the West and Islamic societies (James & Lombardi, 2010).
This public relations efforts have helped to change the negative perception which many Islamic countries had concerning the US.
The environment of openness and tolerance cultivated by the US has made many Muslims revoke the jihadist ideologies perpetrated by Al-Qaeda.
Because of the good relationship between the US and Islamic countries, terrorist groups no longer have popular support (James & Lombardi, 2010).
The Muslim population has become very active in clamping down on terrorist networks.
Governments in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are no longer lenient on terrorist groups since they have realized the danger their citizens are exposed to by the terrorist acts.
The Iraq war has also contributed to the decline in Al-Qaeda’s ideological influence (Rausnitz, 2010).
Traditionally, Al-Qaeda supported Sunni Muslims in their sectarian way against the Shia Muslims.
Following Saddam Hussein’s overthrow, Al-Qaeda has carried out many attacks both on civilian and military targets.
This violence has decreased the group’s support.
Enlightened Iraqis have acknowledged the dangers of extremists Islamic Jihad.
Al-Qaeda is therefore unable to influence Muslims on the scale it did in past years since many now exercise religious tolerance.
Conclusion
More Muslims are refusing to be misguided by the religious intolerance preached by the Al-Qaeda terrorist network.
Nations with Muslim majorities have noted that the terrorist group is a danger to their own existence (Shields, 2012).
Al-Qaeda’s power is therefore greatly diminished in many Islamic societies.
Without the moral and physical support, the group is becoming a weaker terror outfit.
Al-Qaeda and its Jihad against the US has therefore been defeated.
References
James, H., & Lombardi, M.O. (2010). Taking sides: Clashing views on global issues (6th ed.). Guilford, Connecticut: McGraw Hill.
Rausnitz, Z. (2012). Bergen: Al Qaeda has been defeated. Fierce Homeland Security. Web.
Shields, N.E. (2012). Unrest in the Middle East: Potential implications for international terrorism and counterterrorism policy. Global Security Studies, 3 (2), 13-22.