Interesting presentation and ideas by Chris Fuller about the changing nature of Al Qaeda (AQ) in this Ted Talk titled “How Does The War On Terror End?”. He talks about the different phases of AQ, the characteristics of what he refers to as AQ 3.0 and how the existing conditions in Northern Africa are facilitating that change. He introduces an idea that climate change, which has modified the landscape in Northern Africa, has caused many to migrate further south, creating tension between Muslims and Christians in countries that have corrupt governments and an abundance of weapons – the ideal recruiting ground for radicalization and extremism.
To an extent, his view is not one that I had considered before, so I cant say if I agree with him or not, but it certainly raises questions about some higher-order conditions that are leading to the recruitment of AQ’s next generation. Definitely some food for though on a Friday.