|
|
Article: Political Islam in West Africa and the Sahel.
- Article from:
- Military Review
- Article date:
- January 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 U.S. Army CGSC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
SINCE 9/11, defense of the homeland has become a particularly urgent issue for U.S. military planners. Consequently, foreign policy has shifted to address a new array of challenges to U.S. interests. Among the requirements of the new security environment is a deeper understanding of the global network of terrorist organizations inspired by or directly affiliated with Al Qaeda. There are at least three serious threats to U.S. security interests in West Africa and the Sahel. In order of priority, these are--
1. The emergence of radical, Al Qaeda-linked Islamic elements in Nigeria and Niger.
2. The existence of terrorist-financing networks involved in the ...