Libya Intervention Consequences

Here's an article on the implications of the Libya intervention to terrorism in the region that is pretty much spot on. Well done, Mr. Al-Tamimi. What's interesting to note is that the US State Department currently considers Boko Haram an insurgent movement rather than a terrorist group. We've seen this progression before. AQ is parasitic organization and latches onto tribal conflicts and insurgencies. This tactic has repeated itself over and over again: al Qaeda’s core found safe haven with the Taliban in Afghanistan while we watched from the sidelines until 9-11; al Shabaab's leadership in Somalia is indistinct from AQ East Africa; the Southern Secessionist movement and AQAP fight together in Yemen; AQ in the Islamic Maghreb exploits the Tauregs; and now apparently AQ has found partners in the Libyan revolution and Boko Haram. Rather than binary decisions that lock down foreign policy options, a more liberal interpretation between the two definitions (terrorism v. insurgent) is required. Unfortunately, our policy always tend to lag reality.

The opinions and views expressed in this post are those of the author alone and are presented in his personal capacity. They do not necessarily represent the views of U.S. Department of Defense, the US Navy, or any other agency.